|













|

Outerwear that Complements Your Wardrobe . . .
-
Cloak Room - Have a coat
wardrobe to suit the outfit and occasion. Sporty, casual attire
need parkas, anoraks, or puffy short styles. Hoods represent a
sporty look. A quilted car coat, barn jacket or parka is
relaxed with khakis or jeans. Rainy days require a trench coat
or slicker. A long winter coat or wrap harmonizes career and
special occasion dress. A belted cardigan is a fashionable (and
cozy) alternative for cool weather.
-
In Style - Replace your coat
every five years with an updated style, especially if the coat
is an unusual color such as acid green, or has excess shoulder
pads, yokes or pleats which easily dates the coat.
-
Timeless Tradition
- Select classic
styles such as a pea coat or toggle coat. These silhouettes
offer longevity and are versatile enough to be worn with jeans
or a skirt.
-
Warm and Cozy - Purchase a
quality wool coat. An all-wool or wool/cashmere blend is
superior (and warmer) over acrylic fabric, which tends to pill.
Linings made of silk, polyester or nylon are stronger. Avoid
acetate, which discolors from perspiration and easily rips at
stress points.
-
Body Conscious
- Make sure the style
of the coat is appropriate to your body type. Single-breasted
styling gives illusion of height, double-breasted adds width.
Long coats should extend past dress length. Sleeve length
should reach past wrist bone.
-
Color Matters - Chose colors
that are flattering to you and match your wardrobe. Dress or
classic styles are ideal in traditional colors, such as black,
navy, gray, and camel. Fun hues, such as red or royal, spice up
casual coats.
-
Animal Magnetism - Invest in
chic leather which is perfect for early fall and late winter.
Shearling is ultra hip. Real fur (fox, raccoon, mink) is the
ultimate luxury. Avoid rabbit hair, which sheds excessively.
-
Keep it Clean - Dry clean or
launder your coats at the end of the season to prevent insects
from feasting on them during the off-season. Real furs should
be protected in cold storage provided by professional furriers.
-
Little Details - Snip the
threads that have kept pockets and pleats closed during
manufacturing. Pleats should swing freely. Pockets provide
great storage for accessories.
-
Finishing Touches -
Accessorize your coat with coordinated scarves, gloves, and
hats. Tie a decorative silk or velvet scarf around the collar to
jazz up a plain coat.
No portion of this article may be used
without permission.
Top of Page
|



|