HOW TO SHOP FOR COATS

Coats are the most elegant outerwear one could wear during fall or winter. Besides coats, the only outerwear you can wear is casual jackets, which are not really graceful especially for corporate settings. That makes it difficult to stay elegant and dressy during winter times for the business executives, corporate ladies, boss babes and anyone who needs to look refined and dignified.

But, shopping for coats is not a walk in the park. Especially if you have no idea what you are looking for. They do not come cheap and there are many variations to coats. The options are too many that you really have to strategise your purchases before you hop to the shopping mall or before you start loading the online shopping cart. So I want you to buy coats that you will feel good in and a coats that will serve you for a lifetime. This is the only way to build your coat collection, a collection with a wide range of coats. You will not build one if you constantly have to re-purchase the same coats every year. See coats as investments, because they really are.

So to help you find the perfect coats, here are some things you need to consider when go coat shopping:

Colour

You don’t have to wear only black coats and I would love to get people into more colourful coats.

Black is always the best colour to start with because of its versatility.

Carmel is the next best colour because being a neutral colour, it will work where black is too harsh, eg with brown, orange, blue clothes.

White or cream is luxe looking. Once you have it in your wardrobe, you are suddenly wearing it on a lot of occasions.  And yes, you can wear white coats in winter.

A coat in at least one of your best colours, based on your skin undertones. These make you look radiant healthy and fabulous.

Loose or fitted

A fitted coat
Is more formal whilst a loose coat is more casual. Buy a fitted one first if your figure allows. O shapes should avoid fitted coats and opt for more of a loose fitting especially around the mid-section.

Loose coat – If you are an O shape, or your work dress code and/or personal style is more laid back, then you are better off with a loose coat.

Length of the coat

Short coat
Usually finishes just below the bottom/bums. Great for the petite, as well as average height or climates that do not get super cold. I wouldn’t recommend this as a first buy because it is a bit casual.

Mid length coat
Also known as Mid thigh coats. Are good for the more petite and where you want more length for warmth, but not so long they overwhelm your frame.

¾ length coat
Sits just above the knee. Is flattering for most average height people. The most popular one and a good one to start with if you are on a tight budget.  It is a safe bet. It can cater for all types of occasions. Daytime or evening it works fine.

If you are petite a slightly shorter (medium length) coat is often better.

Long coat
Longer than knee length. Work best for tall ladies. They are best when shaped at the waist (not necessarily belted) to create a flattering silhouette. Work best with formal outfits. If you wear long dresses, then you definitely have to have a long coat. You don’t want to have a coat that is shorter than your dress. Even with trousers, having a long coat just makes it look very sophisticated and chic. In fact, they offer maximum versatility. You can easily pair with dresses, pants, jeans and, leggings and are great for both evening and daytime.

Longer coats work best for taller people, shorter coats on shorter people. Along with the length of the coat, remember to consider the shape and the position of the pockets. If you have wider hips and do not want to draw attention to them, avoid coats with big pockets on the hips.

The thickness/Fabric

Here you need to take into account the weather conditions in your country. How ruthless does the winter get. There are thin coats like trench coats, velvet  coats or wool coats and very heavy coats.

Stiff fabrics stand out and make you look larger. Very heavy or bulky coats will make a petite person look swamped.

Belt or no belt

A belted one is more flattering for most women as it gives some waist definition. However, you can also do without a belt. If you do not have a defined waist, avoid belted coats.

Buttons

Single button – More versatile and looks more elegant but its not as warm as the double breasted.Double breasted- If you are trying to dress for harsh freezing climates.If you have a larger bust, look for a coat with a lower opening, rather than one that does up high.

As you can see, you really have different options so you have to strategise according to your needs, functionality, your personal style, body shape and the occasion. I hope the factors that I have listed above will make your next purchase for coats a lot easier and  enjoyable.

Stay safe and Stay warm!

PS: All costs are currently available at Zara stores . Click HERE for ZARA.