Finding your ideal coat for spring can be difficult. The days are becoming brighter and warmer and you want something to reflect your springtime wardrobe, whilst being prepared for chilly nights and the inevitable downpour.

 

Consider your usual clothing style and how much money you are prepared to spend. Are you usually in relaxed casuals or pretty feminine outfits, or do you dress more formally? Do you want a selection of coats or jackets, or do you need one that suits every occasion?

 

Trends for 2012

 

This season’s trends are for bright bold colours, particularly orange and blues, as well as soft feminine pastel shades. Fun geometric prints and pretty florals are also popular. Many classic styles of jacket have been reworked and updated for this season. The classic mid length trench coat is available in bright shades of red, blue and orange ,as well as coral and beige. Wear it loose and unstructured or give it some shape with a belt.

 

The current trend for colour blocking is easy to wear with a bright blazer style jacket. For a striking look, wear one with bold patterns such as stripes or polka dots.

 

The classic mac has been updated for spring in a duffel coat style waterproof in bright yellow shades. Perfectly practical for spring showers in stylish colours, this is an ideal casual style jacket. For a casual look, a parka style wax jacket or retro denim jacket is a great way to cover up in cooler weather.

 

If you can only buy one jacket, you can change your look with a variety of different accessories such as stylish shoes or statement leather handbags.

 

Dressing for your shape

 

Mid length jackets, cut just above the knee, are great for petite figures, as they will draw attention to your calves and make your legs look longer. A mid length trench coat or parka is an ideal choice to wear with a skirt of the same length. Keep lines clean and simple; a jacket with extra length or volume, such as a cape style coat can swamp your figure and make you look smaller.

 

Those with taller figures can easily wear the mid length or longer style coats such as a boxy coat or long trench coat. Adding a belt can emphasize the curves you want to, or give some shape to a straight figure. Short coats and tailored jackets will also look great on a straight figure.

 

Choosing a style

 

When choosing a coat for any season you should consider your current wardrobe and your favourite style of clothing. You should also decide whether you want to own a coat for one season, or invest in one that you can wear for a few seasons without it looking dated.

 

If you can afford to splash out on a coat just for the spring, then let yourself indulge in this season’s bold colours and prints on blazer style jackets and boxy coats. If you want a spring jacket that will last for next season, choose one with classic styling in neutral colours that will suit the key items in your wardrobe.