The outfit looked great in the bedroom. Then came the coat. Suddenly the blazer sleeves are halfway up your arms and the sweater that felt soft five minutes ago is bunched up where the coat buttons. That’s the part of winter dressing that never makes it into the outfit photo.
If you carry more fullness through your middle, the pieces worth shopping for are the ones that feel good when you sit down and still slide under the coat you actually wear. A flat stretch waistband can make the difference on a long commute. A fine knit can give you room for another layer without a fight at the elbows. Here are ten ways I’d put those pieces together, from Universal Standard’s ponte pants to a Walmart midi dress with tall boots.
Still figuring out your proportions? Take the Body Shape Quiz, or browse the Body Shape Hub for styling advice by shape. If you already know you’re an apple, our apple-shape outfit guide has more ideas to wear once coat season is over.
1. The fine knit and ponte pants for a meeting across town
Universal Standard’s Savvy sweater is light enough to slip under a coat sleeve, and the Moro pants have a flat stretch waistband. That’s the combination I’d want for a train ride followed by an hour at a conference table. Leave the sweater untucked if that’s where it sits best, and add a straight wool coat and loafers.
UNIVERSAL STANDARD
Savvy Fine Knit Sweater Top
$84
Universal Standard
Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants
$98
2. A half zip and straight jeans for Saturday errands
The SPANX half zip gives you two necklines. Zip it up outside and open it once you’re inside. The Old Navy jeans have medium stretch and a rise that sits near the belly button, so try them seated if that’s where your waistband tends to dig. Finish with a roomy puffer and sneakers.
SPANX AirEssentials®
Half Zip
$128.00
Old Navy
High-Waisted Wow Straight Ankle Jeans
$36.99
3. The Walmart midi dress and tall boots for dinner
Scoop’s mixed-media midi gives you a whole outfit in one piece. With tall flat boots and a long coat, there’s no sweater hem or waistband to rearrange on your way out the door. Try the dress seated before you decide whether to add tights, especially if you prefer room through the middle.
Scoop
Mix Media Midi Dress
$36
Scoop
Faux Croc Flat Tall Boots
$55
4. An embellished cardigan and barrel pants for a house party
Let the Scoop cardigan hang open over a slim tank. It gives the front of the outfit a little breathing room, while the curved leg of the barrel pants brings some shape below the waist. A coat with a smooth lining will slide over the embellishment more easily.
Walmart
Scoop Embellished Cardigan
$38
Walmart Scoop
Cropped Barrel Pants
$40
5. The soft black set for a long travel day
The AirEssentials wide-leg pants and half zip give you a matching base you can wear through a long stretch of sitting. The loose leg and stretchy fabric are the draw here. Throw a longer coat over the set and leave the half zip open a little so its collar sits comfortably under your scarf.
SPANX AirEssentials®
Half Zip
$128.00
SPANX
AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
$118
6. A fur collar bomber and straight jeans for lunch
Scoop’s fur collar is the detail you’ll see across the table if you keep the bomber on. Put a sweater knit underneath so the collar has room, then add straight jeans. Check where the bomber’s hem falls when zipped. You may prefer it open indoors over the fine knit.
Walmart Scoop
Fur Collar Bomber Jacket
$62
Old Navy
Seaside Cotton Shaker Oversized Tunic Sweater
$23.99
Walmart Scoop
Straight Jeans with Faux Leather Trim
$34
