In a country where winter and cold occupies around seventy-five per cent of the year, trapping warmth around your body when out, is essential. Doing so and remaining sensational and stylish, well, that does have its challenges.
Because the two (warm and stylish) in a coat don't necessarily go together. How many times have you seen a coat, loved the threads off it, it'll cost you one of your arms and possibly a leg too but offers no warmth for the remaining limb or legs? How many times? Or you've got warmth, but the styling is more seventeen-year-old teenagers?
A good winter coat for me centres around beautiful tailoring and shaping for sure. The functionality to keep me warm is essential, though I am finding this is becoming less and less so. Pockets are a definite godsend, fashionable an added bonus and compliments while wearing it, manna.
Well, I don't promise to have the fix of fashion styling and warmth but I've curated a list of coats that keep me warm, keep me looking fashionable and continue to garner me compliments.
Kaliko - A Winter's Staple
If a good coat is essential, this coat is it. This Kaliko coat and I have been in a long-term relationship. Kaliko was an occasion wear brand, was because the company no longer exists. I cannot pinpoint how long I've had this coat, but it is nearly as old as my daughter.
It's seen me to the office, after-work drinks with friends, the two-exes-ago distant cousin's wedding reception and walks on the coast. That it remains my go-to winter coat for when nothing else would do, says it all.
A timeless coat that has survived the seasons, years, wear, tear and manages never to look outdated. Marries a simple design and beautiful tailoring with functionality. Unbuttoned, its relaxed styling serves as a wrap coat too, where the belt cinches it all together at the waist. It moves with me with ease.
Now when they made clothing as good as, and long-lasting as, it is no wonder they went out of business.
I am not yet ready to replace this coat, but Hobbs has something similar in their Gerrie Wrap Coat if I were to.
Style: Wrap over lapels, single-breasted, removable belt, slanted pockets, Investment
Ratings - Fit: 5 out of 5 / Quality: 5 out of 5 / Value for Money: 5 out of 5 / Style: 5 out of 5 / Material: 5 out of 5
Zara - Winter Classic
It is the cut of this one for me, a tailored, slim feminine silhouette. The classic cream, worn with anything, to any engagement, night or day. For an effortless winter day look, unbelted and only two buttons down the front, it is often worn open on less cold winter days, layered over a contrasting colour block oversized scarf, that too from Zara.
Sleek and stylish, the black buttoned sleeves offer a timeless look. This style too, is often seen on Zara's men's coats.
With its ease of style and versatility, this Zara coat has also, become a wardrobe favourite.
Style: Single-breasted, Regular length, contrasting collar
Ratings - Fit: 5 out of 5 / Quality: 5 out of 5 / Value for Money: 5 out of 5 / Style: 5 out of 5 / Material: 5 out of 5
Next - Dopamine in a Coat
Stylish and vibrant, that's this coat. Crafted from super comfortable fabric and ooh-so soft hand feel too. Nicely padded, it is warm. You feel the heat gathering immediately after putting it on. And with enough room to wear over a thick jumper, makes it ideal for buttoning into on those truly colder days.
The colour, energy giving, this is all the fun in the fairground outerwear. It is certain to catch all the eyes. As well as it's hot pink, it's outsized revere collar pops too.
This Next Single Breasted Button Coat With Quilted Lining runs big, but if you like it as much as I do, it is still available to purchase.
Style: Button fastening cuff, Single breast, hip pockets, quilted lining
Ratings - Fit: 5 out of 5 / Quality: 5 out of 5 / Value for Money: 5 out of 5 / Style: 5 out of 5 / Material: 5 out of 5
Karen Millen - Going Military
Styled with a row of buttons stitched down its double breast, epaulettes and flaps. And while not the signature gold-tone embossed military buttons, this coat manages to throw attention to itself. It sits slim over the body, refusing to hug any curves I may have. And when buttoned up, cuts a little tight across the bust. And, I find the material not so much on the winter warm side.
Looking for a slender silhouette? This KM coat gives that effect.
Buttoned-up, you have that military look.
'Eyes right salute'
Style: Large patch pockets, Wool buckle belted, longline, epaulettes, hook and bar closure at the neck
Ratings - Fit: 4 out of 5 / Quality: 4 out of 5 / Value for Money: 3 out of 5 / Style: 4 out of 5 / Material: 3 out of 5
Hobbs - Signature Pattern On
I was forever stealing glances at this one. You know, like the hottie that recently started in the office? The one they put to sit immediately across from you? The one that has you considering breaking all your office rules? Yes, that one. Though, you can't justify it. Then they make it a little too easy to, and Oohhh!
This is the Hobbs Peggy belted. A pattern and colour combination that makes what would have ordinarily been just another simple coat, exciting. Generous pockets and a collar you can wrap your neck in. Although this coat easily becomes a classic, it has one or two drawbacks. First, it is so long that I need to find a tailor to shorten it to a reasonable length. Second, it is not the warmest. I can probably wear it into spring as a trench, making it multi-seasonal.
Despite those, this coat has garnered so many compliments. It'd pay for its tailoring if I put £1 in a jar for every compliment I have received thus far.
I can see it hanging on for the long-term. Can I be in a relationship with two coats? Time will tell.
Style: Double-breast, oversized collar, belted waist, slanted pockets, Full length, large lapel
Ratings - Fit: 4 out of 5 / Quality: 5 out of 5 / Value for Money: 3 out of 5 / Style: 5 out of 5 / Material: 4 out of 5
Well, we are in the middle of March with the temperatures out, equating to the that of my fridge freezer. But spring can wait so I get maximum wearing out of these winter coats.
But what are you wearing as outerwear now? Have you gone over to spring jackets yet?
