Shopping For A Trench Coat

That's it. I'm done. You can't pay me to wear my puffer coat anymore. (JK you absolutely can. I accept cash and etransfers.)

These days, I'm focused on hunting down the ideal trench coat. I've long been enamored by their old time-y feel and how they usually pull together any look in a really polished way. A good trench is also an incredibly multipurpose garment that can serve as a rain jacket, a windbreaker, a layering piece, even a dress. Versatility!

My last one (a traditional double-breasted, belted taupe number, with quilted stitching at the elbows and shoulders) went missing in Paris -- which felt very poetic in the moment, but sucked so bad later that night when the weather got colder. That was six years ago. For some reason, I'm still waiting to replace it.

These are the latest contenders :)

Classic

 

Banana Republic (left), perfect if you're looking for the dictionary definition of a trench coat. Nice quality, safe styling. Plus, all Banana Republic merch routinely goes on a 40% off promo ;) 

Club Monaco (right), my favorite. I'm obsessed with the slim shape, the color, the metal hardware. Moderately less enthused by the four hundred dollar price tag.

Open Front (no buttons)

 

Aritzia (left), going button-free isn't super useful when it's cold and rainy, right? I suppose the upside is that you can have fun playing around with different belts?

Zara (right), same deal re: practicality. Love the color as an alternative to beige (but still very neutral).

Something Special

 

Zara (left), big fan of a puff sleeve! Bonus points for the epaulettes. Sadly, in personal practice, anything that voluminous tends to swallow my 5'3" frame whole.

H&M (right), cuuute cinched waist, interesting front overlap/closure detail. I'd find a way to give that boring sleeve opening needs some love.

What's YOUR outerwear-of-choice for when the snow is gone?

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8 Coats For That Fall/Winter In-Between Weather

It took me an embarrassingly long time to appreciate the value of seasonally-appropriate outerwear. In my late-teens, I was definitely that idiot kid who was running around in freezing weather wearing a lightweight coat (unbuttoned of course), sneakers, and still-damp hair congealed in curling mousse. Bordering on hypothermia was a Cool Look.

As time passed, I began to understand the benefits of dressing for the weather: Gloved hands stay warm! Boots keep your socks dry! Wearing a warm jacket (zipped up!) makes walking three blocks feel a lot less torturous! Now, at 33-years old, I practically dress in survival gear come winter, and laugh at the suggestion of doing otherwise.

The thing is, autumn can still be a tricky season to prepare for. Depending on which side of the street you're walking down, you might be melting in the sunshine or freezing in the shade. Layering is a huge help, but the right coat -- not too heavy, not too light -- will also get you far.

Here are some cute ones I've been looking at. (I'm extremely attracted to the longer caramel teddy!) Click any photo to go to its website :)

  

   

Top to bottom, left to right:

1. Can't get over the super fluffy sherpa on this ivory bomber from Zara. It looks so cozy, but its cool shape and shorter length steers it away from pyjama-town.

2. I mean... If anyone is looking to give me $400 for a novelty-hued peacoat from Club Monaco, I'd be forever grateful ;) 

3. Who else find themselves super drawn to quilted jackets these days? This one from Urban Outfitters is kind of perfect. The color is somehow warm and washed-out, and it's roomy enough to comfortably layer on top of your heaviest sweaters.

4. This cream jacket from H&M feels like the cool little sister to the blue coat above. It just covers your bum, has awesome double-breasted boxiness, and deep patch pockets on the front. Plus, I personally love how the model is styled wearing a hoody underneath.

5. I really want to upgrade to Aritzia's long-line lightweight puffer this year. I've worn the shorter version forever -- it's my secret weapon against the cold! Wear it on its own during the fall and spring, then layered under wool coats for extra warmth in the winter.

6. I recently shared Frank and Oak's quilted jacket in stories last week. Love the diamond-pattern quilting. Bonus points for being reversible.

7. Obsessed with everything about this teddy coat from Gap!!! The length, the color, the coziness. OMG.

8. H&M's wool blend overshirt is a great dupe for the pricier one from Aritzia, and I especially adore this shade of pink!

What does your autumn outerwear look like? :)

Image credit (top): Flare

Image credit (products): Every photo is linked to its source

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