From the waist to the knee, the choice of length should not be very complicated... And yet, yes! The short coat has a jacket shape and a thick coat, cut above the hips. The mid-length coat grazes the hips or covers them, sometimes up to mid-thigh. The three-quarter length coat, on the other hand, encompasses knee and mid-calf lengths. As for the long coat, it floats from the calves to the ankles, when it does not brush, exceptionally, the heels!
To choose a coat suited to your morphology, the principle is simple:short for the little ones, mid-length for the round ones, long for the tall ones! A length above the hips, or even at the waist, is perfect for skinny or androgynous silhouettes, slim waists and flat bellies. Curves are enhanced by a mid-thigh length or just above the knee, preferably with a belted coat. Round and small? Prefer the mid-thigh, with a coat just long enough to cover the buttocks. Round and tall? Choose a knee length… but always belted like a bathrobe. Slender silhouettes, on the other hand, can wear and afford everything, from the shortest coat to the longest overcoat.
If the coat is a utilitarian winter piece, it can become a centerpiece of the look. And on every occasion! Are you looking for a sporty, casual coat for weekend walks and shopping? Bet on the short coat, jacket style, down jacket option for very cold weather. A wedding, a formal evening, a chic dinner? The dressy coat prefers ankle or calf lengths, flowing elegantly over pretty shoes. Unless you opt for a mid-length fur or faux fur coat, to match a sober outfit.
To each coat its style, to each style its coat. The long oversized wool coat, like a masculine overcoat, goes perfectly with boyfriend jeans with a small sweater and trainers, or with cigarette pants with a shirt and derbies. If you are looking to complete a little dress, prefer a feminine and fitted coat, mid-length or three-quarter length. For an everyday look, jeans and top, opt for the mid-length coat, which adapts to all desires. A walk in the countryside? Avoid at all costs the long coat which hinders the gait... or too short which does not keep you warm enough!
We too often forget that the primary function of the coat is to keep warm. Better to think about it for a cold and icy winter! If temperatures dip in your area, skip short coats, which barely cover the buttocks and leave the belly prone to drafts. Avoid long coats in snowy regions, which drag and hamper walking... The comfortable, warm and insulating winter coat is thigh- or knee-length, as practical as it is elegant.
