Living in Victoria B.C., it never really gets too cold (meaning tons of snow and you need to be bundled up to your eyebrows) but we de get chilly West Coast winds and super frosty mornings. Having a winter coat, not a parka, is still an essential item to have in your wardrobe.
While we wait for the cold months of January and February to sneak up on us, here are some tips to buying a great winter coat. Now is the perfect time as most shops still have their Boxing Week Sales going on.
zareen (canadian company) coats sold at najoie on Johnson street
Go with classics. A knee length wool coat with a tailored fit is a true classic that will never go out of style. The specific shape is up to you: double breasted, belted or robe styles are all enduring styles.
Make it a close fit. You want the closest fit possible, but one that gives you absolutely no difficulty in getting the coat on and off or buttoning it up.
guess wool coat (this one is in my own closet)
Factor in layers. Also consider the clothes you'll wear underneath. If you need the coat to cover a suit jacket, bring one with you when you shop.
Look behind. Don't forget the rear view. Some shape to a coat is good, but you should never see an outline of any 'junk-in-the-trunk'. The coat should glide over any problem areas and have movement in the back.
Check the hem. Do you wear skirts or dresses? Take into account not just how they will look with the length of the coat you are trying on, but also how the proportion and shape of the coat will work with them.
Take a seat. Your coat should 'sit' well. Button it up and park yourself in the dressing room or shop. Do you have a buldge? Do the closures pull? With the perfect coat for you, they shouldn't.
