How to find the perfect winter coat

When I was 15, I had a purple teddy coat with large black spots. Sounds disgusting - right? 

But I loved that coat and wore it until it was thread bare and out of fashion. And now teddy coats (not purple ones with black spots- it was the eighties!) are back on trend. So, when I saw a teal blue, long line, single breasted one on Zara’s website, I hurried it into my basket and couldn’t wait till it arrived!

But how do you choose the perfect winter coat for you?  

I’ve put together a 5 step guide to help you navigate through the vast selections out there, and find the ideal one for YOU! 

1. COLOUR

IS IT IN YOUR COLOUR? 

“The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you” _Coco Chanel

Your coat needs to be in either A or B.

A - YOUR WOW COLOUR

That is the colour that you know looks amazing on you; that brightens your face, lifts your spirits and sparkles your eyes. 

Your coat could be in a colour that sits within the family of your WOW colour. For example: If your WOW colour is a cerise pink, a mulberry coat will sit within that family. And possibly give you more wear that a cerise pink one. 

WARNING: make sure you have lots of that colour/colour family in your wardrobe already, or your lovely new (red for example) coat wont coordinate with your (mustard for example) outfits and therefore get left miserably unworn. 

B - YOUR NEUTRAL 

A neutral (navy, grey, taupe, camel etc) will sit back with most, if not all of your wardrobe. Also worth noting, that leopard print is considered a neutral. 

A quick word on black and white here. Black drains the vitality from other colours, other than grey, white and black itself. So unless you live in black (which can be a bit depressing), I would avoid a black coat as you will find it kills your outfits beneath and doesn’t coordinate as easily as you might think. Leather is an exception because of its textural qualities. A winter white coat is divine but it will get dirty - quickly.

2. SHAPE & TEXTURE

DOES IT ACCENTUATE YOUR BEST FEATURES AND BALANCE YOUR PROPORTIONS? 

For example; if you are an HOURGLASS, you will want a coat that follows and highlights your curves. If you are a STRAWBERRY you will want to avoid double breasted styles and to go for a dropped or soft shoulder.  An APPLE, will want a long line, single breasted style. A PEAR might look for a strong shoulder or a big collar and a RECTANGLE may want something more fitted or flowing.

3. LIFESTYLE 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING IN YOUR COAT?

Don’t fall into the trap of buying a stunning coat that looks amazing on you but you have no regular occasion or reason to wear it!

A - WARMTH OR SMARTNESS

That’s not to say, you can’t have both, but be prepared to either style up and/or down to fit your needs accordingly.

For example: A camel coat will serve beautifully for work and/or an evening out with a scarf and hat added for warmth. It will also work; to walk the dog or for early morning pitch side spectating with a chunky jumper (make sure there is space beneath), hiking boots and cosy gloves. (Just don’t be disappointed if it gets a bit muddy!) Clothes are for enjoying - wear them out and enjoy buying an equally fabulous one next year!

When purchasing your coat, consider buying a warm scarf and hat that match and pull in the rest of your wardrobe (e.g. A leopard print or navy/camel windowpane check scarf will work well with a camel coat).

B - FASHION OR INVESTMENT

A high fashion piece, you will want to get lots of wear from - immediately - so that by the time it has dated, you will have worn it out. Technically, the more fashionable the coat the less you should spend. Although, if you wear your coat constantly the spend per wear will theoretically, bring down the initial cost. If you go for an investment piece (not necessarily expensive) then you will want to go for a more classic style in a neutral colour way. However, don’t spend so much on your coat that you put it on a pedestal; where it may well remain pristine but unworn. 

4. COORDINATION

WILL IT GO WITH JEANS AND A DRESS?

Versatility is key when selecting your coat. You should be able to dress it up and down.

A good coat can also inspire outfits and resurrect pieces you haven’t worn for a while. 

Try some of these outfit ideas: 

A - WINTERISING 

Wear a coat over a summer dress or skirt. A chunky jumper will add to the effect and pair with ankle or knee high boots. 

B - COLOUR DRENCHING 

Dress head to toe in one colour (or tones of one colour) including your coat to give a stylish, sophisticated vibe. Tonal dressing also lengthens and slims the frame. Shoes can match too or a pop of a white trainer or statement heel will draw your eye down and further elongate. 

C - CLASHING 

A long puffer coat over a suit with a pair of trainers or a luxe wool coat over joggers and a hoodie with the hood popped out. Or my favourite; a faux fur coat over boyfriend jeans with kitten heels.

5. HAPPINESS

DOES IT MAKE YOU SMILE AND SWOOSH?

If you have ticked boxes 1- 4 when selecting your coat, there is a very high probability that when you finally slip your arms into your coat, you will be happy dancing in front of the mirror and never want to take it off. 

I hope this will help and inspire you to find and gets lots of wear from your perfect winter coat.

Check out my videos and posts on Instagram and/or Facebook showing some of the different ways I’ve been styling up my new coat.

NOVEMBER 26, 2020