Upgrade Your Outerwear

By Kenia Prophet

Whether you like it or not, temperatures have dropped, winter is here and coat season is in full swing. Chances are you’ve already pulled out your heavy hitters to stay warm and cozy. While some of you may love the wools and down puffers that you’ve pulled from storage, I know that there are others that desperately need to upgrade their outerwear and even some that need a complete coat closet overhaul. The great news is that there’s an abundance of fashionable options to fit every style and budget. 

Here are a few ways to spice up your look and freshen up your outerwear.   

Bold Color - Go bold this season in a bright attention-grabbing color. A simple way to add some flare to your outwear is with a vibrant color coat. There is nothing like a bright pop of color to liven up a fit or a dreary winter day. When I say bold, I am talking red, yellow, cobalt blue or even neon, depending on your style (and age :-). Push the envelope, make a splash and go bold.

Classic Chic- Ladies and gents should all have a classic wool midi (ends below the knee) or a full length coat in their outerwear rotation. Why? It’s a boss move. If you’re wearing a suit and you’re boardroom ready you’ll want to enter the building looking polished and sleek. A wool trench style, pea-coat or duster with a lapel will do the trick. Sleek and sophisticated. 

Trendy - Battle the elements and have a little fun at the same time! Every season there are trends that designers and fashion influencers convince us are “must haves”. Usually it’s some reinvented trend from decades past, nonetheless it’ll give you the edge you want while you beat the chill. If you want to get in on the trends this season, try something plaid, leopard or metallic. Faux furs and fuzzy patchwork coats are a sure way to add some funk to texture to your outerwear.

Casually Cute - Even if you tend to favor high fashion over utility, you’ll always need a casual comfortable outerwear option for winter.  The modern day puffer coat is not your old school feather-filled down ski coat. No, they come in a variety of styles and lengths. You can add the puffer vest, with or without a fur trim or zipper embellishment, to the casual collection too. Perfect for a football game or a family day at the outdoor market, you’ll want a casual option that’s still stylish.  

Remix - One of my favorite things to do is to reimagine or morph something old into something new and exciting. Try adding a unique fashion belt to a trench you already own or replacing the buttons. If you’re adventurous, let a tailor shorten a jacket to give it new life. You may already have a treasure tucked away that just needs a modern twist.

There's a coat for every style, so whether you're hunting for something timeless or looking to make a bold statement, refresh your winter wardrobe with your outerwear. It can make whatever outfit instantly look pulled together.

Stay stylish and bundle up!