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Shopping
for a winter coat used to boil down to one decision:
pretty or practical.
You could
choose a flattering style that did little to cut the
cold or opt for a coat with winter-worthy insulation —
and all the appeal of a sleeping bag.
Luckily,
designers and manufacturers have wised up. These days,
it’s easier to track down a warm coat that’s also
stylish; still it takes a bit of work to find just the
right one. You need to do a little homework, know what
you want and be a smart shopper, but your efforts will
pay off once the snow flies.
Of
course, having a killer coat won’t make winter any
shorter or milder, but it’ll make you happier and
warmer for the duration.
THE NEW
DOWN
Down
coats are still the best way to keep warm in subzero
temperatures.
Once
available only as puffy parkas, they now come in a
variety of lengths and thicknesses. Better yet,
designers have carved out waistlines in these
marshmallowy marvels. The most flattering styles include
tapering and tight quilting at the midsection, which
helps create an hourglass silhouette.
A coat
that hits at the knee or slightly below will create the
best proportions on tall or average-height women, and
will also offer the most protection from the bitter
cold. Petite women will look longer and leaner in coats
that come to the mid-thigh.
Down
works best when it traps your body heat, so buy a coat
that fits fairly snugly.
WARM
WOOLENS
Wool
coats can be winter worthy, if you shop carefully. A
sassy purple pea coat may seem like a wonderful way to
liven up your winter wardrobe, but if it has only a silk
lining, you’ll be longing for something more
substantial come January. If you want to go with wool,
look for coats that are heavily lined, ideally with
quilted fabric.
Zip-out
liners may seem a bit awkward, but layering helps trap
warm air.
That
makes a wool coat with a removable liner more practical
than one with built-in insulation.
DRESSING
FOR WINTER
Winter
coats are notorious for adding bulk to women’s bodies,
but by choosing wisely you can pick a warm coat that
flatters your figure.
An easy
way to decide what style of coat works best for you is
to consider what style of dress you prefer to wear. If
you feel gorgeous in empire frocks, look for a coat with
a high waistline. Princess seams and flared hemlines
flatter most body types, especially those with naturally
defined waistlines. Belted coats — including
wool-lined trenches — can help even busty women create
a defined waist.
BEST
BUYING PRACTICES
Shop
early. You’ll find the most sizes and styles early in
the season.
Give it a
test run. Since you’ll be wearing your winter coat
every day for months, give it a test run before you buy.
Before you go shopping, take a look at your old coat.
Which of its features do you like — pockets, fit,
warmth? If you need to, take notes so you’ll know what
to look for as you browse the racks.
Bring
your accessories. Grab a scarf to see how a coat will
look with a muffler peeking out. Bring your gloves or
mittens and see if the pockets are roomy enough to hold
them.
Check for
quality. Look for shoddy seams. (Loose threads and
broken stitches are dead giveaways.) Test zippers,
buttons, snaps and other closures to make sure they
function properly and are securely attached.
Get the
right fit. In the privacy of a fitting room, do some
stretches.
Reach
above your head, hug yourself, touch your toes, twist
around. A quality coat will endure your calisthenics and
retain a comfortable fit.
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