Best coats for Body type A

Let´s remember first the ideal for Body type As:

To widen the appearance of her upper body, balancing it with her lower body.

Other names for Body type As are: inverted triangle, pear shape, or A shape. 

How to achieve it?

• Creating an A-line.
• Focusing attention on her upper body, choosing a cut with a fitted torso, where all the details will be concentrated: wide lapels, double breasted styles...
• Creating the widest posible line for her shoulders, either through cut or pattern (within reason, of course). Consider adding a dolman shoulder pad to the coat. A tailor can sew one into the lining or attach it with a couple of stiches to a seam if the coat is unlined.

Consider your height and weight before choosing:

1. The length of the coat: coats worn at knee-length are universally flattering (it is OK to show part of the skirt or dress underneath), mid-calf options are easier on taller people.
2. A single- or double-breasted option: single-breasted coats are universally flattering, but double rows of buttons can be flattering if you have a slim torso and a B or smaller cup, because they can contribute to create vertical lines that are lengthening. That, however, depends on how much the buttons stand out from the fabric (medium size fabric covered buttons will not stand out in the same way big brass military-inspired buttons will do, for instance).

With that in mind... What are Body type A's best coats?

A-line. An A-line shape that starts below the arms, flaring slightly to accomodate wider hips is always the best option for Body type As.

Best coats for Body type A: A-line by Caroline Grant. I have chosen an A-line Hobbs coat in burgundy brown wool that is extremely flattering for Body type As because it has wide, short lapels, and other details that contribute to subtly balance a Body type A's upper and lower body: a series of horizontal seams and a double row of buttons . The cloche hat, the faux fur scarf and the vintage brooch further contribute to keeping the attention concentrated on the upper part of the body. Brown tights matching the leather details in the tweed pumps (always comfortable Söfft shoes) elongate and slim the leg. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Hobbs Corby Coat / Hobbs Chelsea Dress / Radley Stables Handbag / Söfft Vivian Shoes / Hobbs Faux Fur Stole / Hobbs Kitty Hat / Stella & Dot Bianca Tassel Necklace / Czech Filagree Cameo Brooch (vintage) at eBay.co.uk / Revlon Lipstick Matte Rouge in Nude Attitude / Revlon Nail Lacquer in Sheer Nude.

Trench and military style. The detailing that makes for a military coat can be extremely flattering for a woman's figure: a vertical line created by a double row of buttons (although this depends on how far they are placed and how much the stand out from the fabric), wide lapels, epaulettes, storm flaps. When those details are concentrated on the upper part of the body, they are flattering for Body type As.

Best coats for Body type A: Trench/Military Coat by Caroline Grant. This Isabella Oliver trench coat has epaulettes, wide lapels and princess seams (the two panels at the sides of the coat that give the coat the A-line shape: notice that the central panel is straight, the lateral ones flare from high waist), perfect for a Body type A. The velvet tunic dress from Hobbs called my attention when it first got out because of the rich, sumptuous but at the same time slightly bohemian vibe it provides. I think a wider belt probably suits the richness and weight of the tunic better that the one provided with it. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Baukjen by Isabella Oliver Romee Coat / Hobbs Unlimited Cloud Flower Velvet Tunic Dress / Burberry Orchard in Check Jacquard Handbag / Söfft Broadway Shoes in Snake Print Cognac / Black Lily Spar Jennifer Silk Scarf in Cinnamon / Kamene Leather Cuff Gold Tiger Eye Bracelet / Iosselliani Tiger Eye's Fringe Earrings / NARS Lipstick in Autumn Leaves/ Revlon Nail Lacquer in Valentine.

Princess. This coat is has lateral pieces that start at some point between the chest and the under arm and then flare, contributing to create an A-line for a garment (dresses can also feature princess seams).

Best coats for Body type A: Princess by Caroline Grant.The slightly puffed shoulders and the asymmetrical neckline are flattering for a Body type As silhouette. The neutral coat is livened up by the golden beret and gloves, plus the mandarine makeup. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Vivienne Westwood Camel High Collar Coat / Jigsaw Tartan Skirt / Alberta Ferretti Metallic Gold Tie Neck Silk Top / Hispanitas Cuero Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boot / Betmar Sequin Beret / Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Gloves / Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Tortoise Link Necklace / Alice Johnson Tiger Eye Ring / Tom Ford Lipstick in Wild Ginger/ Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire.

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This post was first published in "The Red Lipstick. Own Your Style" November 12th 2012. It has been edited and re-posted June 10th 2016.