Fall Fashion Must-have # 3: The Classic Winter Coat

It's November Dahlings, can you believe it! Aside from it being Turkey month and the official start of the holiday season, did you know November is a great time to buy a winter coat? Bet ya didn't know that. Well the absolute best time  is off season during the Summer and Spring months. But in Fall, not winter, the stores are still offering great deals. With my upcoming trip to Amsterdam in three weeks, now is the perfect time for me to start thinking of a shopping excursion to find a new winter coat that is both high on style yet warm enough to help me brave the dreary weather.

And so the Fall Fashion must have list continues with the very essential winter coat. The right coat has to make a strong first and last impression.  Besides being practical, the right coat can instantly boost your style quotient pulling your look together in snap. If you're thinking about buying a coat in the near future keep these tips in mind.

The Cut

 Essentially we want to stay away from the frumpy boxy look. The most classic style ever is the universal single breasted A-line shape, flaring out slightly from under the arms to the hem. It can either be single or double breasted and works best for girls with fuller bottoms.

The belted coat is another great look ( sort of resembles a trench coat but in a heavier wool). This style emphasizes your waist and works well for girls with fuller busts and those with  curvy hour glass figures.

Another version of the belted coat is the robe other wise known as the wrap coat, which works well for fuller curvier girls. The open collar on this coat will draw attention to your neckline. A single button and tie will accent your curves pefectly.The double breasted pea coat is another classic but better suited for girls who aren't too busty or have longer boyish bodies.

My favorite is the military style ( very in this season) for it's charm, impact and more structured feel. The trick with this coat is to make sure that there aren't too many buttons and other military details to ensure it's longevity and keep it from looking too trendy.

When it comes to length, knee length is always in style and works well with just about everything in your closet. And be sure to select durable fabrics like cashmere- and alpaca-wool blends, or newer high quality synthetic blend fabrics.

The Fit

What's most important when buying a coat is the fit. Don't forget to do the reach and lift test. Reach for something or pick your bag and throw it over your shoulder to test for ease and tightness of the shoulders and back. Make sure the shoulder line meets the edge of your shoulders. If the shoulder doesn't reach the edge then go for a bigger size, if the shoulder goes pass the edge, you need a smaller size. And don't forget the sleeves; the length should clear the top of your hand.

Side note: Sometimes you may come across the perfect coat but just need to customize it a little bit. I once tried on a camel wool coat at J.Crew that fit me perfectly in the shoulders but was bit too roomy for my frame. I purchased it  because it was a steal and took it to my tailor. She nipped in the waist and took up the sleeves and voila! Perfect. That purchase was over 5 years ago and and I still wear the coat every winter. I wouldn't recommend this to everybody but it's always an option for those of us lucky enough to have a great tailor nearby.

If you are petite avoid buying a long or bulky winter coat since it can easily overwhelm your body. Do hit up the petite section for a coat that is at most 3/4 length and that fits you very well to avoid overhelming your frame. Aside from finding the right style and fit, ultimately a coat should keep you warm. Go figure! Buy the coat a size bigger to account for colder days when you will have a cardigan or sweater on underneath.

Color
Stick to neutral colors like black, cream, or camel. Grey is a big color this season but doesn't necessarily flatter every body. Once you have your classic winter coat then you can venture into the bold colors and patterns.

Where to buy

A great coat is easy to find at a the price that you can afford. But do buy the best you can afford- you get what you pay for and the better the quality the longer it will last. You can afford to scrimp with more fashionable styles that will go off-trend in a minute. Some of my favorite places to shop for coats include Banana Republic, J.Crew, Macy's, Gap, Zara Nordstrom's, and Nordstrom's Rack, and  Loehmans for deep discounts.

Final word: The trick to buying a coat that will last year for years is to look for a classic shape with tailoring features like a nipped waist, vertical seams or panels that create a slimming effect. I'm off to search for the perfect coat, dahlings! Stay tuned!