Baby its cold outside, which means it’s time to get yourself a perfect winter coat, not only to keep you cosy in the cold weather but also to make you look ever so stylish.
Purchasing your coat shouldn’t be spontaneous; you should spend time thinking about what exactly it is that you’re looking for. Also, bearing in mind that snow is not unheard of in Leeds; your coat should be practical as well as ooze effortless style.
The fashion focus point for AW13 is undoubtedly the coat. With so many styles on offer this year, it is key that you choose the one that best suits your shape:
Tall
Coats are your best friend! Almost any style will suit you, from over-sized and unstructured to belted with high collars. If you’re very tall (and very brave) dramatic long coats are the ones that only your shape can totally rock. Look out for parka jackets; they are always crowd-pleasers and the perfect winter warmers.
Plus Size
Avoid nipped waists and coats that are made from sheepskin, as well as puffa jackets. Straight, A-line styles best suit your frame. Look for hip-length or longer options that are single-breasted. Lightweight trench coats and waterfall jackets are the key trends for you this winter.
Petite
If you’re less than 5’4” you should buy a coat in a petite size and it should be no longer than the knee. Subtle, fitted and belted are the keywords to bear in mind when looking for your coat. Look for hip-length fur jackets that are a super cute style this AW13.
Hourglass
Open-neck and belted will flatter your figure, as will nipped jackets as they hug your shape in all the right places. Stay away from shapeless coats that look slouchy. Hourglass figures do miss out on one key trend this season, the boyfriend coat, but belted trench coats that are just as hot right now are perfect for your shape.
Boyish
In past seasons your best option would have been something waist-defining, but not this year. Your frame works perfectly with the hottest style for AW13, the boyfriend coat. However, if you do want to create a more feminine silhouette, look for styles that are tailored and short.
We are students so it’s all about the price. How do you know how much you need to spend? Well, you should buy the most flattering coat; not necessarily with the most expensive price-tag but with a price you think matches the coat’s quality. Your coat will be the piece you’ll wear the most this winter, so it has to be durable. Is it not better to spend a little more now and have the coat last you a few years rather than purchasing the cheapest, purely because it’s cheap? The way to look at it is its ‘per-wear ratio’. For example, a coat that costs £100 worn from October to March on average 4 times per week = a very reasonable 96p every wear!
Colour and Care
This year pastel colours are the most desirable, with dusky pinks and baby blues taking over the fashion scene. However, despite the trends in colour and pattern this season, bear in mind that if you’re looking for an investment your coat should be classic, something that will transcend the changing trends and last you years. Colours to look for should be black, grey, navy and red, ones that don’t date.
Finally, your coat needs TLC. Taking care of it is key to the investment. You should dry-clean if possible, but if machine-washing saves you money you should wash it separately, paying close attention to the instructions on the label. Also be sure to hang your coat on a hanger rather than a hook on the back of your door! The coat’s shape will last for longer meaning it won’t look worn.
So this season, make sure you choose the right coat for your shape. Use this as your guide and you’ll soon find that the perfect option is out there waiting for you on the high street right now.
Image Sources:
1: http://www.hm.com/gb/department/LADIES
2: http://www.riverisland.com/
3: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens_10002
4: http://shop.mango.com/preHome.faces;jsessionid=F28F14711C99864779F78D2AB528206F
Meg McWhinney