Fashion Friday Coat Conundrum

Since we are so close to winter I figured a good coat conundrum was in order. Do you know what type of coat you’ll be wearing this winter!?!?  I’ve decided to go ahead and just list down a couple of tips and info about some of my favorite coats to help you make the proper decision!

Fabrics/Finishes

-Leather/Vinyl:  Often a classic finish to most outer wear, whether it’s a side button, military or a trench.  Obviously I’m not lumping the quality of leather together with vinyl, but a lot of synthetic leathers of been developed so well that most on lookers can be fooled.  Although a real leather jacket might cost a pretty penny, you can’t beat the quality!

-Satin Finish:  A trendier look, often made of a synthetic fiber like vinyl, this finish usually has any where from low luster sheen to a high shine, although not to be confused with pleather! This finish is great for trench coats, tailcoats, and short length peacoats.  Another great quality about this is that most of the synthetic materials in a satin finish tend to reflect and deter rain much better than its counterparts.

-Wool/Cashmere:  A classic winter look would of course be coats made from wool and cashmere.  And this warm, soft and often times luxurious looking fabric can be done in a variety of coats, the most traditional being the peacoat, but also has been done in a poncho style, a cloak, a cocoon or just fashioned into a cable knit sweater.

-Fur:  The ONLY time fur should be used is if it is synthetic fur (faux fur) or it is vintage.  I don’t believe in supporting companies who still slaughter animals solely for their pelts.

Lengths

Long:  When a coat is long it tends to project a more winter look, as well as a very chic one.  Take most long coats which would be trench coats, overcoats, dusters and swaggers.  All are long, and all look extremely chic regardless of what you are wearing it with.

Mid Length:  Cocoons, blankets, wraps, ponchos and cable knits are usually a more of the season feel.  Usually there will be a hot mid length coat in season to wear, although cocoons are quickly becoming a “classic” coat.

Short:  Cropped wraps, tailcoats and short military’s tend to be edgier looks, used to spice an outfit up.  They do this because shorter coats in the winter tend to be more of a fashion statement then a staple.

Now for my top three picks for this season.  I’m going to give you an anywhere winter coat, an “every mom’s” coat, and an edgy coat, go out, try the styles on, have fun and see which ones you fall in love with!

Styles

Anywhere Winter Coat:  It has to be the peacoat, I don’t care who you are the classic double breasted pea coat looks amazing on almost every body type!  Of course, choose length per taste but this coat can be worn from lunch to dinner, when done in the right color of course, I always suggest a crème or grey, if you’re daring try a red or navy blue! I chose to show pink in honor of Pinktober. Don't forget Breast Cancer awareness month in Now!

Every Mom’s Coat:  The trench can be done in different lengths, but this style of jacket will never go out of style!  The great thing about it is that it tends to be a rain shield which means it’s great for the wet season AND you guessed it, great for deterring all kinds of baby/toddler stains, not only that it keeps you the most dry out of all the coats, and tends to have more pockets, that means room for keys, wallet, baby wipes, you name it!

Edgy Coat:  My edgy coat selection has to be the cape!  It is going to be huge this season, and it comes in so many different styles, from a center closure straight up the front, to shoulder clips, to an angled closure.  It’s great for making any outfit look instantly trendy or high fashion.  They come in an assortment of fabrics from cottons, to wools, to cashmeres and they are easily wearable.  Some strictly lay over the shoulder while others have arm holes for you to place your arms through.

Well there you have it.  There’s a coat conundrum for you.  I hope all you mothers out there have a great time getting out there and trying on new coats to heat up your winter looks! Stay Fabulous- 

Brandon