CHOOSING A WINTER COATS IN 2022
Ouiiii
Hot chocolate, layering, firewood smell, Tartiflette meals after skiing… Winter is so under rated sometimes!
However, it’s the time of the year where your wallet takes the bigger hit when you go shopping: The fabrics are heavier, items are more technical, we require more layers etc etc… (aka Windy Welli…)
Today, we talk about the masterpiece of your wardrobe: THE WINTER COAT
HOW TO CHOOSE IT?
It depends.
HOW MUCH TO SPEND ON IT?
It depends.
HOW MANY SHOULD WE OWN?
It depends.
Ok thanks Eugenie, see ya later!
More seriously, here are a few hints to get you into the right track when buying your next coat:
1. LOOK FAR AHEAD
The life cycle of a coat should be a minimum of 2 years. This means that you will be seeing this item for a while in your wardrobe, especially as it’s the most visible item you will be wearing in public! So it implies to select your style and color consciously, avoid micro trends and focus on quality.
If you own multiple and distinct coats in your wardrobe, you can extend their longevity even longer as you alternate more often. Have fun picking diverse styles but choose Care-Full-Y.
Of course neutrals are best, but if you already own 1 or 2 neutrals, have some fun with a bolder color. You probably won’t wear a peony coat every day, but it’s a nice change time to time and give a whole new personality to a boring outfit.
2. GET THE COLOR YOU WANT
Please, stop listening to people directing you to specific colors depending on your skin complexion… This is outdated and bloody restrictive. Imagine if all women with pink undertone skin and blond hair would all be wearing the same clothes? How sad would that be?
Yes, some colors can work better than other, but there is thousand of tools to make difficult tones looking right: The power of make up with a bright lipstick, a scarf, putting your hair up etc…
There is one thing universal that works for everyone though (age, gender, ethnicity): NAVY I promise, it’s more fun than your old school uniform…
Navy will give so much more dimension and harmony to your outfits. It matches every colors possible without giving a harsh contrast. It’s timeless, classic, and chic. Also: did you know that black can accentuate the look of imperfection of a fabric if the quality is low??
3. SHAPE IT UP
It’s been around for many years now and it’s not about to stop: The oversized / masculine coat is the Star of the show every winter. Because it’s comfy, roomy and cool.
“Oh yes, it’s nice on you because you’re tall, but I am so petite, I would look like a sac…”
What I hear all the time when I mentioned the “oversized topic”
Don’t stress, you don’t have to get completely swamped. You just want to have enough room across your back and be able to wear a blazer underneath without the sleeves being puffy and crinkled.
And if you want the proof from A + B that you don’t need to measure 6ft tall to wear maxi / oversized, then look below:
If the oversized look is still not your vibe, you can opt for a slim / structured line.
DON’T write off a coat just because the sleeves are too long. Clothes are made to be tailored to you. There is no such things as a universal size 10 pattern that works for all. Open your mind and imagination and ask you retail staff for recommendation.
4. WHAT ABOUT THE DUDES
Once again, we’re all different with our own lifestyle and priorities. Not many men actually feel the need of a coat in their wardrobe as much as women do.
If you require to wear a suit to work, you should give a try to a double breast mid length coats (make sure to take your blazer with you when you go on your try on mission to make sure it fits.)
Black often feel quite harsh and too strict for men, so the grey scale tones would be an easier introduction to coats, without mentioning that texture will become your best friend!
If you are worried about not being tall enough for the mid length, the Caban coat can reassure you and does the job perfectly; Traditionally worn by marines back in the days, it’s now a classic and a sure win.
5. TO WOOL OR NOT TO WOOL
Well sorry vegans… But I definitely do wool! If you are sensitive to the cold like I am, you need at least 50% minimum of wool in the composition. A lining that isn’t fully polyester can also help to keep you warmer and minimize sweating.
Virgin wool or cashmere blend are ZE Crème de la crème! But your budget will take a HIT, a BIG one!
I am not teaching you anything when I mention the fact that op shops are full of gems in term of winter coats. Take the time to dig and you can find true treasures for less than $50.
Stay warm,
Have fun getting dressed.
Eugenie xxx
