Perfectly Practical Coats
Thursday, 13 November 2008
How to stay toasty without compromising on style this winter- we have Perfectly Practical coats with stylist Ann Marie O Connor.
It's bitterly cold, we're all busy and none of us want to skimp on either warmth or style. High fashion is not practical when it comes to grocery shopping or school runs- us ladies like to be cosy and stylish!
Annmarie O'Connor is a freelance fashion writer, blogger and personal stylist. Her credits include The Irish Examiner, Elle, Dazed and Confused, Image, Trace, IF, The Irish Independent, Chictoday.com and iVenus.com
Over the past 8 years she has interviewed the likes of Terry de Havilland, Zandra Rhodes and Ben de Lisi, and has gained a cult following with her blog: I Blog Fashion which is being made into a book. She is also the organiser of the monthly Fashion Bloggers' Brunch events in Dublin
Practical Coats for Cold Winter Weather
One of the most important garments to buy for winter is a practical coat. Sometimes the search for something that is sensible enough for school runs and supermarket shopping, yet stylish enough for work and play can often be a tall order. Don't despair! We've scoured the high street for some of most practical coats that are budget, climate and lifestyle friendly; while keeping you ever so stylish!
Long, floor skimming coats are simply not practical when it comes to getting in and out of the car forty times a day. Neither are slim fitting jackets under which you can barely fit a thermal vest, never mind the woolen jumper this winter weather warrants.
When you buy your everyday winter coat this season, be sure you like it a lot.In fact, be sure you love it as it's probably going to be the hardest working piece in your wardrobe this winter. Our outer-wear is what people see first about our style, so be sure you choose a coat that you're really happy with so that you can go about your everyday business with confidence!
You need to ask yourself a number of questions before buying a winter coat:-
Will this be your only coat or will you be able to afford more than one?
When getting around, do you drive, walk or take public transportation?
What colours and styles do you generally prefer?
What function will the coat fulfill?
What level of warmth will be necessary?
What are the warmest type of coats?
The warmest coat you can find is down-filled. It's almost like going round with a duvet on your back- guaranteed Tog factor!
The ideal thing to do (which is not an option for a lot of people but worth mentioning) is to have one wool/cloth coat and one down/polyester-filled coat in your wardrobe.
Should you buy your jacket/coat bigger in order to fit jumpers underneath?
Ideally you should be able to fit a few layers under your jacket or one chunky jumper so it's a good idea not to buy your coat too snug- this also restricts movement, reducing its practicality when lifting kids in/out of cars, doing shopping etc.
What should we look out for when buying a coat:-
When looking for a practical coat, look for features such as pockets (which we simply can't live without), hidden hoods, detachable trims, belts etc. Also, length is important as if it's too short it lets the cold in round the middle- which we hate! But if it's too long, it gets caught in the car door and gets dragged along the road. A Mid length coat is also the most versatile in terms of style as it can make you look dressed without trying too hard.
Be sure there is little chance for cold to get in by choosing a coat that covers your waist or has a drawstring/elastic bottom and a zip right up to the chin!
When shopping for a new coat, you should wear layers or chunky jumper so that you can be sure the coat will fit when you want to wear it for real in the cold!
Quality is important when buying a coat. A coat purchase is a major one and price is usually (but not always) reflective of quality. If you need to extend your budget a little, consider it carefully as you will be wearing your new coat all winter long- on a cost per wear basis, it may be worth it.
Top Ten Tips for Buying a practical winter coat:-
1. Consider the function
What do you need this coat for?
2. Coat should suit body type
Puffas don't work well on busty ladies, If you're pear shaped, pulling a belt tight in the middle won't work.
3. Find the right length
if you're very tall, short jackets may be too short, if you're small, long coats will drown you- long coats are not always practical either when driving etc.
4. Leave room for layers
You'll want to wear either a chunky jumper or a number of layers underneath so be sure when trying on coat, you either wear these or leave room for them.
5. Shop around for size
A size ten in one shop is not the same as the next so if you're between sizes, shop around for the perfect fit.
6. Try it on & move about
When trying the coat on, moves arms about, even try looking behind you- imagine driving in the coat etc.
7. Buy neutral colours
If you're going to wear the coat nearly everyday, you might get sick of it if it's canary yellow/lime green. It doesn't have to be black though- greys are good as they don't show up dirt just as much..
8. Check for extra features
Things such as pockets, hoods, detachable linings-trims
9. Don't be afraid of trends
Features like epaulettes, faux fur trims, buttons can bring a coat right up to date- if you're not planning on it being a piece you keep forever, feel free to stay on trend. If you're going to spend a lot of money on an investment coat- best to stay away from trends.
10. Be sure to love it!
You're going to have to wear this coat all winter so make sure you Love it love it love it!!!!!
Look 1
Perfect for weekends
Parka, €129, Oasis
Look 2
Ideal for school runs
Suede jacket, €125, Kookai
Look 3
A new twist on the humble duffle!
Duffle jacket, €101, Debenhams
Look 4
Winter outings with the kids
Puffa jacket, €139, Zara
Look 5
Anytime, any place, anywhere
Cocoon coat, €122, Topshop
Look 6
The Holy Grail of coats!
Adjustable fleece coat, €299, Fran & Jane
Top 5 tips for finding the perfect coat
. Coat should suit body type
. Find the right length
. Leave room for layers
. Find a colour to suit you and your lifestyle
. Be sure to love it!