Those of us fortunate enough to have survived the recent polar vortex probably all consider ourselves experts on this topic.
But, buying a cute winter coat requires more than just walking into Costco and snatching up the furriest looking of the bunch. That’s what desperate people do when they’re freezing.
Those who appreciate that winter weather doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to cute know that winter coat shopping is an adventure. One that takes forethought, and research, and probably a latte or two.
Determining exactly what you will be doing in your winter coat will ultimately be the deciding factor for most of us. Personally, I’ve officially decided that one winter coat is not enough for me. My wardrobe requires an I-need-to-look-cute-but-still-be-warm winter coat. And, an it’s-not-really-winter-winter-coat. Along with an I-am-actually-going-to-be-outside-doing-something-in-this-nonsense winter coat. Each coat serves a different purpose and therefore needs to meet different requirements.
Let me break it down for you.
The Perpetually Good Looking Winter Coat. This coat’s priority is to make me look fantastic. As a secondary goal it should also keep me warm. Cute first, warm a very close second because, I don’t know about you, but I don’t look particularly cute when I’m cold. In fact, the opposite may be true. This coat is an investment in my fabulousness that should last through multiple seasons so I spend a little extra and go with a classic cut. Something sleek and slimming in a sturdy material, like wool. But, the soft, lamby kind. Not that itchy junk my mom used to force me into. See…
The Fun Winter Coat. I guess you could say this one is more of a jacket. But, layered appropriately, on a non-freezy day, or if I ever move back to California, this could really be it for me. This one is my trendy, let’s have some fun coat. It can go shopping or dancing. Or, shopping AND dancing, although it would need to come off before it was really time to break it down. This season I went with a leather(ish) number, because leather(ish) numbers are in. It didn’t cost an arm and a leg so I don’t feel bad if I can’t wear it next season too, although I kinda think I’ll be able to…
The Active Winter Coat. This is the coat I rock when The Dudes drag me to the slopes. I call this my Lodge Coat, because when I wear it I am either in a lodge, heading to a lodge, or desperately wishing I was back inside of the lodge. Super warm. Moderately cute. Arguably affordable. This one I’ve had for three seasons and it has served me well both functionally and stylistically too. And, see? A-C-T-I-V-E!
I’m loving the Active Winter Coat! I live in Chicago where it…you know…closely resembles Antarctica in the winter, and I would totally rock that!
I may look stupid but at least I’m warm.
Signed Canadian
Blue! Love it lady! Hope you can stop by and link up to Monday Mingle again. We got a late start this week…but we’re up! :)
I meant black…Ha!
I hate to admit this, and should probably phrase it differently, but… am a coat whore. There, I said it. I have several winter coats and depending on temperature and occasion, they all get worn. I have a problem. I am not seeking treatment if it means I’ll have to stop (please know I’m also like this with spring jackets, trenches, shawls, sweater ponchos. What?).
I feel you, girl. I am the same way with blazers, and cardigans. You are probably always cold, as am I.
Love your fashion posts! I live in Cali, and I still need four winter coats. One dressy-ish, one casual, one bright orange peacoat just for fun, and one snowboard coat for actual snow exposure. If you have to cover up your cute, it should be with more cute. :)
Amen, sister. Covering cute with additional cute is the only way to live. Cute layers!
I’m so with you on this.
The coat that I wear regularly (while cute) is definitely not warm enough for sleigh riding adventures or teaching the girls to build snow families. And THAT coat is definitely not cute enough to wear on the regular. My coat #3 is actually a fall/spring one that has enough space for layering, which makes me feel way better about having 3 since 1 of the 3 can work throughout the year.
No guilt. Cute coats are like a life staple or something:).
All so cute! I’ve found I do need at least 2. One nicer, that I can wear when I’m actually dressed up(or at least not being a slob) and then then one that won’t look bizarre with my sweats/yoga pants.
No slob coat! We call that the, erm, active coat. Or, maybe that’s the yoga coat? Although, I don’t find yoga very active as I literally fell asleep the last time I took a yoga class and woke myself up with my snoring. I’ll have to write about that…
My winter coat is ancient. Thank you for sharing such cute coats. It has inspired me to look for a new one.
Buying coats is one of those guilt free shopping adventures because you HAVE to have a coat. It’s like shoes and underwear!