Large prints are avoided for fear that they add bulk.

Imagine, on the contrary, a deep midnight blue background, on which the flowers only cover one side, diagonally. Stop imagining: it is composed like a painting, and the placement of the motif slims instead of widening.

• A strategically placed motif
  The flowers—poppies, peonies, foliage—occupy the lower part and only one side. The rest is plain, which lengthens the bust line.
• Midnight blue
  The dark background does half the work: it slims, it's suitable all year round, and it makes the colors of the bouquet more vibrant without becoming garish.
• Bold colors
  Coral, ocher, deep green, touches of blue: the palette is that of a painted bouquet. It instantly livens up black trousers.
• Arabesque quilting
  The stitching forms curves instead of diamonds, which softens the drape and avoids a bulky effect.
• Golden buttons
  The front closes with a row of light buttons up to the high collar, to cut the wind without losing any poise.

A large motif doesn't widen when it's strategically placed and set against a dark background. Overcome that reservation, and this jacket becomes the one you choose whenever in doubt.