Chilly weather calls for bold and beautiful coats! Our curvy fashion expert, Meredith Shaw, rounds up the best outerwear picks to keep you looking chic and cozy.

Your outfit is perfect. Your accessory game is strong. You know you look, and feel fabulous. But wait, it's winter—in Canada—and your styling efforts are about to get smothered by your winter coat. Every Canadain woman is well versed in this struggle: Be warm or look cute? For me, the latter often wins out, but this season I want both—no more basic black or months of being concealed under a boring puffer. Our curves have never had more options.

By the way, my name is Meredith Shaw, and this is the beginning of our beautiful (and stylish) friendship. Consider me your personal full-figured style guide. At long last, the fashion industry is getting hip to accepting different body shapes and reinforcing that curves are awesome. Not to #humblebrag or anything, but I'm a professional model and a style expert on TV. I've also experienced fashion at almost every size, from 8 to 22 and back to 14. One of the most important things I've discovered is to feel good about the body I'm in now—not 10 pounds from now—and so should you!

But back to coats. When the temperature dips, I get excited about transitioning to outerwear. There's something about a perfectly tailored sleeve and the smoothness of a fine wool scarf against your cheek. I've learned to go bold or go home with my outerwear—and I wish more curvy gals would embrace that, too. Rather then blend in with the crowd, choose something that will help you stand out and walk a little taller through the slush and snow.

Structure is our friend

Steer clear of baggy oversize coats, which can make you appear larger. Instead, look for details that provide structure—like banding, darting around the waist or built-in shoulder pads—which, in turn, gives you shape.

Pillow talk

I think puffer jackets are a winter-wardrobe must, especially in a fun colour. Stave off any Michelin Man effect by keeping puffers fitted and snug.

Active Zone reversible down coat (sizes X to 6X), $160, penningtons.com.

Cape life

I once thought capes were only for superheroes, but they're perfect as a transitional piece. Buy one in a neutral tone and opt for texture over pattern—you'll get more wear out of it.

Hide Society cape, $875, toniplus.com.

Pick a colour—any colour

Canadian winters are long and grey, so do us all a favour and wear a splash of colour. 

Scarf, $30, winners.ca. L&L moto jacket (sizes 12 to 26), $98, additionelle.com.