Choosing the right winter coat is a delicate balance between function and fashion. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, a winter coat may be the only thing standing between you and nasty winter weather. By the same token, if you hate the winter coat that you buy, you may shy away from wearing it even if it keeps you warm and toasty as the temperature slips to single digits.
{relatedarticles}
A winter coat is often a significant investment that requires serious consideration and a bit of legwork before purchasing. This is one area where impulse shoppers must exercise major self-restraint. With a good understanding of what to look for in the ideal winter coat, you can simplify the process of buying your most important seasonal outerwear.
Pick a Price Point for Your Perfect Winter Coat
Before you hit the streets or fire up your Web browser, check your budget to determine the highest price you are willing to spend on a winter coat. This will inform everything else about your prospective coat, including where to shop and which materials to choose.
With so many of us keeping a close eye on our bank account, you may consider skipping the mall and high-end department stores and heading straight to a discount retailer like T.J.Maxx, Overstock.com, Marshalls, Ross or Amazon.com, where you can snag a coat by a designer name for a reasonable price. While bargain shopping for a winter coat can devolve into a treasure hunt, your efforts will be rewarded if you land a beautiful winter coat for a fraction of the suggested retail price!
{relatedarticles}
When bargain hunting for a great winter coat, it pays to start early. For the discount retailers, you'll have to count on their outlet or website having limited quantities, making it extra important to shop before supplies run out. On the other hand, if you can muddle through the bulk of winter with a so-so coat, you can take advantage of early spring sales and deep discounts on winter items as stores rush to make room for bathing suits and shorts. Keep your eyes peeled to your local store circulars and shop windows; the winter clearance may kick in as early as January or February.
Comfort-and Practicality-Are Key
When choosing a style and fabric for your perfect winter coat, think about your lifestyle and budget as well as the average winter temperature where you live and work. Do you live in a northern city where you walk a lot in your daily commute? Then that cute little winter coat with the adorable cropped sleeves or flattering thin fabric is a no-go. Not ready to spend money on a dry cleaning bill every few weeks? Just say no to that white coat with the fur trim. Speaking of fur and leather, remember that both materials require special care and storage, and should only be purchased if you are prepared to take the extra time to properly tend to their "needs."
Consider how the winter coat fits into your current wardrobe. If it's a full-length number decked out with epaulettes and shiny buttons but you're a jeans and T-shirt kind of gal, it might not mesh with your personal style. Likewise, carefully consider any non-traditional color choices-deep purples, reds, greens-to determine how it will look with your shoes, handbags and pants/skirts.
{relatedarticles}
A winter coat should be chic and stylish but needn't be super trendy. Use your accessories-scarves, hats, gloves, shoes, bags, etc.-to help your winter coat look on trend. The goal is to invest in a winter coat that is timeless and can last you from one winter to the next.
Above all, your coat must keep you warm and dry. The cutest coat in the world will do you no good if you have to layer 3 sweaters underneath just to make it from your car to the front door without suffering hypothermia. Look for important details like a full lining and well-sewn seams.
Find that Flattering Fit
When you head out to shop for a winter coat, dress as you would on a typical cold day in your region. You'll never find the right fit if you're out and about in a thin dress if you normally favor a thick knit cardigan.
Length - For the most flattering length, find a coat that hits you at the middle of your thigh or at the knee. Long coats on petite women tend to overwhelm the frame and are best left on the rack. If you find a coat that you love but it hits below the knee but above the ankle, take it to a tailor and ask them to take it up to mid-knee for the most flattering look. For women who want the extra warmth of a long coat, go all the way and purchase a coat that nearly kisses the ground and pair it with boots that have a bit of a heel.
{relatedarticles}
Pay close attention to this detail when purchasing a coat online! Check the measurements and use a fabric tape measure to see where a coat will fall on you before you buy.
Body shape - To minimize a large chest, choose a single-breasted coat and test that the coat doesn't pull at the buttons when you move your arms around (if it does, go up one size and have the rest of the coat altered to fit you). Women with a more ample bottom can balance out their frames with a double-breasted coat or something with a lot of detailing around the collar.
Size - While your coat should accommodate your bulkiest winter clothes, you shouldn't be swimming in it! One of the best ways to determine the right fit in a winter coat is to measure the shoulder seams against your own shoulders; the two should match up. This is especially useful if you are buying online. Adding a belt to your winter coat can also work to nip in at the waist and give a flattering fit.