Dos And Don'ts For Outerwear
What are the do's and don'ts of wool coats?
With a wool coat, it's a lot of fabric so you want to make sure that it is something that can still be fitted and that you can fold your arms in front. The length of a wool coat is something that would be really great right below the knee, perhaps mid-calf. Anything longer than that is just too overwhelming.
What are the do's and don's of trench coats?
Now the trench coat is something that is literally on every chic woman's lists as something to have. I totally disagree. A trench coat, to me, is not flattering. I think if you find one early on in life, or when you're older, keep it for the back of your closet, maybe for that fun ride over to your boyfriend or husband's job, work, house, whatever. Other than that, I'm not a big fan of the trench coat. You want one that fits well, collar up, sort of comes in and ties at the waist, in that sexy little wrap, and comes down below the knee or knee length. Other than that, I'm not so into it.
What are the do's and don'ts of winter coats?
For a winter coat, you want to make sure that the material will keep you warm enough, because obviously it's the winter and you want to be insulated. But you're going to be layering a lot to keep that warmth, so you want something that doesn't make you look like the Michelin Man. You really do want to stick to a more fitted jacket. Nothing that's too long so that you're swimming in it, and nothing that's too wide that you look like a marshmallow.
What are the do's and don'ts of pea coats?
Pea coats are such a fun cut. I would say that women should have more a pea coat than a trench coat. A pea coat is sort of an army or sailor inspired coat that has the two panel wide buttons down the front. Pea coats should be fitted well, always with a collarr, and usually a really light wool. They are a terrific fit. I think a pea coat is great for the fall, late spring, and early winter. You want to just make sure that the pea coat fits well. You want to make sure that the arms are hemmed to your desired fit and that it fits over your best frocks, because it is certainly a perfect coat for going out in.
What are the do's and don'ts of spring coats?
For spring coats, there are so many more shapes and sizes that you can play with. This is because it is spring and so you are not so concerned with the cool air. You're just covering up an outfit. It can be something so that the silhouette is almost like a sport jacket or something made of leather, or something that hits at the waist or hits at the hip. It doesn't necessarily have to be that heavy overcoat look. It can be something that is a very light wool.
Leather jackets-a do or a don't?
Leather coats are tricky because they're expensive and they're high maintenance to care for, so they kind of generally sit in the back of your closet. But I think a good leather jacket is one that's fitted almost like a sports coat. When you find one that is really fitted to a woman's hourglass silhouette, it's one that you should keep. That's a cute leather jacket that looks almost like a suit jacket, but it's leather - that's a great fit and that's a great cut. Otherwise, maybe you do give it up to goodwill and say goodbye to the leather.
Barn jackets-a do or a don't?
A barn jacket isn't a very flattering fit. It's just not. I can see a Martha Stewart wearing it, or, in fact, my mother, but when you're wearing a barn jacket, if you must have one, make sure it's of light fabric. Get your insulation in, but make sure it's of light fabric because there is no shape to that jacket. It's pure square, boxy, that's it. So really when you're wearing it, maybe you pair it with a pair of slim pants and flats because it is a hard, it's a hard piece to work around.
Sweater coats-a do or a don't?
Ladies, now I know you look at a sweater coat and say, 'Wow, that really looks comfortable.' And although it is, it's fit for a muppet! It looks like Grover. Sweater coats should be left to the lists of things that go to Goodwill. This is something that was in several years ago, and should stay there ladies. I know it looks comfortable. I know it's perfect for a rainy day, but it's just got to go.
