The chill in the air is undeniable at this stage; all over the country coats are being pulled from the back of wardrobes or off the racks of shop floors. If you are buying, the coat you choose is important. You will be spending 90 per cent of the next few months in this garment and there are quite a few boxes for it to tick.
Warmth
First off- is it warm? This hardly needs to be stated but does the garment actually do its primary job in keeping the cold off? Quite a few of the styles in shops at the moment, the duster coat for example, look great but are unfortunately made of light materials that don't succeed in simply keeping you warm. Maybe I'm wrong but I think if I have to wear two jumpers under my coat, I've wasted my money. (Left: Asos midi coat €135.72)
Rain
Other elements need to be considered too; does the coat have a hood? There is nothing worse than getting caught in the rain and having nothing to pull over your hair. This issue can be resolved by keeping a hat or scarf in your bag, but again, why shouldn’t the coat do it all? Wool coats can also be frustrating in this scenario, there is nothing worse than smelling of wet dog when you arrive at a meeting or night out.
Oversize
In terms of styles, this season the world is your winter coat oyster. Oversize is a big trend; think bat wings, a tapered neck, large lapels and room to swing a cat; a boyfriend blazer if your boyfriend played for the Irish rugby team. These coats are appearing in all sorts of colours and materials, but pastels seem to be the most popular. This look flatters most figures but be careful to balance your outfit out with a more fitted trouser or skirt. (Left: Pink two toned oversized coat River Island €120)
Military
If you prefer a figure hugging look, do not despair. Tailored coats can be found on most shop floors. Many of these coats mirror military style; they feature detailing like buttons and zips and are usually full length. They’re great for tall ladies, but if you are a little shorter, find a version that hits just above the knee rather than the calf, to help elongate your figure.
Classic
The classic mac is always a good investment, especially in camel, and will always appear on shop floors. With the help of a belt this coast can create a waist to die for.
Finally, faux fur is a firm favourite this season. Gilets, collars and linings are an easy way to introduce fur to the everyday wardrobe. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, a full fur coat will never be out of style and is undoubtedly the best way to stay warm. This season, my absolute favourite is this black and white version from asos. (Left: Asos faux fur coat in mono print, €121.43)
