Fab Chick: Keep Warm, but look Cool
What Coat Styles are for you?

The cool is finally here. So before the hawk comes be prepared and do it in style. Just because the temperature drops, doesn't mean you shouldn't stay looking hot. If you haven't made that outwear purchase yet, there's still time to grab that perfect coat for this season. What style is for you?

Winter is all about letting your outwear express your inner personality and individual style. The days of wearing a boring black wool coat for every occasion are over. Don't get us wrong. There's nothing wrong with a basic black wool coat. In fact basics are good. Something classic is always needed in a Fab Chick's wardrobe. But in addition to that classic black wool coat, we recommend having a couple other styles and colors as well. No need to have 20 different coats, but an average of 3 will offer your wardrobe a bit of sensible variety.

Here are a few Fall/Winter 09 runway versions of some great coat styles and options to consider when choosing a coat:


L to R: Roland Mouret, Versace, Moschino

Color is always fun. Having a coat in a color is very playful and a great way to stand out amongst the crowd. It's definitely a cool way to add some vibrancy to your wardrobe.

Fab Tip: You don't need to match your coat with your clothing underneath. You don't want the color of your coat to fight with your outfit. Allow the coat in your color choice to stand out on it's own.
Many tend to shy away from this silhouette. We always hear, how do you wear a short sleeved coat? Simple. You purchase a great pair of opera length gloves, for this season go with a leather pair for that extra luxe look. You can also wear a chunky knit sweater under for extra warmth.


L to R: Issa, Marc Marc Jacobs, Alberta Ferretti

Just as color offers a bit of fun to your outwear choices, patterns will give you the same effect. Patterns also allow you to incorporate a few colors at a time. Go for a bold pattern or print this winter. Boring won't be a word to describe your coat.

Fab Tip: When it comes to patterns, try not to over do it. Refrain from wearing bottoms like skirts and pants with big patterns. If you do choose to wear an all over patterned look, keep the design simple and minimal. Just like wearing a bold color, allow for the patterned coat to stand out on its own. Unless you are feeling risky and can successfully pull off pattern/print mixing in the likes of Peter Som, we suggest keeping it simple! So on the safe side, leave the bold pattern mingling to the pros.


L to R: Junya Watanabe, Akris, Iceberg

Puffers are great for temperatures that are nearing below zero. When the elements begin to beat down on you and you need that extra warmth and protection, Puffers are perfect. Designers are creating looks for you to be ski slope chic daily. Every Fab Chick should own a variation of this style for those extra cold days in the snow.

Fab Tip: Invest in a Puffer that is insulated or downed so the primary function remains keeping you warm, unless your wearing strictly for fashion purposes. If so, it would be smart to purchase one that satisfies both of those needs.


L to R:Cynthia Steffe, The Gap, Y-3

Sporty coats are for those casual days when you don't want to necessarily wear a Puffer but still be comfortable and relaxed in your jeans or leggings with sneakers or more casual footwear. Puffers can also fall under this category as well as they are typically a casual based coat. Sporty coats provide ease and comfort in the colds months.


L to R: Cynthia Steffe, Marc Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten

Textures come in a wide range of fabrications. Textured coats are fun and bring a plush feeling to your outwear needs.


L to R: Sonia Rykiel, Hermes, J. Mendel

Trim offers a way to add another element of surprise or wow factor to your coat. A coat with trim will allow you to incorporate color and texture if you are afraid of an all over look. Many times you will find trims on the hood, cuff, or around the bottom hem of a coat. It's another fun element to think about when purchasing a coat.

Fab Tip: If you love trims but find yourself unable to commit to one, try finding a coat with detachable trims. Having the option to remove a fur collar or hood will bring some versatility to you coat.


L to R: Moschino. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tommy Hilfiger

This coat is definitely a must have. Every Fab Chick should own a basic style coat. Whether it's in the form of a pea, trench, or car coat, a basic coat will take you many places and still keep you appropriately dressed.

Fab Tip: When purchasing your basic coat, we suggest going with a muted more subdued color, i.e. black, navy, brown. These colors will provide a more basic feel and allow for you to wear with a range of looks. Depending on your profession, it might not be suitable to walk into your office or an interview with a bright pink coat.

We love Mackage. This brand is a great moderate priced retailer that provides many different of the moment cuts and classic silhouettes. You can purchase their coats online or in major department stores. If you are looking for something more budget friendly, The Gap, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor are all some great retail options that provide a variety of styles and color for your specific style needs.

Keep it Fab and warm chicks.

0 comments: