Winter Coats

In reality, we spend six out of 12 months a year in a coat. Growing tired of your daily go-to is inevitable, as is feeling frumpy in it by the end of the season. Variety is the only way to keep it fresh, though our cramped closets beg to differ. Coats are bulky on and off the body, so finding quality, versatile and flattering ones is the key to keeping it chic from autumn to spring. Efficiency should be the number one quality to look for when coat shopping, so if you think through that lens you’ll pick winners:

1. Belted coat
   Belted coats are restrained in design which makes them look timeless year after year. Find one in double-faced wool or cashmere to minimize bulk without sacrificing warmth, and its sash belt should be nice and wide for a high-quality look. Wear the belt cinched to accentuate waist, or tie it in the back with coat open to reduce volume. And choose lapels carefully: Medium width is trend-proof, anything else — super wide or super thin — is not.

2. Car coat
   Car coats are the perfect grab-and-go piece ideal for layering. The short hem makes it lighter weight, easier to move in and less cumbersome, allowing you to layer-up with ease. Consider wearing an ultra lightweight, high-compression down vest underneath, or a hooded sweatshirt with the hood popped in back. The layering possibilities are endless, letting you experiment with different looks all season long.

3. Maxi gilet
   Maxi gilets are super chic and super versatile. The long hem creates an outside color column that flatters, plus the sleeveless design keeps you stylish through shoulder season. Gilets also have high-low versatility, so pair with suiting during the week then jeans, sweaters and utility boots on the weekends. Styles run the gamut, so consider down, wool, boiled wool, bouclé or knit to determine which one suits your signature style best.

4. Sweater coat
   Sweater coats are as cozy as a blanket. They also have drape, which is a much needed break from outerwear’s typical stiff, rectangular-shaped silhouette. Pair knits with knits for a quiet luxury vibe, choosing a cozy cashmere turtleneck and chunky knit infinity scarf styled at neck. Or, keep it casual with a simple long-sleeved t-shirt, jeans and loafers for a neutral and classic shoulder season uniform.

5. Puffer coat
   Puffer coats are a statement piece at any age and, in bitter temps, are often necessary. The voluminous silhouette can be quite chic when everything else is kept pared down, so avoid bulky sweaters, scarves and layers underneath. Also add a wooly or furry hat with height to minimize width by lengthening vertical lines. And always keep the head-to-toe color palette neutral as bright, bold colors push this statement look too far.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.