Winter's Best Coats

I don't mean your Sunday best, I mean the best coats for every occasion.

Faux Fur Tiger Print 3/4 length

The wrap coat is very prevalent this season. Have you noticed that fastenings of any kind are either hidden or non-existent? I guess it's the Seventies influence.

Wrap coats come in all varieties of fabric this winter - leather, wool, tweeds, real fur and fake fur - including animal printed fur. Don't be afraid to buy animal prints, because you think it won't be in style next year; much the same as pinstripes, it will always be around.

The good thing about a wrap coat is that it can be worn over anything - a skirt (long or short), or trousers, and it will see you into the evening over your long velvet halter-necks and silver sandals. I can just imagine it now, dashing off from one party to another on New Years Eve.

Why not get a wrap coat with a removable fur collar? Then you'll be able to change its look. Or if you have a plain lapel, brighten it up with a diamante brooch. Go rummaging at your local charity shop or second hand store and you'll probably come up with some interesting pieces.

White Fur Wrap

Buying a Winter Coat

Buying a winter coat is an investment. So it pays to get one of good quality, one that will see you through a few winters. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect winter coat.

If the coat you've chosen has buttons, would it be possible to move them, if you needed to in the future?
Does the collar sit right? Collars in low-quality coats are places where the manfacturer may skimp on material. Or if the tips of the lapel feel bulky, this is a sign that the finishing process has not been of a high standard.
Does it have enough room to fit over bulky winter sweaters or a jacket? When shopping for coats, it's a good idea to wear a thick sweater. Do the arm stretch test - cross your arms in front, there shouldn't be any pull around the shoulders.
A coat must have a lining. A lining not only helps a coat keep its shape but, also provides extra warmth and helps resist wear and tear.
How is the stitching? Don't be afraid to give your intended purchase a good inspection. Check out the seams, turn it inside out, look beneath the lining. Is the stitching tight, with no loose threads? I've come across garments that have obviously not been through a finisher's hands.
As a child I could never quite understand why I was told to keep my hands out of my pockets. Pockets come in handy to keep your hands warm, so make sure pockets are large enough to accommodate them. I might add a note here, that if you're particular about the hang of your clothes, it's probably a bad idea to use your pockets at all. To keep from the temptation of using pockets as a mini hold-all, sew up the opening.
Because you use your arms a lot, make sure that the stitching in the shoulders is reinforced.
Sleeves should be quite long; long enough to cover your jacket sleeves by 1/2 an inch.

In appearance and comfort, a wrap coat is nearly a smoking jacket with deep pockets and slightly exaggerated shoulders. It can either be elegant eveningwear or an everyday coat. Dress it up with fur trim, brooches or a floaty scarf. Go plain chic - wear a camel coat with a simple skirt and sweater.

A smoking jacket... Hmmm, that gives me an idea. A vintage smoking jacket would make a great inexpensive evening coat.