What's Your Criteria for Buying a New Winter Coat?
by Nana at November 4, 2009, 3:09 PM
Let's be real. A good winter coat is an investment that requires a lot of thought. But if you choose wisely, the coat will last forever and remain trend-relevant for seasons to come. Here's my criteria for buying a new coat:
1. It has to go with my boots/shoes
Even though you shed your coat once you come in from the cold, outside, your coat is part of your outfit -- which is why it's critical to pick wisely. I have a really diverse collection of shoes: everything from crazy high 5" Balenciaga platforms, to sunshine-yellow ankle booties, to everyday flat boots, so I try to find a coat that will transition smoothly from high fashion to low-maintenance. I find that leather jackets, peacoats, and belted puffers make the switch best.
2. It has to have at least one look-at-me detail
A good coat can last forever so it only makes sense to invest in a new one if there's something special about it. I look for details that upgrade the coat from cool to drool e.g. buttons (vintage-looking, colored, toggles, interesting shapes = LOVE); prints & patterns (herringbone, houndstooth, striped, plaid, quilted, unusual = HAUTE); shape (right now I'm really feeling funnel necks).
3. It has to be WARM
I am (almost) past the stage where I'll freeze for fashion. I do not play around with NYC winters so I go for coats that button/zip all the way up the neck (hence, my interest in the funnel neck coat). The coat should also be in a brrr-fighting fabric like wool, cashmere, down, shearling, or fully-lined leather.
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