COAT?

I recently met a client to help her choose a coat. She told me she had been looking for years to find the perfect coat but as I pointed out to her there is no such thing. One coat won't meet all needs or all occasions unless you live in a very temperate climate.
I suggest building up a a capsule wardrobe of coats.

via polyvore.com

Apart from keeping the elements out, a great coat can add instant style, pull a look together, accentuate your best features or cover up figure variations. It needs to earn its keep in terms of practicality, versatility and longevity so it's worth giving some thought and time to your investment.

Ideally, your coat wardrobe would include:

raincoat
daytime coat
evening coat
casual coat
cold weather coat


If you need to prioritise I would start off with a raincoat such as a classic trench and another coat that would make the transition from day to evening.

Here are a few things to consider when buying but contact me if you need further help with your purchase:

If you wear a lot of neutral colours choose a bright and colourful coat for some instant style and to add a new dynamic to your outfit.
If you want it to last for years go for a classic shape and colour.
Think about the climate you most want to protect against and prioritise accordingly.
A bulky coat will get in the way when you are driving.
Think about what you are going to wear underneath. You may need to go up a size if you want to wear it over a jacket.
For versatility go for a coat that falls on the knee or just below. A soft, belted style suits most shapes.