Winter Coat Guide
As a stylist company based in Florida, winter wear is not something we often have the privilege of playing around with. Every now and again, a client will take a vacation to a cooler destination or need a closet versatile enough for regular visits to family in some place like Vermont. But most of the time, our clients are looking for sweat friendly, breathable fabrics that hold up well in the Florida heat. However, sometimes it’s fun to play make-believe and imagine we can rock the latest in winter fashion. A winter coat is one of the most essential pieces for the cooler winter months up north and three days out of the year here in Florida. Today is all about the variety of coat styles you might want to add to your closet this season.
First up is the old reliable peacoat. It’s almost impossible to go wrong with this style. It’s timeless and versatile; depending on the fabric and structuring, it can keep you warm in below-freezing temperatures. There are a few ways to play around with this trend. You can keep it ultra classic with solid neutrals like black, navy, grey, or tan. Or you can spice it up by choosing a coat with a preppy plaid pattern or go a more modern route with color blocking. If you really want to make a statement, a pure white coat will do the trick. If you’re in the city though, I would suggest taking an Uber to all your destinations. Public transportation is not always forgiving to your crisp white items.
A new trend we’re seeing this year is the teddy texture. But instead of only coming in jacket styles, the textile has evolved into a longer version of the garment. Because of its thick, luscious feel, there’s no doubt it will keep you warm and toasty throughout winter. Most of the styles out there are available in neutral colors. The options for a bright-colored teddy coat are few and far between. For those looking for more pizzaz, this might not be the best option, especially if you’re looking for a high quality one. However, if neutral is your thing, make sure to try out different silhouettes to see which one suits you the best. Lastly, be aware if the coat has a button or not. This style has a tendency to not have the option to close. It’s important to be mindful of this if you’re living in an extremely cold climate.
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The original teddy though is the classically fabulous fur coat. Those looking for more pizzaz as mentioned earlier should set their sites on this style. And before you call PETA, there are multiple to ways to rock this coat ethically. Faux fur is everywhere and is almost preferred by most brands nowadays. Whether you’re looking at high-end places or shopping for a deal, there is a plethora of options for both price ranges and everything falling in between. But if synthetic materials are not your thing, consider purchasing a used fur coat from a luxury consignment shop. You can not only receive a much better price, but since the pelt has already been taken from the animal, you aren't contributing to any animal cruelty happening today.
The last two styles to discuss are the puffer coat and the down coat. The two are very similar with a few key differences. Let’s break them down.
A down coat is usually filled with a natural material like feathers from geese or ducks to insulate the air and keep you warm. Style-wise, the coat appears lighter than its counterpart and less puffy. Sometimes an item can be listed as a down coat even though it’s filled with a non-natural fiber simply because the style is not as fluffy as a puffer. Make sure if you’re looking for a true down coat to read the materials list. You don’t want to pay more for an item that’s made with cheaper materials. One downside to this style is the down in the coat can clump, creating cold spots after it has been washed. This can become extremely inconvenient and cause the original purpose of the coat to become useless.
A puffer coat, unlike a down coat, is usually filled with synthetic materials to insulate the warm air. Even though the materials are not natural, depending on the quality of the coat, it can still keep you just as warm as a downbeat. Because the materials are synthetic, you’re less likely to run into a clumpy fiasco when you wash it. Style-wise, the puffer usually has a more streetwear aesthetic, although, it can have a more classic feel with a regular jacket color and waist belt.
Even if you’re living in a warmer client like us in Florida, it’s good to know which coat style is right for you. You never know when you’ll need to pull one out of your closet. So, make sure to play around and see which ones you enjoy the most and work the best with your closet. It’s hard to go wrong with a classic peacoat, puffer, or down coat. However, the drama of fur and the coziness of teddy may be more up your speed. And if you’re still struggling to find the right coat for you, then schedule an appointment with us and we’ll make sure you look your absolute best while simultaneously keeping you warm this winter season.