Shopping for a new coat can be a tricky task, and finding the best winter coats for petites can be even harder. A heavy cover-up can be a pricey investment so you want to make sure you find the perfect fit that won't swamp your shorter frame.
Although it may take a little more consideration, finding the best winter coats for you doesn’t need to be too troublesome with expert tips from our 5ft Fashion Director, Paula Moore. She's had plenty of experience shopping for the most flattering pieces on shorter women, and explains, “Petite ranges are for those 5ft 3in or shorter and are about height, not dress size.”
If you fit into this height category, you probably find that some of the coats from the regular collections at the best British clothing brands are too long or sit with comically long sleeves, to leave you overwhelmed in fabric. Thankfully there are plenty of silhouettes, designs and lengths to boost your winter capsule wardrobe and flatter a petite frame.
Best winter coats for petites - the rules to follow
1. Go for structured styles
"I always go for a structured style so it doesn't overwhelm my frame," says Paula. "Anything too boxy, shapeless, or heavy-weight faux fur is a no-no." The best parkas are a good bet for wet weather as they often come with a drawstring waist that can help to add shape to the baggier silhouette.
Look for coats with waist ties or belts, a cinched waist shape, or double-breasting that can create a more hourglass illusion. As Paula notes, you will also want to pay attention to the fabric of your petite winter coat. Although heavy fabrics can feel luxurious, they often add bulk that can swamp petites.
RRP: £119 | This pretty pastel number is simple in design but will cinch you in at the waist and create a fashion-forward silhouette with the soft sash at the middle. Its made from super warm and soft wool, and will sit just on the hips for most petite frames.
RRP: £329 | This classic camel coloured cover-up is a total fashion fail safe and will work nicely in any autumn capsule wardrobe for years to come. The coat is available in regular and petite and the structured cut will add a polished feel to your outfit.
RRP: £95 | The cropped length and double breasted fastening on this one make it brilliantly flattering and easy to throw over most outfits with ease. Its available in this chic navy tone as well as red and khaki green.
2. Avoid full length coats
"Full-length doesn't work for my height either, so go for styles that stop above the knee - or jackets in main collections," explains Paula. This is a rule that is also worth following when shopping for things like the best wedding guest dresses - short and midi fits are much better than maxi.
Since a lot of brands don't offer a petite range, you will want to pay attention to measurements to ensure that the midi style you invest in doesn't end up being too long for you as a petite. If you stick to jackets and above-knee coats, you won't have to be as careful about how you style your outerwear as these styles won't cut off your height in an awkward place.
RRP: £810 | This soft wool-blend coat has been a big hit with the style elite, and is a sure fire way to update your winter attire. It comes with a scarf attached to save adding extra accessories when you're heading out the door.
RRP: £550 | This thigh-length coat is fitted and structured at the top, and then has a gentle A-line shape at the bottom which will accentuate curves or create them on straighter frames.
RRP: £85 | This shorter length wool-blend coat will look smart when the shiny gold buttons are done up, but will have a more casual vibe when undone and slung over a striped tee and your barrel leg jeans.
3. Less is more
"Less is more when it comes to petite dressing as anything too fussy can be overwhelming," says Paula. "Classic shapes and designs can give a more streamlined silhouette, which in turn makes you look taller." Fans of a minimalist wardrobe are likely already following this rule, but for those who are drawn to vivid patterns like this season's leopard print trend, it may be time to rethink.
But this doesn't mean you have to avoid statement patterns altogether. You will just want to incorporate them into other aspects of your outfit, like through one of the best designer bags. Stick to classic fits and neutral hues if creating the illusion of extra height is your goal.
RRP: £210 | The bold oversized stitching on the trim of this shorter length coat, gives the otherwise simple design a chic spin. The rich brown hue has a seventies feel and will add a boho vibe to your ensemble.
RRP: £29.99 | This clean and pared-back cover-up has a straighter shape and will sit at the knee. The muted grey colour is totally timeless and you can wear it over any combo right now and for winters to come. Check out our best winter accessories guide for added cosiness.
RRP: £135 | The wonderfully soft feel of this acrylic and wool mix fabric makes it feel like a cosy cardigan to wear, but it is heavy enough to wear outdoors on even the chilliest of days. The wrap front and funnel neck give it a modern feel.
4. Have a tailor on speed dial
"My arms and legs are shorter than 'average', so petite ranges and having a tailor on speed dial ensure that my clothes fit me perfectly," says Paula. Of course, petite ranges are the first and best place to shop, as they are designed for shorter frames and they mean that you get the perfect fit on items like the best trench coats without the need for any alterations or inconvenient returns.
However, if you want to shop for the best M&S coats or you're browsing the John Lewis sale and fall in love with a style that isn't specifically petite, having a great tailor on hand means that you can purchase pieces you love and alter them to fit your frame flawlessly - a must for all petites.
