On the Hunt: Winter Coats

I guess my obsessions tend to relate to two main categories: home and fashion. I don’t really consider myself “into fashion,” but I definitely am opinionated about what I like, my personal style and how I present myself to the world. At least in theory this is true. In practice, I am more often than not dressed in dog walking clothes, workout attire and clothes for cleaning and running errands. But in my fantasy world, and what I tend to shop for, I apparently have a very chic office job that requires dressier apparel…

I love Ralph Lauren Europe, ME+EM, Max Mara, EILEEN FISHER (trust me) and Burberry. I tend to be on the preppier/ classic side of fashion. As I have passed my mid forties and am closer to 50, my body has changed. And therefore I need to replace my winter coat. The beautiful Burberry double breasted coat with the fur collar I bought 10 years ago no longer fits. I have replaced many of my other coats over the years (suggestions below) but I am on the hunt for a new dressy winter coat. I am looking for something tailored and long, preferably black wool and maybe with a fur collar.

*Chloe Fitted Long Double Breasted Coat in Wool Crepe // *Burberry Wool Tailored Coat

*Prada Double Breasted Wool Coat // *Gucci embroidered wool coat

These are more winter coats for my fantasy life. In my everyday life, I have a Woolrich winter coat, which is quite comfortable and practical. I also wear a Lululemon long coat for walking dogs in the morning. It is easy enough to throw in the wash for the inevitable muddy paws that seem to find their way when you are living the dog life and greeting your four legged friends as equally enthusiastically as you do your human ones. I also have other winter coats as seen below, on regular rotation depending on the occasion.

*Woolrich // *Kiltane Harris Tweed // *Lululemon // *Filson // *Sesena Capes

I think what I’m starting to realise here is that I have a thing for outerwear. Some of these I’ve had for years, like the Filson wool coat, and others are newer additions. Living in a place with four seasons, you really can’t have enough jackets.

Quite a few Januarys ago, I was in Stockholm on a girls trip. That’s right. January in Stockholm. It was -17 Celsius, but still the fashionable Swedish women looked chic. Every restaurant had blankets draped on the chairs and candles burning, beckoning you in. Hygge. And despite the frigid temperatures, fashion was not sacrificed. The fashionable Swedes managed this by wearing small down puffers underneath short fur jackets, a practical and enviable style.

If you want to replicate this look, there are many faux fur versions available today, but I would also have a look at the antique markets, if this idea appeals to you. (I saw some beautiful furs at the Nice Saleya market (France) on Mondays, though it was dead of summer then and 11 degrees above average temps! This market has lots of amazing fashion and antique finds, by the way.) And though it has been quite some time, I have never forgotten how the Swedes embraced winter and still looked glamorous. I hope to mimic their winter style.

*Image from Pinterest

Between wet and cold conditions, sporting conditions, dressy affairs in the city and dog walking or hiking, variety is definitely a requisite for pleasant time outdoors. I feel these all fill a void in my closet of outdoor activities! And don’t even get me started on the rain coats!