Pumpkin season
This week I am going to talk to you about winter coats (the Style Edit below should hopefully provide some inspiration). It is important that you have one that you really like and feel comfortable with as it is the piece of clothing that you will wear the most in winter and will cover up everything else. If you are looking for something versatile then I would always go for a neutral colour. There is obviously black, grey and navy but don’t overlook khaki green, camel and burgundy as ‘neutral’ colours. Also, as I have mentioned before, a herringbone, tweed or check in subtle tones can be incredibly versatile too.
Although I love the look of a coat with a raglan sleeve (like this) I sometimes find that wearing one with a crisp, structured shoulder (like this) is more flattering. I guess you need to think about the overall aesthetic that you want to achieve. If you are someone that errs on the more ‘Scandi’ side of dressing i.e. a simple colour palette, crisp tailoring and clean lines then a structured shouldered Crombie coat or peacoat might be the one for you. However, if you like a softer silhouette with the layering of textures and colours, with maybe more dresses in the mix, then a ‘cocoon’ coat with raglan sleeves is probably the one. For me, I would argue that both styles have a place in my wardrobe - but of course, this isn’t always achievable.
I am slightly over simplifying things here but hopefully it helps to get you thinking about what it is that you are drawn to in a coat, and why.
In terms of material, I would always try to buy a coat with as much wool in it as possible. Look at its composition as it is quite surprising how little natural fibres are in some expensive coats. Having said that, on the whole, price will dictate the coat’s quality and for this reason, keep a beady eye on the sales! It is worth paying the amount that you would have spent in the non-sale in the sale, so that you get a better coat for the same price.
N.B. (and sorry to those who have heard this a millions times before!) but these liner coats from Uniqlo are fantastic for wearing under a wool coat for extra warmth in winter. You can’t see them, but you can feel them! (remember that they have concealed poppers at the neckline - to create a ‘v’ - so that they can’t be seen at the neckline of your outer coat)
And for the mums of young kids amongst you, or indeed anyone that finds themself standing outside in inclement conditions for long periods of time (!) this is the coat for you. Obviously I have been discussing ‘smarter’ coats but most of us also need something very practical too. I own this Rains puffer and it is amazing - it is very warm AND completely waterproof! Who knew that such a thing existed?! I found mine in the Net-a-Porter sale with over 50% off so it’s worth keeping an eye out when the sales come around….happy hunting!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY
Sue wears…
Cardigan, £198, Plumo
Trousers, £245, Toast
Long sleeved top, £35, COS
Jacket, £220, Levete Room
Earrings, £55, Plumo
Scarf, sold out but similar here
Shoes, old John Lewis
Hannah wears…
Jumper, £195, YMC
Corduroy trousers, £135, Beyond Nine
Shirt, £80, Boden
Coat, £220, Albaray
Neck scarf, an old men’s pocket square
Trainers, old Adidas
-STYLE EDIT-
-Winter coats-