The best coats for boyish shapes

Boy shapes are lean and athletic and tend to be straight up and down with few curves. Introduce some curves: separates work well to split the body and allow you to introduce two silhouettes, for example, try a shaped-shoulder jacket and tapered or harem trousers or a tulip shape skirt. Puffball skirts, sci-fi corset-style tops and dresses will create curviness, as will tailored waisted-leather jackets. You can also carry off patterns well Photograph: Rob Biddulph

Go for strict and straight shapes, you are one of the only shapes that can carry them off well. Freda, £885, www.matchesfashion.com Photograph: PR

Long-line coats work perfectly with your slender figure as you don't need to worry about adding bulk. Go for a tie belt to create the illusion of a hourglass waist. La Redoute, £149, www.laredoute.co.uk Photograph: PR

Choose double-breasted military styles with great buttons to add shape to your top half. Monsoon, £135, 0870 412 9000. Photograph: PR

Side pocket details on a boyish figure will give the illusion of curves. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, £459, www.mywardrobe.com Photograph: PR

Waist details give a boyish figure a great curvy shape. TKMaxx, 49.99, www.tkmaxx.com Photograph: PR