You're plus size. You're trendy. And you are starting to get cold.

What to do? Up until recently it has been difficult to find fashionable plus size coats and jackets, but manufacturers and designers are starting to realize that not everyone wears a size 6. In fact, 60% of North American women wear a size 14 or above. Which is great news for you if you belong to those 6 of 10 women!

Shopping for plus size coats is like shopping for any other article of clothing. If you know your body type you are half way to your new coat already. Here are my 2009 fall/winter favourites for the typical body types:

Pears, having a larger bottom half and a small upper half, will be looking for coats and jackets with lots of upper styling. Pockets, Epaulettes, and Glitter—the new military look was made for you.  The Plus Size Fashion Diva is loving this leather military inspired jacket, and it is also available in this season's tredy colour forest green!  You can get it at OneStopPlus.com up to size 26W.




Apples, with their larger waists and slim legs need outwear that hides or disguises their thicker middle section. And guess what! The major look of the season are capes in all forms. This is a great style for you, just remember to keep your lower half slim. Stick with straight to skinny pant widths and you will be warm and stylish.   We found this great fleece cape at Roamans.com, available in sizes M - 4X.  You can also get it in plain black, but we love this aztec print.









Inverted Triangles need to draw attention from their broad shoulders by emphasizing their slim hips and legs. Belted wool coats with a wider skirt will add serious curves to your body, and take you from the office to shopping to a night out.  Roamans.com has a gorgeous full-skirted military inspired coat that makes us wish we were inverted triangles, too!







Straight bodied ladies will be looking to hide their mid-sections while keeping their balanced proportions. Stay away from large collared or belted coats. Look for draped, loosely falling materials. The absolute must-have cape looks best on you in an unstructured material, or try a somewhat longer capelet that hits at about hip-bone level.   We found this gorgeous cream plus size coat cape on sale (77% off!) at the Bargain Catalog Outlet, this is one comes in sizes XL-3X.





Hourglass babes can wear pretty much whatever they want! Remember to keep your curves in proportion by not over-emphasizing any one part of your body. If you have lots of detailing on the top, make sure there is detailing around the hip area as well (big pockets, or similar detailing to the top). Anything belted will generally look great on you, but stay away from short, blousey jackets that tend to make you look top-heavy.   This wonderful peacoat from Avenue.com comes in plenty of colors as well as petite and tall plus sizes.  Regular sizes are 14-34W, and the tall and petites run up to size 26 T/P W.

Have fun discovering the fashion diva in yourself with these plus size coats! For further reading have a look at:

• The Plus Size Clothing Nightmare - An online plus size clothing store can pick clothing from many suppliers and designers, and make plus size clothing available at all price ranges. It can offer plus size lingerie, plus size boots, plus size coats and plus size swimwear. ...

• Swing Into Autumn With Style Wearing Plus Size Coats - Women who wear plus size coats and have an ample bosom should also be careful with swing styles as they can appear to give your bust a shelf like appearance if they are not the correct length!