Choosing a winter coat

When selecting a winter coat, I keep several things top of mind. First and foremost is that I’ll wear this every day of winter season. That means that it needs to be well made, look fantastic with anything and keep me warm and comfortable.

Some signs of good workmanship are a complete lining, quality details and strong even stitching without any puckers.

In terms of style the ubiquitous black and dark grey of winter coats can be very clean but are forgettable at best and will add little to your personal expression. Choose something memorable that you love. A coat with full coverage can be almost any color and pattern. Plaids and prints are easier to pair with than you think because of the many colors in them. Neutral colors like white, beige and brown also pair easily.

A winter coat should also keep you warm and stand up well to the weather. For added protection I choose lighter colors that make me more visible on dark slippery streets. I also sew a talisman into the lining of my coat because it never hurts to have magical forces on your side.

For maximum comfort I make sure and wear my bulkiest sweater when trying coats on so that I don’t realize half way through the season I can only wear my jacket with thinner clothes.