The only good thing about Fall and Winter is the search for the perfect coat.
Autumn 2007 has arrived and with it wet evenings and cooler temperatures. The perfect excuse to find a new coat and begin wearing scarves again, one of my favourite fashion accessories for those blustery, hot cocoa sipping days. And as the one I select tends to take center stage as my chilly weather fashion statement, I want a coat that enhances that look but doesn’t overpower it.
My scarves change more often that my moods, with the colour or fabric selected giving accent or contrast to what I plan to wear for the day. Because of this, my coats are almost always basic black; the better to show off a pair of strappy tango shoes or a new chili pepper red handbag.
Black works for women like me because it can be both bold and elegant, and sometimes even playful or romantic, depending on what it is partnered with. Black is also a versatile colour for winter because it matches perfectly with the season's colour palette, accenting the warmer tones most women tend to wear during colder weather. With skirts and pants in dove greys, winter white or this year’s fire engine red, black is a sleek fail-safe colour that never disappoints.
This year I wanted a coat that would make a more personal statement about me, yet still maintain a slightly sedate profile to my accessories. As good coat is a financial investment and because its not practical to change it as frequently as I do my scarves, it also had to be one that was as comfortable as possible, versatile for day or evening wear and one that I would enjoy wearing again and again.
Because of where I live, I need a coat that is impervious to wind and rain but that also provides that added jolt of vivacious energy, or perhaps even a little envy on those dark and gloomy winter days of dull skies and bundled up monotony. With that in mind, a warm wool coat in classic lines that accented my high-heeled boots was just what this fashionista’s doctor ordered. At work I often choose lighter sportswear, with my everyday wardrobe centering on a basic black turtleneck atop deep indigo denim or straight black pants. My new wool coat gives me a professional silhouette, one that envelopes me and says I am elegant, but take me seriously.
If you too are shopping for a coat this season be sure to check-out the vintage elements that are popping up everywhere. With 1930’s and 40's cuts to choose from these retro styled collections add a bit of whimsy to your wet weather wardrobe. Some are even finished with embroidery, brocades or beading lending a subtly romantic note to a winter wear staple that will make any woman feel like a sophisticate for the day.
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