Coats of Many Colors

Unless you live in a climate that is always cold or the temperature took a sudden nosedive, you may not have started shopping for your official cold weather coat. I will warn you that there are a lot of styles to consider, but if you find you’re stuck on making a color choice, one style that might be a painless option is a color blocked coat.

Color blocking is still a major trend in fashion, so it was just a matter of time before it translated from other garments and accessories onto outerwear and coats. This “color” option definitely narrows things down a bit, and another way to help you decide is to also consider your needs.

If you will be dealing with mild weather, you can go with a shorter or lightweight coat. One stylish option is a Chanel jacket like style or you can go a more casual direction with a fun varsity jacket. With one of these nostalgic pieces, you can also work a bit of the menswear and the retro trend. One obvious variation on the color-blocking trend is to check out a varsity or bomber jacket with different color sleeves or front panels. You could even take a trip down memory lane and get your school colors.

Another option for a lighter coat is a poncho or cape. These two styles can also work the retro, menswear, and the equestrian look. If you’re on the fence about color blocking but want to try it, you don’t have to go full force with this trend; you can work it ever so slightly with just a bit of contrasting trim, piping or maybe try pockets in another color.

For those of you who will need more of a full on traditional coat, you have several style options that also let you work two or more trends at the same time. One idea is to check out a long, menswear-cut coat with color blocking detailing, or perhaps a ladylike coat with interesting retro detailing like wide collars, oversized buttons, or even a bit of faux fur in contrasting colors.

One cool thing about this trend is you don’t have to worry about matching accessories or footwear to your color-blocked coat or jacket. You can continue the trend or add one more, like mixing prints. That way, no matter what color or print your hat, gloves, or scarf are, you will be right in style.