Usually, when you buy a winter coat, you want one that will keep you warm and dry.
However, since there's a good chance you'll be wearing the same coat for several months-if not several years-it's important to look for style, not just quality, when choosing a coat.
When you look for a plus-size winter coat, while you want it to keep you warm when the thermometer drops below zero, you don't want to look frumpy and unkempt with the coat you choose.
While many women who shop for plus-size winter coats merely try to find one to hide their bodies, if you choose the right coat, you'll appear stylish and make a great first impression.
After all, your winter coat is the first thing people will see you wearing.
You need to make a good impression.
First, try to find a longer coat that fits well.
The length of the coat will give you a slimmer appearance and is a great choice to wear to your office, around town, and when you're out for the evening.
If you do choose a shorter coat, find one that has a slimming cut, as opposed to a lot of bulk, which will just make you look larger than you are.
Also, when shopping for plus-size winter coats, make sure you understand what looks best on your shape.
If you're larger on top, then a double-breasted coat would be a good choice, since it is a slimming cut and draws attention away from your bustline.
On the other hand, if you have a larger waist, you might want to try a single-breasted coat as it will appear to make your waist slimmer.
Of course, if you have larger hips, then you might try a shawl coat with a large collar, which will serve to make you look more balanced.
When you're trying on plus-size winter coats, there are a couple of things you need to pay attention to.
First, when you try on a coat, make sure you're wearing a sweater or a top that you will normally wear in the winter months.
You want to make sure that whatever coat you buy fits over your outfit.
If the coat is too small to fit over your clothes, the buttons or zipper will look pulled, and you will look bigger than you really are.
You should also make sure that when you try on the coat, try sitting down, bending over, and walking around in it, to see if it's too tight to do these things comfortably.
A good-fitting plus-size winter coat should not be tight across your bust, through your arms, or over your back.
If a coat is too tight for you, you'll look like you're trying to stuff yourself into something that is too small for you, which will highlight your problem areas instead of making you look thinner.
Then, make sure the sleeves of the coat fit you.
Your sleeves should go just past your wrists.
If they are any shorter, it will appear that the coat is too small for you, which will also make you look larger than you are.