After a few posts discouraging everyone to shop mindlessly, I thought it is only fair to do a few posts on investment pieces. First up is Outer Wear.
A winter coat - along with boots and a new handbag - tends to be among the most expensive purchases we make throughout the year. This is not an item to skim on. This is an essential in your wardrobe, especially if you live in a place with strong/harsh winter. This purchase should not be rushed into. It demands quality and hence often the price tag that comes with it.
What do you own already?
Look at the coats you already own. Everyone needs a simple coat in a relatively neutral color; something classic that can be worn with everything. The best colors are black, gray, camel or navy as they will not date and are easily styled.
If you already have your basic, everyday coat and it doesn't need updating, think about investing in something different, like a bright color or a print that you love.
The cut and fit
Much like choosing a color, you also want to think about the cut and fit. It's good to have something quite tailored and smart in your coat arsenal. It's also quite nice to have something a little more slouchy, like a wrap style. These are ideal for weekends over jumpers, jeans and trainers.
When looking at the fit, always consider what you will be wearing underneath. I often size up in a coat many a time, like the one featured in this very post. If you're shopping when isn't that cold, you'll more than likely be wearing something light, but by the time you go to wear your new coat, you'll be hoping to layer it over cosy knits and chunky jumpers, so you want to make sure you have room. My advice? When trying on in-store, grab a thick jumper off the rails to try on underneath so you have a better idea of exactly what size you need.
Which fabrics?
Whatever your budget, try to stick to good quality fabrics. This isn't a purchase most people make every year. Instead we tend to wear our coats for a number of seasons. So try your best to save up and invest in something good quality. Harper Coats is a brand that I have recently discovered. They are a new line of completely machine-washable, makeup-proof winter coats! Harper’s oversized cocoon hoods and extra-wide collars won’t brush against your face (or ruin your hair). Plus, every style is $350 or less, cruelty-free and PETA-approved.Finally ...Ever since I moved to this place where eight out of twelve months of the year fall between cold-to-frigid cold, I quickly learned that I must invest in some light to heavy jackets and coats. Without a good coat you soon realize that stepping out is a punishment. You can skimp on other things in your wardrobe up not having a good coat will make to run back-in so fast and you'd never think to step-out again. Also, sartorially speaking when outer layer is what you live-in most days, you want it to be functional as well as fashionable.[ Related: Why You Should Invest In Solid Colors ]
Coat c/o Harper Coats
