It’s starting to get colder here in Indianapolis. We always have beautiful falls here, and I am always a little sad once they are gone. The first few snows are beautiful here, but after that. . . oh well. I have lived in Indiana nearly all my life, so you would think it would be easier. The number one rule here in the Midwest is to have a nice, warm winter coat, but as a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I believe a warm coat doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish!
One thing that makes weathering the cold easier is a good winter coat – or two. Coats become a very important third layer for you as you plan your winter wardrobe. Can you think of anything else that you wear more than your winter coat? That is why I consider it a key layering piece. And to me, and my clients, that means spending some extra funds toward a piece that should last years.
Consider this – throughout my life, I have bought a few investment coats in luxury fabrics that have lasted several years. I have also bought a colorful “statement’ coat. It was trendy, not that expensive, and guess what? It didn’t last. But that is okay since I knew I would only enjoy it for a season. (I am thinking about this Buffalo plaid coat in navy and rust that was similar to a coat Taylor Swift wore.
Now back to the subject at hand. Here are some guidelines to consider when you buy a winter coat:
- Select a coat color that is flattering to you. This is my No. 1 tip as a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, if you don’t know your best colors, or at the very least your best neutrals, book a color analysis with me. It is a service that will benefit you for the rest of your life. For instance, it’s not true that everyone looks great in black. I do not! My flattering neutrals are warm caramel, navy blues (warm blues such as teal), greens, and warm reds.
- If you need an example of a nice coat, click here!
- Buy the best quality fabric you can afford. That means at least 80 percent wool, or cashmere; 98-100 percent is better.
- Buy a coat style that flatters your shape. Each of us has a wonderful and unique shape! It’s also helpful to know what shapes of clothing make us shine and feel good about ourselves. For me, I am a triangle shape. So I look for coats that are an A-line style, substantial shoulder pads and some waist definition. I can also wear a more straight version, too, and my puffer coat is in a more straight shape. In my foundation appointment, I cover shapes that uniquely flatter you. This information is great to know as you shop.
- Think about length. I do believe every woman needs a long winter coat that is more dressed up. I have one that is a wrap coat in a deep red. Now I don’t wear it often, but it’s nice to know I have it. Those times that we dress up and go to the symphony, it is a nice addition to my classic dress/ensemble.
- Watch textures. This refers to fur, ruffles, quilting, animal skin, leather, etc. The amount of texture you wear in your outerwear corresponds to your scale, a topic I cover in depth in my first appointments. For instance, if you are a petite woman, 5/1″, wearing a full, quilted silhouette, that is not flattering.
As you read this, and think you could benefit from a foundation style with a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, such as myself, please reach out for a discovery call.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine,
MA, AICI-CIC,
Personal Image Consultant
