I consider myself a coat afficianado, a collector, even an expert if I may be so immodest as to say. Living in the Pacific Northwest all of my life I have had to become one. And being a fashion lover, well...coats figure prominently in fashion up here.
And a girl needs to have more than one, heavens! Having one coat is like having one piece of clothing that you wear day after day. No, a girl needs a selection of coats, to fit her moods whatever the weather. She needs a way to stay warm and dry, bien sur. But she also needs a way to express herself. To make a statement even when the rain pours down and the wind is bitter cold. Enter: The Statement Coat.
It is a world of cool out there in coat land, my friends. These days you can find coats made from any cloth, and inspired by any decade. You have your classic trenches, updated. Your peacoats and overcoats. Your vintage coats, your sweater coats. This season we're seeing a new kind of bomber jacket and the poncho is definitely back.
Coats follow different rules than outfits. They are a one-piece wonder to wear in-between places. So you just slip it on and slip it off. It is like a big reveal. It is like James Brown's cape when he comes on stage and his attendant whips it off to reveal...well, ok I'm going out on a limb there. But you get the idea: the coat is the packaging. It is the armor, the shell, the protective layer, and the first thing everyone sees.
Although a bold coat (whether by color or design) has a strong voice, it is always a versatile item. Almost without exception a coat can be styled in many ways. A poncho can be worn with a skirt. A cashmere coat can be worn with distressed boyfriend jeans. Dress it up or down, coats are a great investment for many reasons. They are ultimately practical. Pockets, hoods, zippers, linings, who needs an umbrella or a purse? They are made to last. I have and wear coats from ten years ago that look like new. (almost). I will pull out a great wool coat I got years ago and try it with a new pair of jeans. Still so cute!
So fear not the change of the seasons, don't quail in the face of a storm, look forward to the occasions where you can rock your coat wardrobe. It's our favorite time of year! xoxo
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