Smart jackets from size 8 to 18+

Spring jackets: size 8/10

This leather jacket is the perfect choice for petite figures with a smaller bust because it will define your waist and lengthen your body. It\'s also a great investment buy as the biker style never goes out of fashion. Add some bright accessories to give a splash of colour

Leather jacket (sizes 8-16), £69.99; shirt (sizes 6-18), £9.99, H&M. Cashmere top (sizes 8-22), £49.50, Marks & Spencer. Trousers (sizes 8-20), £15, F&F @ Tesco.

Size 8/10: accessories

Watch, £160, Guess. Leather bag, £85, Betty Jackson. Black at Debenhams. Sandals, £52.50, Gant

Spring jackets: size 12

An investment blazer is a must-have for any wardrobe, as it is so versatile - you can dress down an elegant dress, or glam up a pair of jeans. Opt for linen in a slightly longer cut so it skims over curves and add vibrant high-heeled shoes for an amazingly chic look.

Linen blazer jacket (sizes 8-18), £199, Hobbs. Cotton mix dress with pearl detail waist (sizes 8-18), £175, Phase Eight.

Accessories: size 12

Oversized gem and diamanté ring, £8, Dorothy Perkins. Patterned beaded bag, £35, Dune. Patent leather high-heel court shoes, £60, Faith

Spring jackets: size 14

A fitted jacket gently hugs your curves, drawing attention away from thighs and hips - especially if worn with an eye-catching top. Boot-cut jeans and chunky heels add height and proportion to your shape. Throw in a bright shoulder bag and you\'re ready to go!

Cotton collarless jacket (sizes 8-20), £75, Boden. Cotton top (sizes 8-24), £35, Marks & Spencer. Denim jeans (sizes 6-22), £39.99, Next.

Accessories: size 14

Multi-chained necklace, £9, Freedom at Topshop. Shoulder bag, £35, Dorothy Perkins. Leather sandals, £75, Aldo

Spring jackets: size 16

Take one cropped jacket, team it with a gorgeous high-waisted A-line skirt or dress - and the result? A leaner, longer frame. A jacket with three-quarter length sleeves and rounded shoulders will also help streamline and balance your shape. Ideal for work - or with jeans at the weekend

Cotton cropped jacket (sizes 8-22), £55, Autograph at Marks & Spencer. Cotton top (sizes 8-18), £19.99, H&M. Cotton A-line skirt (sizes 8-20), £69, Boden.

Accessories: size 16

Drop earrings, £45, Mikey. Leather bag, £49, Fiorelli. Leather peep-toes, £54.99, Clarks.

Spring jackets: size 18+

No, they\'re not just for teenagers! Parka jackets have been tweaked and updated to produce a stylish, casual look for women. An elasticated waist will create curves, while the longer length will cover bottoms and hips. For a trendy twist, slip on a pussy-bow top, jeans and flats.

Lightweight parka jacket (sizes 8-20), £20, Matalan. Satin pussy-bow shirt (sizes 8-24), £79, Windsmoor. Jeans (sizes 8-20), £49, Boden.

Accessories: size 18+

Bracelet, £8, Freedom at Topshop. Leather bag, £80, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. Leather sandals, £50, Dune

Expert advice

We asked Liz Wilson, womenswear design controller at Matalan, to reveal her top tips for choosing a flattering spring jacket - no matter what your size or shape.

Be bold. Choosing colour is key this spring. Opt for a neutral-coloured parka and wear it with new season brights, metallics or sheen fabrics to bring your look bang on trend. The sporty shape is so versatile, easy to wear and, most importantly, suits all shapes.

A belted jacket will accentuate your waist and give you an hourglass figure. Go for a longer A-line style if you are pear-shaped, as it will skim gently over your hips. Women who have bigger-busted figures should wear single-breasted coats, as double-breasted ones can look bulky across your chest.

More top tips

Accessorize your outerwear. Make a statement by wearing a chunky necklace over your coat instead of under, adding a coloured belt to black styles, or contrasting a cotton jacket with an ultra-shiny belt and a fringed scarf for a modern take. Jackets with detailed collars and boho fringing will look super-stylish worn over a dress teamed with knee-high boots.

Cardigan coats are one of the key looks this season. They can be worn loose over short dresses to cover hips or upper arms - or belted to create a cinched in waist. Oversized cardis also look smart with jeans or trousers -
just accessorize with chunky jewellery. 

Lengthen your body by wearing a bomber or biker jacket - perfect if you are petite.

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