Your outerwear is a reflection of more than the weather: it’s a reflection of your personality as well. This makes selecting the perfect pieces of outerwear perhaps the most functional and fashionable stylistic choices you’ll make. And that’s right: we said pieces. Just like you need more than one pair of shoes for different weather and different occasions, you’ll need more than one jacket or coat. But you don’t need every option available. Here’s your guide to finding the best outerwear for you.
Formal Outerwear
This is the coat that you’ll wear to weddings, galas, and any other event that ranges from semi-formal through white tie. Admittedly, some of us are going to get less wear out of formal outerwear than others, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a formal coat. At some point, you will need it.
Formal coats are generally long — at least at (and preferably below) the knee. Many fall to ankle length. The point is to keep you warm and conceal your dress until the big reveal at the event. To get the most wearability out of your formal coat, stick to classic colours that can be worn with and to almost anything: black, brown, dark blues, creams and ivories are all good picks.
The best types of formal outerwear to choose from include overcoats, capes and evening coats. These come in a variety of different materials, ranging from faux-fur to cashmere to velvet — and they all look stunning. Which you choose will depend on your taste.
Casual Outerwear
Your casual outerwear is going to consist of the piece (or pieces) that make up your street style — though in some cases, it can transition to more formal settings, like the office or a cocktail party. At one end of the spectrum you have jean jackets, which are generally totally casual. At the other end of the casual spectrum, you faux fur bombers and velvet blazers. In between this, you have timeless trenches and peacoats, which (depending on their fit, material and how you accessorise your look) can transition between super casual and semi-formal.
If you can’t quite envision the range we’re talking about, check out jackets online at Designer Forum: they can give you an idea of this scope of style.
Your casual outerwear is going to be some of the hardest working outerwear you’ll own, precisely because it can be worn in so many settings. That faux-fur pink jacket you love looks just as stunning with jeans as it does over your silver sequined mini-dress. As does your leather blazer or your jean jacket.
Elemental Outerwear
This is the most functional of the outerwear, since it is designed to keep the elements at bay. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not stylish. Trench coats are often waterproof, and can double as casual weekend wear as well as giving you practical protection from the rain. Anorak jackets keep you cosy in the winter months, and their signature faux-fur hoods also provide an undeniable element of style. Your wind breaker keeps you comfortable on runs or hikes, and is also sleek and chic.
Again, what you’ll need will depend on your lifestyle and personal tastes. Some people may only need one jacket from each of these three categories, while others may have a lifestyle that spans between white tie affairs and hiking the Rocky mountains, in which case more versatility will be required. Whatever you do, view your outerwear as the investment that it is: an investment in your comfort, and style.
