Jackets should be both fun and functional. Learn how to choose the best jacket styles for your petite plus body type!
I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it, the best way to complete an outfit is to put on a jacket. But not just any jacket will do, especially when you’re petite plus!
Pairing a jacket with your outfit is not about hiding away your body, just to be clear. Jackets are functional and sometimes an essential component of an outfit, depending on the season.
Now you may be thinking, what kind of jackets should you wear when petite and plus size? Don’t worry babe, in this article, I’ll be breaking it all down.
I’ll cover the Best Jacket Styles for Petite Plus Size:
- Cropped Moto Jacket
- Belted Midi-length Trench Coat
- Blazer with Longer Lapels
- Quilted or Puffer Jacket
I’ll also give you evergreen fashion advice to remember when choosing your next jacket. As well as, a guide on how to style jackets with your outfits when petite and plus size.
This article is dedicated to the best jacket styles for petite plus-size women.
Best Jacket Styles for Petite Plus Size
Cropped Moto Jacket
One of my favorite jacket styles is the classic motorcycle jacket.
They come in a range of fabrics and silhouettes, but I’ve always enjoyed the simplicity of a black (vegan) leather moto jacket.
When choosing a moto jacket though, you need to look for cropped fits where the hem will hit you right at your waist or just a few inches below it.
You don’t want a super cropped cut though.
Does anyone remember the bolero cardigans and jackets of the 2000s?
Yea, if you have a larger bust and waist, a super cropped style is not going to be the most flattering on you. I can tell you from experience!
Midi-Length Trench Coat
Next up on the list is a staple of every modern woman, the trench coat.
Most trench coats are longer and that can be a problem when you are petite and plus-size.
So instead, look for a trench coat with a hem length that falls at your knee level or just a few inches below it.
If you want to go for a longer trench coat look, choose a coat with a narrow belt to accentuate your waist.
This way you can add some definition to your overall look and not look like you’re being eaten alive by your coat.
You want to wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you!
You might also like: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Skirt Styles for Petite Plus Size
Blazer with Longer Lapels
I swear I fell in love with blazers at thirteen years old.
No lie, I was walking around in the eighth grade in a blazer, wide-leg trousers, and kitten heels!
I laugh thinking about it now but it made me feel powerful during a time when I felt like everything was out of my control.
That’s when my love for style and its transformative powers really began.
Now, when you are looking for a new blazer to add to your wardrobe, try to find a style with longer lapels and minimal details.
The longer lapels will visually lengthen your overall look and choosing minimal details will make sure that the blazer itself is the star of the show.
Quilted or Puffer Jacket
I used to think that puffer jackets and coats were out of the realm of what I could wear because I was short and thicker than a snicker.
It also probably has a lot to do with the traumatic experience I had growing up where I was forced to wear a hand-me-down, large silver puffer coat.
I legit looked like a cross between the Michelin man and an astronaut.
Or if you’ve seen A Christmas Story, I looked like Ralphie’s little brother in his snowsuit–ok maybe not that bad, but truly just as comical.
Now that I am a self-proclaimed style guide on the internet, I’m here to let you know that you can enjoy a puffer jacket or quilted jacket.
All you need to do is choose one with a simple straight silhouette and make sure that the puff isn’t too exaggerated.
A longer length for this one will actually work in your favor as well. So feel free to go full maxi-length with your next puffer coat!
I imagine myself in a maxi-length quilted coat with a little waist cinch, I think that look would finally heal the wounds of that original silver marshmallow coat.
One day friends, one day.
What Kind of Jackets Should Short Girls Wear?
If you’re petite and plus size, there are a few fashion rules that will always be true when it comes to layering pieces like jackets:
- Cropped is better, especially for motorcycle and windbreaker jackets.
- Choose a style that will define your waist in some way. This can be with a belt, darts, drawstring, or back pleat.
- If you choose a longer jacket (passed your natural waist) pair it with a shorter dress or skirt. This will create a flattering proportion. If it’s too cold for a dress or skirt, match your bottoms to your top, this will help to give the illusion of a longer body.
- Vertical details will help elongate you, just like the tip above with the color matching for your top and bottoms. Vertical lines and details will work in the same way.
- When choosing texture, like faux fur, choose simple silhouettes that hit right at your natural waist or are longer, midi to maxi length. This is similar to the style advice earlier about the puffer jacket.
- If you choose a pattern, a simpler and smaller scale is better. Don’t go for oversized prints as they will overwhelm your frame and camouflage your shape.
Lastly, a-line cuts are your friend because they will slightly define your waist and flare out at the hemline.
This is a good silhouette for most jackets and coats when you are petite plus size because you will be able to layer more clothes while still giving some definition to your waistline.
How to Style Jackets When Petite and Plus Size
If the weather calls for it, make sure to strike a balance when layering on a jacket to your outfit.
Cropped styles are going to go best with a higher-waisted bottom. This is especially true if your tummy is an area you don’t want to shine a bright light on.
When you pair a cropped jacket with a higher waist bottom, your natural waist is highlighted.
If you have a longer jacket, pair that with slimmer-fitting pants or a shorter hemline for your dress or skirt.
This will help elongate the leg line.
Texture and pattern are fun fashion trends to play with but make sure you choose designs that won’t overwhelm your smaller frame.
Related: What is Petite Plus Size? (+ Easy Style Tips)
For patterns choose something scaled down or go for vertical stripes.
For textures, opt for things like corduroy, a lower pile velvet or faux fur, and quilted jackets that aren’t overly ‘stuffed’.
These tricks will give you that fashion moment you want, without hiding your shape.
Remember, Jackets are for Function, Not for Hiding your Shape
Jackets are one of my favorite layering pieces and I always look forward to the colder months when I can pull out my goto styles.
But, often times curvier women feel like they need to add a jacket to hide parts of their bodies they may not like as much. Please don’t do this! The opposite effect will happen.
Jackets can help highlight your natural waist and elongate your leg or make your torso look longer when you follow the tips I laid out above.
Adding a jacket onto any and every look in an attempt to hide your body will do just that. Hide you and give off a frumpy vibe, and that’s not what we want.
So, remember to think of jackets as another fun element of your outfit and not a blanket to hide behind.
Style is about highlighting and shining a light on who you are and this is not exclusive to a certain type or dress size.
You can love the way you look in every outfit you put together when you follow the style guidance I share here with you.
So, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and never miss new articles being posted each week!
This is your guide to choosing the best jacket styles for petite plus-size women.
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