With all the rain and cold wind I thought it was best to talk about what is in fashion that will keep us warm yet still look current and stylish. Men or women, travelling to work so picking up the kids from school it is always a good idea to look into investing in a winter coat.

We either love or dread seasonal shopping. In summer, swimsuits in bright dressing rooms remind us of our flaws. In winter, at least we get to keep our clothes on while trying on coats.

Take advantage of sales

It’s shaping up to be a competitive retail season, and that means it is the consumer who can win. Many websites offer free shipping promotions. And some stores are offering huge discounts just to get people shopping. Sign up for your favorite stores’ email lists. During June & July “EOFY” –  24-hour sales and flash promotions can mean you can buy and get some great bargains. Remember you can always remove your email address from lists when you’re done shopping.

Quality construction

There shouldn’t be threads hanging off the coat or any down sticking through the fabric. These can be clues that you’re looking at an inferior product.

Fast fashion philosophy

When you’re shopping for seasonal items you don’t plan to wear year-round, it’s best to invest in quality that can last years. But if you must buy a trendy coat, it’s best not to pay a lot.

Buy for the long term

Coats are something you should invest in, which means buying for next season, not this one. You want to buy one that lasts multiple seasons, so make sure it’s a high-quality garment that’s both warm and functional. Keep an eye out for colours that tie back to your entire wardrobe. The foundation colours of your wardrobe are the best colours to buy a coat in – camel, charcoal, navy, beige or black.

Know the warmth and weather resistance

How warm is your coat? In Australia we receive cold weather but nothing like in the USA or Europe.  Australia receives a mild winter so choose a coat that is versatile. You can dress them up or down. Wool never goes out of style, so it’s an investment piece for many years. 

A minimum when looking for a warm jacket is for it to be wind and wet weather resistant.

Handle with care

How you take care of your coat when you’re not wearing it will help it last longer. If it’s wool, get it dry-cleaned at the end of each season, and if you’re buying a down coat, make sure you give it a great washing at end of season as many down coats are machine-washable. It is recommended that you keep it in a garment bag when you’re not wearing it to keep it of the best quality. A garment bags will help protect a coat from temperature changes and humidity, which can damage or age material.

Vintage or not

Vintage clothing is a hallmark of trendy fashion, and it’s not going away anytime soon. With so many high-fashion designers showing vintage styles, it’s possible to look fashionable while wearing Grandmother’s old coat. But if you’re buying vintage, take note: Many old coats will have stains or deteriorating lining, and fixing what looks like a small problem can end up costing more than a new coat. Before buying vintage, smell it and examine it for stains. Some coats are not salvageable, no matter how cute they once were.

A word on sizing

A lot of shoppers make the mistake of buying a coat a size too big -buy your regular size.  Always try on a coat while wearing the layers you intend to put underneath it. Don’t estimate or assume you know how a coat will fit. It takes only an inch or so to drown in a coat.

A coat isn’t something you need to update every winter. Shop for quality and shop around, taking advantage of sales and online shopping. If you can wait it out, buy at the end of the winter season for next season, when stores are discounting winter coats to make room for summer stock.

If you need help in purchasing your winter coat please feel free to contact me.