Get Your Coat on....

The point of having a coat could be argued is to keep you warm in cold weather. We all know that at its basic level this is true, but since when has one coat fulfilled all style needs. I've listed 10 coat and jacket items that will fulfil your basic wardrobe needs. You have probably got most of these already but when money is tight this checklist will help you to make a decision on what to get.

A proper coat - the one to spend the money on! A good looking coat that makes you feel glamorous and stylish when you put it on. Worth spending your money on this item. Look at coats from Acne, Maje or on the Outnet to make that investment. You can even try TK Maxx, I once saw a great Valentino coat in there down from an extortionate price to £299. Of course I didn't have the readies when I needed them but I'm saving for a decent winter's coat as I last bought one over 4 years ago and it is looking very tired.


Alexander McQueen cashmere blend coat discounted from £1,215.87 down to £425.55
It's a keeper!

The trench coat - do I really need to give any explanation on this one. I must confess I haven't got one but I must. I kick myself over the +J one in black last September in Uniqlo and recently Zara have had some great ones too. I know for most the holy grail in a trench is Burberry but I think get one that fits you well and it will be a winner.

A leather jacket - it adds an edge to many looks and the biker style leather jacket has a tighter cut and less bulk of the style of old - wear with skinny jeans, skinny flares, over a dress, with a skirt or trousers and it doesn't have to be black. I've selected this one from New Look although I bought mine from Select last year on the recommendation from Mrs Fab and it has been money well spent.

Pea coat or jacket coat - the pea coat is a jacket coat based on the navy jacket of old. Much favoured by Jackie Onassis it retains a certain Waspish connotation. However it is a jolly useful throw on for all manner of waspish activities. Think country walks, weekend grocery shopping, a football or rugby match with a date/bf/husband. Just add sunglasses. Or work it like Jane Birkin with Serge.
Dress or duster coat - my personal weakness and guess what I found the one that would bring my much joy on the bl**dy Outnet. I can look...I've got my £50 sale one bought from Wallis many moons ago. I had it altered to fit better and there is nothing nicer than a dressy coat for evenings.
Vera Wang Brocade evening coat now only (cough) £561.75 on the Outnet

Ignore my flights of fancy you get the idea. I would look something that fits this bill at car boot sales, charity shops and discount outlets such as Bicester.

Tuxedo jacket - ditto ref trench coat. This one needs no explanation. I bought one in H&M over 5 years ago and it is still going strong. Works well over short tunic or body con dresses, with jeans and all many of trousers.

Parka - festivals, bank holidays at Brighton if you go to them then you need a parka. Asos and Topshop have a great selection and without breaking the bank. The winter warmer ones are a life saver too. Speak to Mrs Fab...

Blazer - more of a season transition piece and a personal choice. They've made a big come back with recent 80s retrospectives and Celine's latest offering the more female almost tuxedo number has inspired a few high street retailers. Be careful this is a fashion nightmare. One moment it is current the next... keep it on the budget side if you really really want/need one and wear it a lot. If a blazer is not you thing then have a glam Jacket to wear in the same way as a tux but for day/evening/ weekend. I have fallen in love with a cream double breasted jacket in Zara but it is a seasonal item so am being v.good.

A cape - charming, a nice to have. Not the most popular style wise so keep an eye out for them in sales, and vintage shops if you fancy a punt. They add a different element to a look. Think Jane Birkin again or Anna Dello Russo - it is all about the drama!

Image:Fashionising.com

The indulgence coat - once in a while all the thought of being good, staying within budget gets thrown out of the window when you see that coat that says 'film star', 'rock chic', 'fashion editor'. It might be leopard or fur or colourful- you don't need it but you can't ever sleep again without it. Sleep on it if it is a store item, buy now if car boot or second hand shop find.

What I haven't selected a denim jacket! Well just drop the cape or blazer and insert denim jacket. Adapt the list for your own taste.