Filed under: Curvy Girl's Guide
Spring is here (...well, almost)! Which means it's time to prepare for lighter outerwear. Nothing is more appropriate, or more classic, than a trench coat. It can be worn anywhere, from the grocery store to the ballet. Plus, curvy girls can truly capitalize on this coat's silhouette.
An A-line shape below the belt and a cinched waist makes the trench the perfect way to accentuate a womanly shape. However, a poor fit can leave ladies with ample bosom or a bountiful backside out in the cold. So, to make sure you are well-equipped to do your spring shopping, we've taken to the Net to search out the best trench options for the curvy girl. And, of course, we've added some tips to help you find just the right fit.
1. Don't skimp on the fabric. A close fit can be flattering, but don't purchase a coat that is too small. A trench that gapes at the bust or whose front panels only meet at the waist is a no-no. However, a baggy fit isn't any better. The right coat will fully cover the bust and the bum when it's fastened, but will not be slack at the waist -- even if the belt is untied.
2. Look for single-breasted styles if you're busty. Most classic trenches are double-breasted, but know that they can add unflattering volume to women with large cup sizes. Enter the trench with a single row of buttons. It gives top-heavy curvy girls the timeless look without the spare material.
3. If your waist is not as tiny as you'd like, look for styles that offer pleating below the belt. The flare at the bottom of the coat will give the illusion of a smaller middle.
Laundry by Shelli Segal Belted Pleated Trench Coat, $168, bloomingdales.com
4. Don't limit yourself to cotton. While khaki cotton trenches are the most classic, there are beautiful versions that come in everything from wool gabardine to leather.
Spiegel Leather Trench Coat, $299, Spiegel.com
5. Consider length. There is no right length for a trench, although taller women may want to opt for coats that fall below the knee, as to not truncate themselves. Smaller women should select a style that has a close fit and stops above the knee in order to avoid looking as though they are wading in excess fabric.
Check out how some of our favorite curvy celebs rock trench coats in the gallery below.