It is currently pouring outside, it is dark and it is cold. It is definitely coat weather! The forecast for this winter is apparently "very cold" so a good winter coat is a must. But what do you choose? Colour, style, price and trendiness are all really important but so is versatility, so where do you start?
If versatility is important, you can consider layering a trench, a bomber, a cardigan coat or a wool coat over a fitted biker jacket for added warmth, or layer them underneath a furry gilet for cosiness.
There are sleeveless coats around, which perhaps initially don't appear to be particularly cosy, but layer it with a chunky knit as the temperature drops for a warm and fashionable look.
Also what colour should you go for? Well, being a Colour Me Beautiful image consultant I would suggest you go for one of your best colours from your colour palette, be it pink or blue or even leopard print. Why disappear in the crowd in black or grey or navy?
So, I've trawled the internet and this is my pick of the best.
First up, J Crew. They have some wonderful coats in some really stand out colours.
This is the Icon trench coat in wool-cashmere, £365
It is available in 4 other colours
Or if belted is not for you, the Regent topcoat in double-serge wool, £350 is also very lovely, and comes in 7 different colours- sorbet, coral, ash, olive, black and acorn.
Or the Regent topcoat in double-serge wool, £350 which again is available in so many different colours. AND it comes in Petite and Tall.
There are many more options at J Crew, so do have a look.
Next up is Boden, which, like J Crew, has different colour options for most of their coats.
This is the Jennie coat which is reduced from £180 to £141 until sunday! This comes in Black, Acorn, Burgundy and Ivory, shown below
Or how about a velvet coat. Reduced from £130 to £104.
Also available in black.
M&S, always the good value option, has some goodies this year.
This one, from the Archive by Alexa range, The Briggate Trench, £89 was so popular that it sold out almost before it hit the shop floor!
For a more classical look, I love this one.
Cashmere faux fur collar coat, £149. Such a wonderful colour and I love the collar.
Or for a more relaxed, weekend look
Padded down filled hooded coat, £99. This is navy but it also available in black.
This looks just like a slightly more expensive brand that I know....
Moncler, Imin hooded down coat, from Matches, £835
Harris Wharf London is a contemporary outerwear brand that has some very beautiful coats.
This is the Oversized Cardi Coat, £270 from Farfetch.com
This is the Cocoon Coat, £338
Structured oversized coat, £367
There are so many amazing coats from Harris Wharf in lots of different colours. It is well worth having a look at the Farfetch website.
At the top end of the high street, there is Joseph. Beautifully tailored coats, but a bit more pricey.
The Single Breasted wool and cashmere coat, £595 comes in red, black , grey or navy. A classic and should last many years.
Or a belted option, for the more curvy figure, the Live wool and cashmere blend coat, £725. It also comes in grey and black
The Kooples currently has 40% off some of its coats. If you are after a parker, look no further.
This is the Long Technical cotton parker with fur hood. Reduced from £585 to £351
Also available in black.
Or for something a bit more classical, the Long Coat from the Kooples with 30% off. Was £595 now £416.50
If you tend to be running around in the rain a lot, or want a stylish look for walking the dogs, have a look at the raincoats from Hunter, £255 and you can get the wellies to match. They offer 11 different colours.
If you are after a more detail in your coat, maybe you'd like these
This one is from Uterque, Long Check Coat, £245
Or this one from M&S, Collared Neck overcoat with wool, £89
Or this oversized coat from Zara, Check Maxi coat, £79.99
Or this from Mango, checked wool blend coat, £139.99. I love the soft grey colour.
Coast has a lovely coat in tweed, which is very on trend. Rhea Mono Coat, £179
Finally I would like to draw your attention to Uniqlo. Probably a lot of you know already, but they do a great range of down coats and jackets. They fold up to nothing, weigh nothing, and come in all different styles and colours. I have several different ones that I wear casually or when its is very cold I can layer them under another coat.
Here is Ultra Light Down Hooded Stretch coat, £79.90. It also comes in grey, black , beige, olive and navy.
I wanted to also discuss shearling coats, but maybe that's for another blog! I have covered a lot here, but I hope it has given you food for thought and some warm ideas for the cold weather.
My styling tip for you is, if you are curvy go for a belted coat, if not a more straight version is better for you. If you have no idea what colour is best for you, come and see me for a colour consultation.
Well it is bonfire night tonight and already the fireworks are lighting up the sky. I am heading out shortly and have a nice warm coat at the ready.
Keep warm.
x