As October rolls around so unexpectedly, I’ve begun shopping for all things fall. Living in PNW, one of the most worn items in my fall, winter and spring closet has got to be a coat. The weather here is often chilly and wet, so a coat is the perfect layer to fight off that rain and stay warm. With my years of experience in choosing coats, I am going to summarize a few things that I look for when adding that new coat to my collection.
WHAT KIND OF SHOULDER STYLE DO YOU LIKE?
I always start with the shoulder style of the coat. Do I want the structured shoulder style, drop shoulder or no shoulder seam at all? After lots of trial-and-error attempts, I realize I am much more comfortable in coats that have drop-shoulder or no shoulder seam, But that’s me, you do you. It would depend on your outfit style, lifestyle and the type of occasion the coats are for.
Structured shoulders:
Coats with structured shoulders give a more formal and less casual look. If you work in a professional setting or in an office that requires formal wear, I’d go for coats with structured shoulder seam line that gives you a sharp look. Coats like these are an instant outfit completer. They cover up whatever you wear and immediately make you feel like you can take on the world. Choosing the right coat will make you look stylish and current, while maintaining professional appearances.
Drop-shoulder:
Definitely my fav out of all three options! Drop-shoulder coat is the forever staple item in a casual wardrobe. From running errands, brunch dates to park strolls, these coats are perfect for the occasion. I also love that there is more room in the shoulder with drop-shoulder coats. It’s just more comfortable with more mobility.
No shoulder seam:
This robe style coat, with no visible/obvious shoulder seam, is also a great everyday casual wear. They generally come with a waist tie to complete the robe look. Some coats come with extra flowly fabric at the front that looks like a waterfall – these waterfall coats have a feminine vibe that classic robe style coats don’t have.
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THE LENGTH OF YOUR NEW COAT?
Length, length, length. How long do you want your coat? Warmth is a factor but so is style. Being petite, I pay attention to length every time I shop, no matter what I buy. When a coat is long and boxy, I look like I am swimming in it. That’s not to say we petite girls can’t rock long coats. For long coats (longer than mid-calf), wearing heels will give you the extra oomph you need to bring the right proportion to the outfit. I generally stick to sneakers and flats so I look for coats that hit between my knee and mid-calf.
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WHAT KIND OF FABRIC DO YOU WANT?
There are mainly three types of fabric for coats – polyester/nylon, wool and cashmere. Most times it’s a blend of these fabrics. Polyester coats are sturdy, low maintenance, widely available and have the lowest price point, though they are the least sustainable choice of fabric. Cashmere coats offer the highest quality and warmth, at the same time the highest price point. Wool is in the middle of these two in terms of warmth and price. In terms of sustainability, it’s better to go with natural fabric (cashmere and wool) as they decompose much easier.
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You may have noticed that I haven’t listed BUDGET as one of the factors in consideration. There are so many options on the market that you can find what you are looking for with any budget. Obviously cashmere coats cost more but wool/polyester coats can be just as warm and look just as good.
There are other things in a coat to differentiate one from another, such as button styles and colors. But I consider the above three things most important when sifting through a sea of coats from different stores. What about you? What do you consider when you search for in a coat to add to your wardrobe?
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