Boy-shaped, pear-shaped, these coats won't help your shape

When flipping through Vogue or any high fashion magazine, it is not uncommon to see Cameron Diaz in a white trench coat or Gisele Bundchen in a military jacket. However, not many of us are 5-foot-10 supermodels who can look good in pretty much anything.

Keeping this in mind, it is important to know the coat that looks best for your body type. Just because a certain style or cut is appealing does not mean it is meant for everyone. Different styles look good on different body type. Coats can create illusions, and hide flaws while spotlighting a great waistline or hips for example.

Whether your body type is pear shaped, shapeless, or curvy, there are a variety of cuts and styles among this winter's coats.

For those with pear shaped figures, it is important to accentuate the smaller upper half of the body, and not draw attention to the bulkier lower half. To do this, avoid jackets that hit at the widest part of the hip. These styles draw attention to thick thighs. Instead, look for A-line styles that accentuate a smaller waist and flare out to hide bigger hips. Also, try to wear jackets with neutral colors or subtle patterns that highlight the upper body.

"I really like jackets with black and white patterns and fake fur," said Laura Baumann, a 1st-semester physiology and neurobiology major. "I like them to be shorter too, and hit right at my hips."

For those with boy-shaped figures, ditch the baggy, plain coats. Opt for accessories such as belts in order to create a waistline, as well as pockets or pleats to create shape and curves.

"I really like jackets that come to my hips with pockets for details," said Cara Pribanic, a 1st-semester exploratory major.

Details such as embroidered pockets or lacy hemlines can create curves, especially in the hip and rear area.

"I would like to find a jacket with a belt around the waist, and I like pockets at the lower half of my jacket," said Stephanie Spiridon, a 1st-semester business management major.

Jackets that flatter curvier figures are almost the exact opposite of those that flatter boy-shaped figures. Ideally, these jackets shouldn't hide your curves, but should accentuate them and make them seem natural. Straight-cut jackets hide your shape and may tend to be bulky, thus creating extra baggage that no girl wants. A thin, filled jacket can highlight curves rather than hide them.

"I like jackets to be fitted and come in around the waist," said Katie Doyle, a 1st-semester accounting major. "However, I don't like them to be tight in case I want room to wear something under it."

Girls with curvy figures should also avoid too many pockets or big patterns, because these create the illusion of excess bulk.

With the cold weather, jackets are a staple of any wardrobe. When shopping for winter coats, or revising your current ones, it is crucial to know what type of jacket works for your body type. Avoid unflattering or lumpy shapes, and cuts that only bring out the physical characteristics you despise. Knowing your body makes shopping for winter coats that much easier.