By @FionnualaMcNult
As much as we may not want to admit it, summer is ending. Saying goodbye to shorts, crop tops and sandals may be a heartbreaking feeling, however it means it's finally time to break out the jumpers, coats and furs which makes the transition to winter that little bit easier. One of the best parts about the cold weather settling in is the fashion that comes with it, get ready to break out those chunky boots and fluffy scarves which you can pair with any of these coats. I know it can be a struggle to begin to decide which coat to splash the cash on (there are so many out there) but to make your life easier I have gathered the most essential staple coats and jackets you will need this winter.
Image credit: Unsplash
Fur Coat
If you do not have a fur coat sitting in your wardrobe then where have you been? This is the ultimate wardrobe staple I mean, who doesn't want to be walking around in a super soft and fluffy blanket all day? At the minute there are so many choices out there it may be overwhelming to just pick one, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to pick two or three (I have four sitting in my wardrobe). However to get you started I would recommend opting for a longline style in the colour black, it will be easy to style with any outfit and it adds a touch of class especially when paired with chunky boots and an oversized scarf, it makes the cosiest outfit. If you are feeling more daring a bright colour such as powder blue or pink would suit your taste, this makes the ultimate statement especially when put over an all neutral outfit, and by all neutral this includes the shoes, this really makes the coat pop. There are also so many patterns available although my favourite has to be the leopard print, another pattern which is easy to style, keep it simple with an all black outfit or add a pop of colour with red or green accessories, you’ll be at the height of fashion with this one.
Body Warmer (or, if you’re fancy, the "gilet")
If you only get one of these coats then please let it be the gilet, it is this year's hottest trend and it deserves a coveted spot in your wardrobe. It is the perfect transitional jacket for summer to autumn, we all know how unpredictable the British weather is, so it's good to have items you can layer up when it decides to go from -1 degrees to 23 degrees in the space of an hour. I would recommend opting for a neutral colour or black again because of the versatility for matching with many different combinations of colours, you’ll get a lot more wear out of these colours. If you still want to add colour to the dullness of winter there are many gilets out there which have a reversible feature so you can have neutral days and bright coloured days just by flippin your body warmer just like Hannah Montana you can have the best of both worlds.
Leather Blazer
We’ve seen the rise in leather clothing from jeans to jackets to leggings and even shoes there no wonder it has made its way to blazers. They have grown in popularity this year, with them bein available in every colour it may be hard to choose just one of these fabulous blazers. I would opt for a black one to start and then add a coloured one such as green to add some colour to your wardrobe if you don’t want to rely on neutral colours too much. This is the perfect jacket for an autumn day and is the best accessory to layer up with. I would recommend pairing with an oversized hoodie, some jeans and a pair of chunky boots for a cosy autumnal look. The blazer is also the easiest jacket to style up as you can add a lace top, a pair of jeans and some strappy heels for a look that is fit for the bar, you can even rest the jacket on your shoulders to give a touch of elegance to your look.
MORE: Five scarves you didn’t know you needed this Winter
Trench Coat
This is not a want but a need. The staple jacket of the year and it seems to never go out of fashion so it is an essential for a capsule wardrobe. The longline and tailored fit gives it a formal feel but like most of these coats it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion so whether you need a new jacket for work or just an everyday coat this is the one you need. I would recommend going for the classic beige colour as it is easy to throw on over any outfit and makes you look fashionable without the effort. To style add a pair of blue jeans, chunky trainers and a white jumper for a cosy winter look. To dress this up, swap the chunky trainers for a pair of stilettos and add a black fitted top, complete the look by draping the coat on your shoulders and you’re ready for after work drinks.
Tagged in fashion Fashion Trends Coats