Outerwear is the piece people see first and the one most often bought a size too big. A coat that fits is worth three that nearly do.
Length
Coats look best ending at the knee or above the hip. The length in between, mid thigh to just below the knee, tends to shorten the leg unless the coat is very slim.
Shoulders first, always
Check the shoulder before anything else. Sleeves and hems are easy and cheap to shorten, shoulders are a rebuild. If the seam sits past your shoulder bone, try the size down even if the body feels snug.
Check the shoulder before anything else.
Room to layer
You should be able to wear a knit underneath and still move your arms forward without the back pulling. Test it in the fitting room with your arms crossed, not standing still.
Belted versus straight
A belt gives you a waist and works well on a trench or a wrap coat. A straight coat gives you a clean line and suits anyone who wears a lot of volume underneath. Both work, mixing them rarely does.
Fabric
Wool blends hold structure through a season. Cotton blends are lighter and crease more, which is part of the charm on a trench. Whatever the fabric, check the lining, a full lining makes a coat easier to pull on over knitwear.