RRP: £329 | Burgundy shades have been big news this winter, and this deep berry-hued coat is the perfect way to show off the trend. It'll sit just below the knees and the belted waist will add definition to your silhouette.
RRP: £50 | Fuzzy borg fabrics will feel like a cuddle in coat form, while adding a little fun to your day to day wardrobe. This charcoal toned piece will look great over patterned checked trousers and a wool jumper.
RRP: £75 | The rich green colour of this wrap front coat makes it a winner for wearing over your Christmas party outfits, and then it'll sit just as well within your spring capsule wardrobe in a few weeks time.
5. The best brands for petite coats
Want to save yourself time and go directly to stores that have plenty of coat options to suit your height? These days, loads of the best high street stores have dedicated petite ranges that are all cut and designed to sit well for those measuring 5"3 and below. I am 5"2 and often head to the petite collections first to find hero pieces - I love stores like ASOS and Karen Millen for stylish buys, and i've rounded up some other winning destinations for shorter-than-your-average shoppers.
RRP: £279 | The Petite collection at Karen Millen covers sizes 6-16, and is filled with classics as well as fashion-forward cover-ups to suit any style. This pastel blue pea coat is one of the best and will work well over bold prints.
RRP: £99 | While its best to avoid chunky fabrics all over, fluffy trims like this statement collar will add some oomph to your coat. River Island's petite range covers size 4-16 and is filled with fun and modern styles.
RRP: £70 | This faux wool coat is still super warm and the neutral tone will work with absolutely everything in your wardrobe. The petite collection at ASOS is impressive and covers all kinds of clothing and a wide range of brands in sizes 4-18.
RRP: £319 | The petite options at Hobbs is impressive, and covers everything from fitted blazers and trench coats to puffa jackets and faux-fur cover ups. The overall petite collection is vast and the size range covers 6-22.
RRP: £79 | Don't worry if you can't afford to splash out on a Burberry trench as there's plenty of stylish iterations available like this hero coat. You can always trust the quality at M&S, and as well as catering for shorter frames, the size range also covers 6-28.
RRP: £130 | John Lewis has plenty of petite brands available as well as their own collection. The range covers sizes 4-22, and you'll find a wide range of styles including forever-stylish classics that will work for years to come.
How to choose your coat
There are so many coat options available on the high street, that it can feel a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing. Before you hit the shops, its worth thinking about some key things:
- Your Personal Style: When it comes to investing in your winter coat, i'd say the key thing to consider is finding a piece that you genuinely like, and that will work with your own personal style rather than worrying too much about trends. Look for colours that suit you, as well as details and cuts that you know will work with your current wardrobe, so you'll get plenty of wear out of it.
- Browse Wisely: When buying for petite frames, it's always best to browse from the Petite collections in stores, or look for cropped and shorter lengths from the regular ranges. Petite designs will be designed to fit shorter women, so you'll find that the sleeves and hems sit where you want them to.
- Think About Fabrics: If you want your coat to see you through the deepest and darkest months of Winter, opt for thicker, heavier and wool-rich fabrics that will keep you toastie. Lightweight fabrics on trench coats and blazers can still work, but you'll need to think about layering them up over jumpers and cardigans to keep them practical.
- Look for Classics: Bold prints and modern shapes are great for making a statement, but they can date quite quickly and will be harder to match with everything in your wardrobe. Opting for classic cuts and neutral tones like camel, grey and black will mean you can wear your coat with endless outfits, and can keep rewearing for years to come.
- Consider the Size: Whether you're petite or not, sometimes its worth sizing up in your winter coat, as you'll want to be able to wear it over everything, including heavier cold-weather layers, chunky knits and oversized sweatshirts. If a coat has more structure and a snug fit, try a bigger size and see if its more comfortable to move around in.
FAQs
What is the perfect coat length for petites?
"There are so many different coat lengths that can work perfectly on petite frames," explains Jazz Harris, petite journalist and stylist. "For a relaxed style, a cropped puffer coat will make the ideal everyday coat and the short length will ensure it doesn’t swamp your shape. If you’re opting for a tailored style, both knee length and maxi lengths can work great on petite frames depending on the occasion," she says.
However, "don’t be afraid to try different styles and see what works for you rather than sticking to hard and fast rules." Although shorter lengths tend to be most flattering on petites, there are plenty of styling hacks, like cinching the waist or dressing up your look with heels, that can help any coat look good on petites.
Can petites wear long coats?
"Yes, definitely," says Jazz. "Long coats not only look great on petite frames, but they also create an optical illusion that can make you look taller too." However, "if you’re petite, opt for a long coat that finishes at the calf or ankle in a tailored cut to streamline and elongate your figure." Floor-skimming styles should generally be avoided if you want to ensure you don't end up looking shorter.
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