How To Choose A Coat Dress

Hi, I'm Zoe Lem, stylist and owner of My Sugarland, and today I'm going to give you some insider's tips on how to do fashion. I'm now going to show you how to choose a coat dress. So, obviously you don't want it to be too heavy because you can wear this inside as well.

You want it nipped in. You want to go for a nipped-in style coat. This is a 1940's style vintage coat dress, with slightly thicker fabric.

It has wool, so great for winter, but you can still layer up over the top, nipped in at the waist, high-waisted or on the waist, most women's smallest bit. So, if it hasn't got a natural nip in, put a belt on with it. The pleats over this in the A-line are really flattering.

The V-neck and the buttons here are what make this very flattering. You don't want too much detail over the bust. This is higher, so if you have got a bigger bust it is going to be flattering still.

This mandarin collar is really flattering. It really scoops through the neck and can make your neck look longer. A 3/4 length sleeve is great.

So it has the elements of a coat, but it is softer and more lightweight and can be great as a dress. This length is a little bit longer on this one - it's more kind of mad men style, which is very on trend - below the knee. But you need to be careful, especially on your smallest bit.

If you're very thick through the calves don't go for this length. Go just a little bit higher and just above the knee. That's how to judge the best length for you in skirt, generally, where your leg nips in.

The same with the arm, you want to go to your smallest bits, so just below or just above the elbow, where you nip back in are the most flattering parts. You can add a belt to it, you can really shape it up, but the most important thing, nipped in at your smallest bits, work it with your shape, keep the balance and go for a great colour. The yellow can be difficult, but make it work for you or pick a colour that works that brings out your eyes.

And that's how we pick a coat dress. .