Winter Coats – How To Find The One

A Guide to Buying Your Perfect Autumn Winter Coat

Fashion month has wrapped up and the temperatures have began to plummet, so now’s the time we are looking to make that key seasonal outerwear purchase. We saw everything from the classic trench coat, to ankle length leather coats and even coats that looked like bedding on the catwalk, and the highstreet is filled with just as many variations. Of course, we want our winter coat to look good, but be functional and practical. Where will we wear it? Does it need to be super warm or lighter? What can we style it with? It’s a key part of our seasonal wardrobes as it’s most likely the first part of our outfits that onlookers will notice, and a piece we will wear all season. It needs to take us from country walks and watching the rugby, to our commute and festive drinks. We want it to flatter our figure, and yet have room for all of our cosy layers underneath.

Easy then, right?!

Outfit details // Coat by Reiss // Jumper dress by Reiss // Boots by River Island // Bag by Chloé // Earrings by River Island (Similar)

How To Look For Quality

There are some details to be wary of when picking your coat; always check the label first and look out for a high wool content. Anything with more than 40% Polyster or acrylic fabrics should be avoided, as they don’t have the same insulation benefits and can make you overheat on the tube, and not be warm enough outside on a chilly morning. Darlings, ignore designer names, it’s all about the quality of the materials and the way a coat has been constructed; look for a flattering, well designed silhouette, and neat, small stitches, as well as pockets and a lining.

Size Matters – Try It On With Your Layers

Your coat is most likely to be worn with far more than just a blouse underneath, so when shopping for your coat, try it on with your cosy knit on too, perhaps even with your thermal too! Can you still fasten it? Move your arms? Feel your circulation? That’s a good sign! When it comes to size, as in length, try on a few to determine what’s the most flattering for you. If you’re petite, don’t necissarily shy away from long coats, I’m petite but I adore them, as long as they’re fairly slim fitting, so I don’t look like a little snow ball rolling down the street. Look for a waist belt, if you usually accentuate that area of your body within your other clothing, or opt for a cropped coat if you feel a little ‘drowned’ in anything longer! Generally the longer a coat, the warmer it is.

Finding your Style

Try not to think about fashion, and trends when choosing your coat. Many styles are classic and timeless and will work in your wardrobe for many years – this makes your coat a worthy investment! – so don’t go choosing design details that will be out of style next year. If you usually have a smart style, look for something with a more structured silhouette like this one, or perhaps you prefer a more relaxed style? Opt for something with a less rigid silhouette like this. If you love something a little special, why not opt for a faux fur detail? The dress I’m wearing in these images has a removable faux fur collar, which adds a luxe finish as well as keeping me cosy!

Stay in Neutral

You want your coat to work with e everything in your wardrobe, and the easiest tones to work with other shades, are, surprisingly (!!!) neutral. Opt for grey or black if you want to play it safe, or choose something beautiful like tan, white and blush pink – depending on the tones of your wardrobe. Look at the tones of your knitwear, your skirts, dresses and trousers, and ensure your coat will work with at least 90% of your AW19 outfits; it needs to be versatile and interchangeable, and keeping it neutral is one of the best ways of ensuring this.

And on a final note darlings, make sure it’s got pockets!

xoxo