Hello Dear Reader,

 

It has been a while but I come to you with an essential element of changing weather dressing. The magnificent coat. Now for many of us it may just be a way to stay warm and dry during these volatile months; however once again a utilitarian object can become a distinct and personality driven piece of your wardrobe.

Truth be told this time of year is like candy to me. Sweaters come out, coats become a staple and boots are plentiful. To be honest however some of the excitement for me is tempered by the fact that I rarely get cold until it is true winter. So layering sweaters with coats is difficult. I tend to stick with light layering when donning a heavier winter coat. Regardless, I love coats. The different styles, textures, colors, weather-proof, and accessories just sends me into a tizzy of thrills. As follows are some the newest coats available from lighter layers for that too warm bus commute, to heavier anoraks ready for fall morning treks with the dog.

 

Coats

 

Checkered Menswear:

This beauty is already in my closet, for me it hits the perfect note of menswear and tailoring with the sophistication and practical nature of a commuting professional woman on the go. The "boyfriend" style of coat has been a big hit this season along with its more open and over sized friends that are a handy way *wink* to shop straight size for a coat. Check out the post on shopping plus size in non-plus stores, word of advice though for coats, try on and buy in store as sizing in coats is kinda wacky.

The Perfect Parka:

Okay now not only is this a pretty affordable winter staple it also does a great job of taking the classic parka coat, and adding some density for warmth without compromising shape. Those drawstrings can pull in to create a great hourglass shape to accentuate in all the right place. This allows for shapeless puffer coats to move aside as this figure enhancing beauty takes center stage on your morning jaunts with the dogs, or early morning school run. No compromising of shape and style necessary just to stay warm.

The Fur Monster:

If you saw my last post about how to wear difficult new trends, then you saw that crazy colored faux fur was back for this season. So I would be reminisce to not entice you to go a little crazy and throw on this cotton candy confection over your LBD with tights when going to hit the bars with your friends. It's warm and a conversation starter! You can try a more natural or neutral tone as well if you want to start out slower, or its a better fit with you're wardrobe.

Take me to the 60's:

For the last few fall/winter seasons, nicely tailored coats sans collars (aka Twiggy Style) have been running around offering beautiful texture, color and pattern options to liven up your outerwear. The one I chose is not only a beautiful color, but with the lack of collar, scarves and accessories can take center stage. This is not a curve accentuating silhouette so be mindful that it does create a more rectangular look, but a sleek one especially because of those princess seams down the front. Since the eye line goes straight up and down without visually cutting the body up, it has the high potential to make a body look long and lean. Also quick side note: Evans was the first plus size store to debut a designer collection at London Fashion week this year in collaboration with several amazing designers. WOOT WOOT! Keep a look out as those collections drop on the website.

Coatigan:

What is a coatigan? Well the child of a coat and a cardigan I suppose. Phenomenal for layering with a thinner overcoat, or if you live in a not so frigid climate during these months a great stand alone; this gorgeous and versatile "coat" can easily transition from fall to winter and into spring. Who doesn't love a piece that can be work 75% of the year?! This pick with a faux fur hood helps with the wind chill, while the knitted material hugs all the right curves giving a beautifully flattering look.

 

Ending words of insight. I know that a lot of winter coats are boxy and shapeless, this does not mean yours has to be. If you have one that is, belt it. It can be your partners leather belt, or a beautiful piece of ribbon, or like the runways, a piece of chiffon. When shopping if you want to create the look of a more defined waist look for coats with tabs, pulls, drawstrings or princess seams that can pull in  the coat literally, or just the eye to create a more hourglass figure if you so desire.  Some coats like the 60's style collarless are meant to be boxy, so play with that, especially for apple shapes cause these silhouette focus attention up to the face and on accessories. So whether you are looking to be daring in fur, or show off your curves in a coatigan this season has a little something for everyone to keep warm in. Let me know what you find! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and share your favorite fall/winter coat(s).

Happy Shopping,

J

 

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