Good morning, Wednesday. The weather in NY is beautiful, but at that in between moment where sandals could almost still be ok but somehow aren't. With that, I'm ready to embrace Fall and somewhat more reluctantly, Winter. And though I have a nice assortment of coats in my closet, it's hard to explain why I feel the need to buy a new coat every year- I certainly don't need another coat in any way, shape, or form. And my closet would be very happy to not have another coat stuffed into it. It's already busting at the gills.
But with so many great options out there, I can't discount the fact that good coat makes an entire outfit. If you have on a beautiful coat, you could easily go low fi with your outfit- a simple sweater or tee shirt, some great jeans, some booties. Done and done.
So with this post, I'm dreaming big- as in Avedon in the 70s big (see above). As in big ticket coat options that would have to be dumbed down a bit so I can continue to eat and pay my bills. As in if you have to ask...But look at these for inspiration purposes as you search for your new coat this Fall- they are so beautiful to look at- and their trend/theme story makes them an easy get at stores like Zara and your favorite mid ranged and low ranged retailers.
So without further adieu, here's the no glass ceiling, sky's the limit list of my favorite coats of the season, all of which I would be thrilled to call my own- but really, just inspirational fodder for my style obsessed brain- you'll no doubt note the absence of color from a lot of these, well most of them. Living in NYC, dark coats make sense, though remember I posted about that fab Marimekko one a few weeks ago that was shining bright like a (orange/yellow) diamond. Here we go:
Acne Hava tie-front coat. What a beauty. Love the slouchy silhouette and easy front tie for that cheap bathrobe appeal, but easier to wear because the point where it ties is more flattering than a robe coat, which can look terrible if you have a big chest or less than small waist. In love with this, and because I like to layer my coats, this one works over a blazer and won't be too constricting or tight.
Chloe wool long military coat- This might be my favorite coat of the year- I love, love a military coat- because it can be dressed up and down in a million different ways. This is such an elegant take on the trend- I love it most of all with a feminine, filmy dress for that stuctured hippie vibe. So good. Gah. I love it.
Lanvin cord and fringe trimmed admiral coat- Beautiful, boho, very Saint Laurent 70s. I can't with this chic gypsy coat. Picture it with wide leg jeans or over the knee boots. Amazing.
Frame le suede duster - Love this piece- the brownish suede jacket is back in a big way- I was madly in love with my Express version back in the 90s and wore it everywhere. This is very Ali McGraw in the 70s kind of vibe but modern- wide jeans, black turtleneck, hoop earrings. Love it.
Helmut Lang shaggy alpaca and virgin wool coat- this guy is gorgeous. I love it. It's fuzzy, yummy, and the outerwear version of comfort food. I would wear this until it fell off of me- plus it's overized but has enough structure to not feel like the abominable snowwoman. Good good piece. Can't decide if I'd want black or the nude- I picture it with a pair of Adidas Superstars or a short, flirty dress and tights. Or over my pajamas to walk Khan on a winter morning.
Stella McCartney Sandy faux fur hem coat- I will not wear real fur and that's that. No discussion. So this coat to me is a great way to get that fur vibe without being cruel. As for the price tag? Yea, that's actually very cruel. But what a great coat.
Stella McCartney Becker wool tuxedo cape- I love the idea of a coat for evening, as well as one you could wear with my beloved blazers in the winter time. What a fabulous piece this is. Love it. So elegant. You could end up looking like a magician, so styling it right is the key of course.
Acne Studios powder parka- OK so the Swedes know a thing or two about cold weather. This coat is so chic and functional and cool. A great option for city trekking in tundra like conditions. Can't go wrong.
Mango Leopard print coat- So here's a coat grounded in reality. It's at a great price point and somehow the shape of this coat is so classic and cute and looks expensive. Love it. More jacket than coat, but a nice casual silhouette works well with an all black wardrobe for every day wear. Would also be cute over stripes or florals if you're down to mix it up a bit. Living without a leopard coat should not be allowed. In my mind, the best ones are always vintage, so don't be afraid to wade through some dusty pieces to find your spotted jewel.
Any coat by Dries van Noten- This is my fantasy, and in my fantasy wardrobe there would be a lush assortment of pieces by Dries- I love his coats for that ethnic, global chic. So beautiful. Works of art.
Last but not least, a leather jacket is a must. A biker jacket in particular. This one from C. Christ with the concert tee built into the lining is pretty rock and roll bad ass. Great line and great piece. If you can't commit to a band, fear not. They make a plain one as well, sans lining.
I guess that about wraps it up- if I have a moment I'll help you find some less expensive options- but again, this is the dream team reigning supreme, and serves as an excellent vantage point on which to base your real world purchases- think military, ethnic, rock and roll, and shaggy, and just about everything in between. Cause that's what's up this is it coat weather yet kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in (almost) bundling up. XO