The Perfect Winter Coat
This week in Melbourne, we are experiencing more wet and wild weather which feels neverending! It brings to mind for me the necessity for the perfect winter coat that will last the very long winter season.
While some states are experiencing warmer weather, what we all have in common is the glorious fact that coats are on sale!!
Before you head out to stores make sure you do your pre-shopping homework in your wardrobe!
Don’t buy items on a whim, or for the sake of grabbing a bargain! Take stock of the gaps in your coat wardrobe, do you have a super stylish coat for evening wear, daily casual wear, a classic style for work, a waterproof coat with a hood, a warm parka for walking and family activities?
With the sales in full swing, it is the perfect opportunity to add that ‘something special’ to your rotation or complete your coat collection with styles essential to always being prepared and stylish.
Do not buy a coat simply because it looks great on the hanger or is on sale! Carefully consider fit, length, sleeve style, lining and warmth factor. If making an investment purchase, select classic styles and colours such as black, grey, navy or cream.
On today’s blog, I have included some of my favourite styles for bringing some excitement into your wardrobe.
The Longline Coat
This year we have seen the strong return of the longline coat, perfect for lengthening and slimming, paired with the rise of grey this season. The double breasted coat has taken a back seat this year making room for styles without a lapel which are perfect for keeping bulk to a minimum and allowing the addition of accessories for a polished look.
The longline coat is very flattering especially for women carrying weight through their tummy or with a larger bust. The side splits and monochromatic print give this Metalicus jacket a modern edge.
The brilliance of Metalicus is that the material is light and soft, making it easy to carry and pack without creasing or wrinkling. Metalicus coats are also fantastic for layering, especially in our temperamental climate, perfect for alternating between winter cold and indoor warmth.
Metalicus Coat on Sale for $99
Grey is a fantastic choice as it can be worn with most colours and can be dressed up or down. From a dark charcoal through to a light blueish hue, grey is a softer alternative to black for those with fairer complexions.
Another favourite of the season and also quite versatile is blush, bringing a femininity to your winter look and easily matched with the cooler colours of the season. A close cousin to blush and classic is cream, not for the faint hearted as it can begin to look dirty if not regularly properly cleaned and stored.
Timeless Black Coat
Of course for myself, it’s no surprise to my readers that I can’t go past a black coat. Classic and timeless, black is sophisticated and elegant. I wear a black coat every day during winter and find a black coat essential for the stylish edge it can bring to an evening look.
This season I purchased the Alannah Hill Take On The World coat which I adore, and the inner lining is luxurious and adds a colourful touch of personality that endears me to the label every Winter.
A trench coat with a tie in the middle is flattering, and is a classic style; the lightweight trenches will be soon hitting stores for the perfect trans-seasonal piece in camel or grey for daytime wear.
If you haven’t yet booked a personal styling session for the new Spring/Summer season, now is the time to secure your spot and ensure you have access to the best pieces of the new arrivals!
Practical Everyday Jacket
Essential to your winter coat wardrobe is a practical knee length jacket for everyday wear and warmth. Your everyday jacket needs to move with you and be in a neutral colour that can be thrown on with your casual wear as you are heading out the door with little thought needed.
Another favourite for winter is the practical duffle coat that can be dressed up or down, perfect for casual wear with an ankle boot or ballet flat, or an evening look with over your favourite dress and heels.
A duffle coat with a removable faux fur detail can quickly transform your look from day to night in an instant and gives that wow factor. A padded shoulder coat is fabulous for tapered shoulders and an above the knee length perfect for those who don’t have much height.
The WOW Coat
Every woman should have that very special jacket in their wardrobe that feels utterly transformative when worn!
A coat that fills you with confidence and makes you feel like the very special and unique individual you are. A coat with both personality and sophistication is the winning combination. Gorman has a fabulous range of coats and jackets on sale packed with personality.
If just a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ is more your style, Alannah Hill also has timeless quality pieces that are fantastic value and will last many seasons to come.
This divine jacket from Alannah Hill has just the right amount of feminity and playfulness that can also translate as modern and fashion forward. This gorgeous soft jacket can be dressed down for a fun look with a pair of jeans and stylish t-shirt, or dressed up with an evening dress with the flattering centre part and lack of bulk giving the perfect visual line.
Alannah Hill Faux Fur Jacket $299
The Cape
Capes have had a very heavy focus this year. An excellent addition to any casual outfit to bring an instant wow factor, or teamed with your executive pumps for work. A cape is an elegant alternative to a jacket for hiding those troublesome arms while upping the fashion stakes.
Remember, the cape is not a great choice for those with broad shoulders and be careful of the shorter length with wider hips.
You can casually wear a cape with jeans or slacks, skirts or dresses, it is incredibly versatile and packs a fashion punch! While the cape is a big trend this year, I would be ensuring you get the most wear out of this style this year by purchasing in white or lighter and brighter colours to take you through this spring.
Remember while looking for the perfect coat, it must suit our body shape, and be the correct length for your height. Wearing the wrong length outwear can instantly give you a shorter and broader appearance, while the correct length slims and elongates while giving you extra height.
If you have not yet had a body shape analysis done, book into our fabulous Style Workshop or a Define Your Style session with myself or one of my experienced personal stylists to ensure you are making wise wardrobe choices!
I hope today’s blog has inspired you to take advantage of the fabulous sales and find a unique piece that will last seasons to come!
Share with me your favourite coat purchase or pieces you are now inspired to find!
Cindy X
Shirley says
Where is this coat available?
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Shirley, thanks so much for your message! Which coat are you referring to? Cindy x