The Best Coats To Suit A Petite Frame

Looking for the perfect winter coat that won't swamp your petite frame? These buys are the perfect styles for your shape...

Ready to embrace the cooler weather and pick up a gorgeous new coat? The shops are brimming with gorgeous designs this season - from comfy capes to cosy faux fur and belted beauties. There's just one problem: the styles are often made to suit models - in other words, women who are 5'7" and over.

If the gorgeous designs that you fall in love with at first sight swamp your frame as soon as you try them on, you're not alone. The average height for women in the UK in 5'3" - in other words, officially petite. It's no wonder you're struggling to find the perfect petite coats to match!

Petite frames always need to be careful when picking a new winter coat. It’s easy to think that because somebody is shorter in height, that they don’t struggle when trying to buy new clothes. The one main thing that a petite person always needs to watch out for is to not look overpowered by too much fabric, a nightmare for when you need a new warming winter coat.

Well that’s where we step in. We know the styles that suit every shape, so you can find a whole host of gorgeous petite coats to choose from. Start with understanding your body shape. Do you have a long body? In that case, you'll be able to get away with a longer-length design. Legs that go up to your armpits? Show them off with a cropped jacket!

Once you've found the style that suits, it's all about having fun and choosing a gorgeous design. We've rounded up some of the best available on the high street right now. Click through to see our edit. You'll never be stuck for petite coats again...

Petite coats: Keep it classic

Without a doubt, the trench coat is a key wardrobe staple that you can guarantee will never go out of fashion. Make sure the fabric doesn’t overpower your frame by opting for a lighter shade. Other style tips include rolling up those sleeves and adding a thick wooly scarf to create more dimensions. French Connection, £165

Petite coats: You CAN wear a cape!

The best thing about having a petite frame is that you can carry off cropped style jackets. Capes have made a big come back this season, so give it a cute spin with this cropped one from Ted Baker. With its shimmering jewels it’s perfect to pop over a party dress, or even dress down by teaming with a jeans and cosy cashmere jumper. Ted Baker, £199

Petite coats: Try stand-out detailing to draw the eyes up

Give your everyday coat that extra oomph and step away from black with this navy faux fur collar coat from Miss Selfridge. The structured silhouette with a pinched in waist means the heavy fabric won’t drown a petite frame, plus the luxe faux fur collar adds that touch of glamour. Better hurry though as its in sale. Miss Selfridge Petite, £55.20

Petite coats: Never underestimate the classic biker!

Not only can petite women carry off a cropped style, but you can also wear a jacket as bold as you want. Why not give the classic biker a bit of an edge and opt for a brighter blue hue that will see you through the seasons? Wear with ripped up jeans and trainers for days or pop over a metallic frock and boot heels for the evening Reiss, £525

Petite coats: Stand out with brights

Dare to be the centre of attention in this devil red wool coat from Marks and Spencer. Keep it brilliantly belted with an on-trend turtleneck popping through the collar or wear it look with some skinny jeans and a patterned scarf. Marks and Spencer Petite, £89

Petite coats: Go sleeveless!

A must-have piece of the season is a faux fur gilet. Embrace the thriving seventies trend and wear with a boho blouse, flared jeans and high-as-can-be platform heels. Best advice for petites and gilets; always get one that finishes on your waist, otherwise they can cut off your legs and make them look short. Mint Velvet, £199

Petite coats: Have fun with faux fur

Faux fur has made a big splash this autumn/winter, and it seems the brighter the better. If you’re not a big fan an eccentric faux fur, then take the subtle approach with this coat from Uterque. An amazing investment piece, this cosy coat will last you for seasons to come. Uterque, £725

Petite coats: Go brave in a daring print

Pulling off a print comes easy for petites; get your purrfect pairing with this leopard print wonder from Mango. Keep it as the statement piece of your outfit and wear with chic black peg pants, turtleneck and pointed courts, to give off the illusion of never ending legs. Mango, £89.99

Petite coats: Go double-breasted - sometimes!

Double-breasted jackets can always be tricky for a petite. The straight down structured shape means that it can make petite ladies look wider, which nobody ever wants. If you do go double breasted make sure that it finished above your waist. For your every day, leave unbuttoned, pop up that collar and layer under a silky patterned scarf. Jigsaw, £198