Melissa Murrell – November is all about coats!
Never take your coat for granted – as Melissa says its probably one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe.
The best winter coats provide the perfect finishing touches to every outfit and as a stylist working with real women on a daily basis its one of the most over looked yet important pieces in the wardrobe. It’s the one thing you’re wearing on repeat and to be frank, ‘one’ piece doesn’t cut it, you need a selection of outerwear to cover different lifestyle needs otherwise you’ll find yourself wearing your dog-walking coat to every event!
So, the right selection of coats and outerwear should cover you for all of your lifestyle demands and its just as much a styling piece as it is practical consideration (especially when standing on the side of the rugby pitch) so the following edit celebrates timelessness in different shapes, fabrics and functionality…
It’s the one thing you’re wearing on repeat and to be frank, ‘one’ piece doesn’t cut it, you need a selection of outerwear to cover different lifestyle needs otherwise you’ll find yourself wearing your dog-walking coat to every event!
The timeless, always- fashionable camel coat
An absolute winter staple you can resurrect every year, regardless of passing trends. Choose from softly structured long line and belted versions for a versatile ‘throw on’ look or follow it’s military roots and pick a more structured piece to celebrate your silhouette. Be careful with the former, they can often look a little ‘dressing gown’ like if they’re too big on you. Make sure they fit at the shoulders and you can always tie the belt at the back if you feel the coat is too bulky when tied at the front. Zara have a number of camel/beige coats in this year but the belted versions are all oversized and even their XS were too big on myself (UK size 10) so avoid this style from Zara if this isn’t the look you like and perhaps try their sister company, Massimo Dutti or places like Reiss and Jigsaw for a more a more appropriately sized piece.
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Trench Coats & Long Cardigans
Often the weather or occasion doesn’t call for a heavy winter wool coat so I often advise my clients to buy a seasonal version of their winter coat so they can still finish the outfit off with a ‘camel’ piece but maybe in the form of a long cardigan or lighter weight trench coat and no coat edit would be complete without mentioning the Burberry Chelsea Long Trench coat but at an eye watering £1450. This is wear Zara’s Limited edition water-repellent trench coat at £79.99 – its flying off the shelf. Mango’s soft fine knit (yet still heavy weight) long cardigan won’t bobble like many do and looks much nicer on than in the images.
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What is the warmest winter coat
Aside from your 100% wool coat, anything padded or down-filled will be the warmest winter coat you can find. Luckily there’s an abundance out there to choose from from puffers to bomber styles and cropped to super long and you don’t necessarily have to pay Canada Goose or Moncler prices to stay cosy and warm this winter. Emma Willis’s collection in Next includes a really stylish shower resistant khaiki ultra long, hooded coat – perfect for match days and at only £85 it won’t break the bank. For other options try Arkets long down puffer coat using recycled material, Uniglo and &other Stories.
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Teddy & Faux Fur Coats
Cosy, chunky and super warm its no wonder that this trend continues with avengence. Again, make sure they fit on the shoulder so they don’t drown a petite frame and dress them down with a faux leather legging, some converse high tops and a sumptous knit or equally dress it up for a night out.
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The Aviator Jacket
Super warm and on trend what’s not to love about the aviator?
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Practical, dog walking, waterproof school pick up coats – you all know the type I mean!
Many of you will be pleased to hear that the trusted old waxed jacket is making a return. This British classic is popping up everywhere so either dust off your old one or invest in a new one safe in the knowledge that they never really go out of fashion. If the Barbour jackets are out of your price bracket try Mint Velvet or M&S’s wax look jackets instead. Or, try an oversized shower resistent parka available at places such as Mint Velvet and M&S. If the oversized look isn’t for you Sea Salt and Joules do extra long, fully waterproof coats year in- year out.
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Military Inspired Classic Coats
A personal favourite of mine, the Military coat suits everyone. It nips you in at the waist and creates strong shoulders for a more hourglass silhoutte. Don’t save it as ‘your best coat’ as it’ll rarely get worn, instead team it with a trainer and casual pair of straight or mom legged jeans. Zara have led the way again this year with their versions. Here are a selection of the best…
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A final note; your winter wardrobe will only work seamlessly if you invest in outwear of different lengths, textures and styles but all in a similar colour palette. If camel/biege is your chosen colour make sure you have a blazer, cardigan, lighter parka and winter coat all in similar tones so you can mix and match for all of your lifestyle needs.