Girl Next Door / November 2011 / Five of the Best Winter Coats

Nov 9, 201111:52 PMGirl Next Door

Five of the Best Winter Coats

 

For some people it's handbags, for other people it's shoes. Every fashionista has one obsession that goes beyond any other. One thing that they can't stop buying, even when they know they don't really need any more. Something that they gravitate towards in the store, despite telling themselves a thousand times that they have enough. For me, that thing is coats.

As a teenager, I went to Catholic school, and of course, being British, we had a school uniform. Mine was particularly vile- ugly navy pleated skirt, shirt (which always had to be tucked in), long, striped tie and boxy blazer- so a cute coat was the only way to customize your uniform. I remember the long, white fur-hooded coat I loved when I was 14, and the pale pink parka from when I was 12. In my final years of school I abandoned my coats in favour of a grungy, over-sized My Chemical Romance hoodie, but that's another story.

These days I own two trench coats, one bright yellow coat, one bright pink coat, one bright blue coat, a black coat, a fur coat, a short military coat and an adorable red duffle coat. And I have a tan Princess coat with a fur collar waiting for me on Christmas day. Excessive, perhaps, but hear me out. Come winter, your coat becomes a second skin. When you're out-and-about you might as well be naked underneath (thought I wouldn't advise it in snowy Minnesota), your coat is all anyone sees. And while one of my teachers one told me “in Minnesota, your coat and boots don't count as part of the outfit”, I always ensured my coat was co-ordinated. See, I am an easily-bored creature. I can't be accepted to commit to just one coat all winter, so I have a variety. Some days I feel like standing out in a bright-pink, long cosy coat, other days I want to be glamourous in a short fur number.

Admittedly, I am back in the UK this year, so my need for a knee-length, quilted North Face number has diminished significantly, and I completely accept that warmth is a big factor in a Minnesotan winter, but hey, I did it and looked stylish along the way (I did actually buy a “proper” winter jacket while I lived in Minnesota. I wore it twice. Faux fur will always prevail).But if you're willing to sacrifice (only a little) warmth for style this season, here are my favourite winter coats.

 

1. Cape

   I am yet to find the perfect cape (they tend to make me look like a giant tent), but I have seen so many girls rocking these cosy, wearable blankets. Go plain or chose a gorgeous plaid number for extra style points. Don't forget long gloves!!

2. Duffle Coat

   Duffle coats have an adorable laid-back quality, and seem synonymous with British style over here. Choose a bright colour for extra cute points.

3. Princess Coat

   I love Princess coats- nipped in waists and flared skirt styles are always going to be flattering. These look as great in neutrals as in bright colours. Fur collars or button details are a great touch.

4. Faux fur

   I adore my faux-fur coat. So warm and snuggly and perfectly stylish. Try vintage and second-hand shops for a bargain.

5. Bright bright bright

   If you only get one new coat this year, pick something bright and fun. It will always be a great pick-me-up on a cold day.