If you live in New England, you have been riding the weather rollercoaster along with me these past few weeks. It has plummeted from unseasonably warm to frigid cold and climbed back up again, with another drop on the near horizon. Because of these severe shifts, my coat closet has been put to the test. During the temperature flux, I think I have used every single piece of outerwear that I own from lightweight rain gear, to vests, to leather jackets to the heaviest of down coats. Thankfully, I felt like I always had what I needed and it got me to thinking about putting together a list of must-have outerwear. Here is the final result…
Down Coat
Essential cold-weather gear, the down coat is truly your warmest alternative for those bone-chilling days. Select one with a drawstring or belted waist so that you are warmer, not wider.
Wool Dress Coat
If it’s cold out, you are often making first impressions in your outerwear, so don’t forget to have a dressier option for more important occasions.
Spring/Summer Raincoat
Not only will your raincoat keep you dry, but it will also save your other outerwear from being damaged in the rain.
Fall/Winter Raincoat
For those wet, dreary days when there is also a chill in the air. If it’s not cold enough for snow, but still most definitely cold, you’ll need a water-resistant coat with a warm lining. (Note: The S/S raincoat and the F/W raincoat can be one in the same if you can score yourself a topper with a removable lining!)
Down Vest
Often overlooked, the down vest can bridge the gap between fall-weight and winter-weight outerwear. And, if you spend a lot of time in your car, it’s a great option for warmth without being constricted.
Leather Jacket
An integral part of any modern wardrobe, the leather jacket can transition from day to night and pair with everything from casual ensembles to dressy looks.
Denim Jacket
This goes-with-everything (yes, even jeans!) jacket will carry you through spring, summer and fall and can even be used as a layering piece under other coats and jackets in the winter.
Army Surplus-Inspired Jacket
While leather and denim definitely come first, this third lightweight option will immediately multiply your outfit choices.
Workout Coat
If fitness is a part of your life, then you should have the outerwear to go with it. Make sure to include a jacket in your arsenal that you can work out in and/or use to commute to and from the gym so that your other outerwear never gets stinky, smelly or otherwise damaged.
Of course, there are numerous other styles of outerwear that can add variety to your wardrobe and put the perfect finishing touch on your look. And, perhaps your lifestyle or the climate that you live in demands an addition to (or a subtraction from) this list. But, no matter the situation, these suggestions should give you a good starting point if you feel that your coat closet is in need of revamping.
Happy Shopping! And, if your celebrate it, have a warm, toasty and very Merry Christmas!
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I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.
