Forgot where you live, Mel- but even here on the East Coast-Middle (N.Va/Md/Pa/NJ) we always should buy a winter coat at least one size larger, if not two, to compensate for layers. For me-a long sleeve tee (thermal in Jan/Feb) then a shirt, then a sweater. In Jan/Feb, thermal 'long johns' bottoms under pants is mandatory if you're going to be outside for more than just a trip to -get in the car, go to a mall, and home again. I work outside frequently, all year long and layers are the only way to dress. Coats haveta accomodate. Sorry about your vanity, and happy about pride in losing weight, but winters.......... ya gotta look like a marshmallow to be warm. :>)