Knit Sweater Coats for All Body Types - Fall Fashion

With the right cut, a well-textured sweater-coat can be as sweet on a petite or plus size as on someone tall and willowy.

O, The Oprah Magazine | From the November 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Pear-Shaped

Beatrice Johnston:
Age: 39
Occupation: Raw-food consultant

"I hate the cold. I go everywhere with a sweater," says Johnston, who calls this cocoon-like cardigan (Alms, $637) "my nesting place. I can wrap myself in it like a blanket, and my hips and butt don't matter." Fluidity on top demands stricter bottoms; these jeans (Riders by Lee, $20) won't gap at the waist—an issue for most pear-shaped women. Mega-textured knits, like this circle scarf (Wai), are best worn in small doses, not as an entire coat. Tee, J.Crew, $52. Belt, Lana Marks. Cuff, Cara Croninger. Ring, Melinda Maria. Boots, Madewell.

If you're bottom-heavy…

Draping is good: The long, flowing shape hides wide thighs.
Bat-wing sleeves and a chunky scarf draw attention from the lower body to the upper body.
Bootcut pants or flares balance hips.