Bundle Up
The weather outside is frightful, but winter coats are so delightful! If you live in the Windy City, chances are you wear your winter coats more than any other garment in your wardrobe. Given this and the arctic conditions that is a Chicago winter, we take coat shopping very seriously—fashion and practicality are nonnegotiable. To make the cut, a coat must look fantastic and hold up to lake effect snow. Impossible? Nah! We found some pretty fabulous coats perfect for frigid days like today (and the many frigid days ahead).
Mom always said wearing layers is the best way to stay warm. Club Monaco followed her lead when they layered a nylon trench over a puffy coat ($349). Besides its ability to keep us warm and dry, we love how the oversized pockets and thin belt make this a stylish, form-fitting option.
A coat is a great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble. Change the meaning of winter blues with Express‘s military-inspired coat ($126). The vibrant hue and shiny hardware will really stand out amongst the bevy of black and brown winter coats on the street.
A ladylike coat is sometimes hard to come by, but this “Wool Olga Coat” by Chicago’s own reddoll by Tatyana ($495) is exquisitely girly. Its fitted, double-breasted bodice bells into a flowy, feminine skirt, while details like a bow, a high collar, puffy shoulders, skirt pockets and silver hardware make this coat something special.
If you’re looking for a unique option that blends coverage and high fashion, we love this long, military-inspired coat by Chicago label Swaby (price available upon request). The structured collar, ribbon detail, and stream of tiny silver button is a stand-out design combo that will garner lots of attention.
Most puffy coats create a marshmallow shape that is purely function over form. For a less bulky choice that doesn’t compromise style, this light brown Add Down coat ($478; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) boasts a stretch belt for a contoured silhouette. A detachable fur collar brings this casual coat up a notch.
Toggles are a classic, rustic detail with an innate ski lodge vibe, and this “Daytime Toggle Coat” by The Limited ($119) will make a timeless addition to your coat closet. Faux horn toggles balance the glamour of the faux fur collar, making this coat perfect for day and night.
Conjuring images of chilly days spent by the sea (or rather by Lake Michigan!), American Eagle Outfitters’ nautical duffle coat ($120) boasts anchor buttons, plaid lining and a cozy hood to weather those harsh winter storms ahead.
A camel coat is a wardrobe staple to be worn with everything forever. We love all the menswear-inspired camel coats right now, but there was something so lovely and simple about Anthropologie’s “New Standard Overcoat” ($180). From the double ruffle collar to the whimsical buttons to the subtle wool pattern, this loose-fitting coat is all about the details.
The snow doesn’t show signs of stopping, but the right coat can help us get through another Chicago winter stylishly and comfortably. Never compromise fashion for practicality. After all, we Chicagoans have made an art of merging the two!
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Club Monaco, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, Tula, The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, and Anthropologie
Tags: Add Down, American Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Coats, Express, reddoll by Tatyana, Swaby, The Limited, Tula
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December 9, 2009 | No Comments
