I am now back in London and summer has finally faded into a mellow autumn. My linens and cottons are packed away safely for another year. I have sorted through my autumn/winter wardrobe. My heavy knits and coats are still in moth balls, I am not quite ready for those yet. I don’t have much wardrobe space so have to continually rotate my clothes.
Now it is time to update and add a few “on trend” pieces. The first is a long sleeveless coat by Hopefashion in a soft wool fabric. I loved this style last year and am really glad the style is still popular. It extremely useful over a sweater on mild autumn days.
I find it flattering as I have narrow shoulders and wide hips. The style is great for skimming over the hips and bum thus providing balance where it is needed and doing a good camouflage job. If you are petite I would suggest maybe getting a slightly shorter version or having a dressmaker take up the hem.
I have received several requests recently to feature clothes that are suitable for bigger/curvier women and plus sizes. I have a narrow frame however am definitely curvy and seem to have got more so especially round the middle. I am finding that I need to invest in better fabrics that drape well over my curvy areas. There is nothing worse than fabric that clings in all the wrong places.
It is difficult to define plus sizes these days. Many brands like Hopefashion are changing the way they size their garments. They have a great philosophy. It is worth watching their video on sizing. They also use real women to show their collections, not glamorous older women who are or were professional models.
Photos taken by Karen on our recent trip to Cumbria.
My light grey sweater is also by Hopefashion (now reduced from £95 to £47.50 in the sale). My grey trousers are a few years old purchased in France similar. Shoes by Paul Green, last season new collection. Necklace Jaeger last year. Love this years version.
International Delivery
Hope are happy to send orders overseas and, as a small company, can quote individually to give you the best price for each destination, simply contact customerservice@hopefashion.co.uk.
I love this style lately!!
I just bought a yellow one (it’s quite bright—I didn’t realize it would be so bright from the website, but I think I’ll still wear it)
This is a great look for you!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That Hope sleeveless coat looks fab on you Josephine. I’m very privileged to be one of the ‘Real Woman’ models. I’m very tempted, but being barely 5ft 3in, feel its a little long, so shortening would be the answer. I imagine you are taller than me ?
Hi Viv
Yes I am 5’7″ so can wear a longer coat/jacket. You can find more petit versions.
Lucky you to be tall! Heels always helped but I can no longer wear them!
I am the same with regard to heels however I do find that I can wear the new block heel styles which offer some stability.
That sleeveless coat looks wonderful on you! Now I want one!
Love the sleeveless coat on you, did you go for the light or mid grey? I am tall like you and have been looking for a long gilet to brighten up darker tops and trousers.
Hi Cherry
I went for the light grey. It is not meant to be reversible because of the pockets however I am going to cut the label out at the top and wear it the other way round. I can’t see why not I am all for getting two outfits for one.
Hello from Toronto. I have purchased two sleeveless coats, one sometime ago from M & S by mail and the other from a local store. So glad you are showing pictures on how to style these coats. This blog is a favourite, lots of good fashion tips. Your hair is very fashionable and chic.