So it might not be below freezing right now, but it is the perfect time to plan your AW coat investment. I buy a new coat about once every two years, usually purchasing a timeless style and a dark colour which will match everything I have and that will not go out of date.
A coat needs to be multi-functional - it should be versatile enough to be worn over a suit to the office, match a casual look for a Saturday and look great over that party dress. This season, designers and brands have placed a huge emphasis on coats as a key item, so hence, I've taken my edit of some new shapes and styles for the new season.
- The cape
First up, it's the comfy, stylish cape.
Blue Wool cape, €245, Lennon Courtney; Claret Cape, €220, Pied a Terre at House of FraserWithout looking to little red riding hood, the trick to rocking the cape is layering over another jacket to make it look contemporary. Imagine wearing a wrap style cape over a blazer or leather jacket with some tapered trousers or a pencil skirt? That looks shouts contemporary sophistication.
- The parka
Parka, £98, Topshop; 3/4 Length parka, €195, Bow and Pearl, RanelaghThe minute I saw the campaign for Topshop staring Cara Delevingne I just had to have their new season parka. Parkas don't just have to be for festivals, they are a great go-to coat for Winter, in that, they are waterproof and have a hood.
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The high street is awash with them (pun intended) as well as the independent boutiques across the country, such as Bow and Pearl (one of my favourites). This one is worth the investment as they are a perfect trans-seasonal piece.
- The Crombie
Red Crombie with faux fur collar, €40, Penneys (September); Grey Crombie, €195, Linea Weekend at House of FraserA slightly more mannish coat, the crombie is incredibly stylish as a more formal jacket.
The colour range for this season is amazing, with grey being a popular trend, and some brighter shades like cerise pink and red. Crombies are the perfect style for accessorising with snoods and faux fur stoles to add a feminine touch to their structured silhouette. These are meant to be worn slightly oversize, so don't worry if it looks a little big.
- The faux fur
Grey Faux Fur Coat, €85.99, New Look (September)No night on the town in the Winter is complete without a faux fur coat! The great thing is you buy this style once and you have it forever. Traditionally I have always opted for black, but in keeping with the crombie trend, grey is the winner in 2014. Shapes are a-plenty, with three-quarter length, cropped balero styles and short more casual looks set to take the high street shops.
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Have you a favourite coat style that never fails you? How much would you spend on your AW coat? And how often do you buy a new investment piece?
