How To Wear A Long Coat When You're Short

Those of us who are vertically challenged may think we're limited to bomber jackets and coats that fall at the hips for outerwear, but long coats are within the realm of possibility if you know how to wear them correctly. Give these tips a try if you want to rock a long coat on a shorter frame.

1. Make sure if fits you correctly.

A long, over-sized coat looks great on a tall frame, but smaller frames need something tailored correctly so that they don't look overwhelmed by fabric. Aside from the correct fit, a jacket with a belt is another way to add some shape to a long coat so it doesn't feel boxy.

2. Add bulk at the top.

To draw the eye upward, make sure the shoulders of the coat are well-defined and not sloped. While shoulder pads went out of style in the 1980s, a peak shoulder is definitely in style and will give you the distraction at the top that's needed to draw the eye upward.

3. The small details matter.

Little things like the shape of the lapel or the design at the cuffs will turn the attention away from the length of the coat. Opt for a v-shaped lapel that will give you a nice shape at the top so all the focus will be there instead of near your feet.

4. Wear the right shoes and pants.

Baggy pants worn with a long coat doesn't look right because there's no shape or definition. Instead, choose straight-leg or skinny pants that offer some contrast between them and the long coat. To give yourself a little boost, wear shoes with a bit of a heel- the taller the heel, the better.

5. Less bulk is better.

A long coat already adds a lot of extra bulk to a small frame, so adding extra layers underneath will make it even more noticeable. Stick with a coat made from a fabric heavy enough to keep you warm- like wool- then wear thinner layers underneath. It will still keep you warm without looking disproportionate.

You'll find several great long coats on our website that are perfect for fall and spring. If you're someone who has a smaller frame, these tips will ensure you'll still look amazing in a long coat. Add one to your wardrobe to stay warm and cozy this season.