Two Winter Coats

When I was thinking about what a person might need in their winter wardrobe (which for my mental state clicks over once we reach December, if not before based on temperature drops and snowfall), I thought about the coat issue. What is the coat issue? It is the necessity of needing multiple coats based on different activities that you will be doing in the winter months. What are these activities? Well, that really depends on whether or not you play outside or have a walking commute to work, or really any outdoor activities.

THE DRESS COAT

Everyone needs a fall/winter dress coat. Something that works with almost everything in their wardrobe, but is heavy enough that it keeps you warm whether you're wearing a dress, skirt, or pants. I like to go with a navy or tan coat for this because these are transitional colors that work in multiple seasons and with almost everything in your wardrobe. For something classic like this I like Boden, USA. This company knows how to do a great structured classic coat. The pockets all function, the buttons are well sewn, and the material is stellar. Pick a silhouette that works for you in a navy or a camel and you're good for years in this department.

BONUS DRESS COAT

This would be something truly spectacular. Something like a faux fur jacket, or something with an amazing design. It is still important that it keeps you warm, but it will dress up and take your outfit to that next level for outings such as: concerts, ballet/opera outings, and holiday parties for work. My personal favorite for winter is a faux fur option. I've never been able to find one, until this year. Evereve, again, magically had the exact right option for me. This jacket is everything you could wish for. Even though the "fur" is in a horizontal pattern, it doesn't make you look wider. The faux fur is excellent quality and not scary, and the hood is a great detail. When I tried it on I was wearing workout gear and it looked fabulous. So I could potentially wear this with anything depending on my mood.

PRACTICAL PUFFER

If you live in the midwest you have to have a puffer coat. These coats come in a variety of fillings from polyester to down feathers. Get the best one you can afford because it will be your work horse coat this season. I like to get this in a neutral as well. For me, winter means black, so I like a black puffer. I also like a long puffer to cover as much of my body as possible. Playing with the kiddos outside means I need to be prepared with snow pants, etc. But a nice long puffer is essential for those truly cold winter days. I bought mine from Duluth Trading Company several years ago and it is still functioning great. When I worked at Nordstrom, everyone raved about Canada Goose, and I know they use those coats a lot on the Hallmark channel when filming in the cold.

LAST TIP

My last tip for your winter coats is that you have to spend some money in this category so don't feel like you need the best of the best right away. Take is slow, and get one of these coats each year. If you buy smart you will be using these coats for years to come. They will wear well, keep you warm, and handle cleaning at the end of the season. Enjoy shopping!