7 Ways to Look Slimmer in Your Winter Coat

Even if, like me, you have no aversion to cold weather, it's always hard to make the transition from sunny spring and summer to the more frigid periods of fall and winter. As one of my New York colleagues quite perfectly put it the other day, what was once a strut around town begins to feel like more of a schlep thanks to the weight of cold-weather garb and the need to wear literal puff around town, in addition to countless layers and accessories. In order to put some pep back in your step (or schlep) this winter, today we’re bringing you seven easy ways to feel just a bit slimmer in your winter wear.

Scroll through to read about each, see some looks we love, and then of course shop our picks of winter coats to buy now!

Wear It Off the Shoulder

Besides simply looking more stylish, wearing your coat off-the-shoulder also reduces some of the bulk at the top of your body and accentuates your chest and collar bones.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Wear Skinny Jeans

Unlike flares and straight-leg jeans, skinny jeans gather at the ankles, showing off the slimmest part of your leg and drawing attention there underneath a bulky coat.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Only Button the Top Buttons

By only buttoning the top of your coat, you allow your legs to make an appearance at the very least when you walk, but also—depending on the coat—when you stand, so people see something other than just a bulky jacket.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Wear Heels

It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's easy to forget the slimming power of heels in winter. If pumps are out of the question for your climate or commute, heeled boots do the trick. 

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Belt It 

Even if your coat doesn't come with one, we suggest adding a belt to cinch your waist for a universally flattering look. 

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Wear All-Black Underneath

Especially if your coat is a contrasting color, wearing all-black underneath will create a seamless and thus slimming look everywhere from your cuffs to your legs. 

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Wear It Open 

While it may not be an option at times (think New York City in early January), wearing your coat open when you can creates a long, slimming line down the front of your body, as demonstrated by Pernille Teisbaek.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Shop Coats We Love

Next up, see more of the season's best coats, plus how to style them.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.