I spend a lot of time outside, and during the colder winter months I’m almost always wrapped up in a coat when I go out. So far this winter in D.C. has been extremely mild, with occasional days that I can get away with just a vest, and that one blissful 70 degree day the other week when I was out in a t-shirt. Rare fluctuating weather aside, if you live or travel anywhere that gets quite cold during winter having an army of hardworking coats is essential. Whenever I travel anywhere in the winter I always bring along a statement coat and pack my entire suitcase based on that coat.
My family took a trip to Pittsburgh, PA right before Christmas where it was colder than cold and my statement coat was the perfect topper to layer over my daytime chunky knits and dresses in the evening. Other than keeping me toasty warm, what I really love about coats is how well they can complete an outfit and the statement coat is an all star in the third piece game. If you’re not familiar with the third piece styling rule, it’s a concept of adding a third component (other than shoes and bag) to your top and bottom to complete a look. This can be a blazer, vest, coat, hat, or scarf. If you’re keen on basics, but want to add interest to your outfit incorporating a third piece is the way to go, and an elegant and vibrant colored wool coat is the perfect solution during the colder winter months.
My general objective in wardrobe building is creating a versatile and hardworking collection of classic and stylish pieces that make getting dressed quick and fun. I don’t like to spend too much time planning outfits because when I do it usually looks and feels too contrived. With a statement coat, you simply put together a simple ensemble, throw on your coat as you’re walking out the door and you are instantly polished and put together. I bought my first statement coat a few years ago, and it has been worn with the majority of my closet. I wear it over jogger sweats and a chunky knit to run to the store, with jeans and a t-shirt for weekend brunch, or over a cocktail dress. For the working gals, a statement coat is great to wear over a suit as you’re running out to meetings or happy hour after work.
A statement winter coat is a valuable investment that doesn’t have to be that much of an investment if bought at the right time. Truth be told, with the cost per wear ratio of a statement coat you’ll still do pretty well if you pay full price, but why not make it as easy on your pocket book as it is on the eyes? After Christmas is hands down the best time to make this investment purchase. But even with the amazing sale prices, it’s still important to chose wisely and go with a style and color that will work well with your existing wardrobe, ensuring it to be a favorite winter staple for years to come.
When selecting a coat, pick a rich color that you would feel comfortable pairing with black, brown, grey, navy, or whatever neutrals dominate your closet. I went with this turqoise blue which I particularly love with warm browns, black, different shades of blue, and splashes of green, yellow, and even red. I really haven’t found anything I wouldn’t wear this coat with, and that is the goal when determining a statement colored anything for your closet.
I’m always a fan of J.Crew’s classic wardrobe items, but every year I think they hit the ball out of the park with winter coats. Not to mention, they offer the BEST post Christmas sales (and pre-Christmas for that matter if you can’t wait.) I now have two statement coats in my closet (the other is a navy/red/grey color block) that are both from J.Crew and the quality and style are exceptional. For me the color of a statement item is critical for if it will stand the test of time as a wardrobe favorite, and J.Crew’s winter coat collections are always full of gorgeous rich neutrals and vibrant colors. The thinsulate Lady Day coat (shown here) is hands down my favorite coat of theirs. It’s a classicly chic style and incredibly warm so you don’t have to layer too much.
If you’re in the market for a statement winter coat, here are some of my picks (not just J.Crew) that are available now.
