When people hear long coats, they usually picture snow, wind, and a whole lot of layering. But I believe that styling long coats isn’t just for cold climates. Even here in Arizona, where winter looks very different from it does in Chicago or New York, long coats can be both functional and fabulous.
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Long coats aren’t about warmth alone. They’re about drama and personality.
If you need a coat, don’t just put on any old coat, especially if you’ll be wearing it all day. Make it colorful, playful, or at least add an interesting detail.
Adding an interesting detail is very much like how I “spruced” up a plain black puffer jacket.
The original Jtouchofstyle crew is back, showcasing our Love of styling long coats along with the Ageless Style group.
First, let’s bust a myth. A long coat doesn’t have to mean heavy wool or full insulation. In fact, fabric choice is everything when you’re styling long coats for a warm or mild climate.
The other myth is that it’s always hot here in Arizona. I’ve written about that fallacy before. And if you’re outside in the early mornings or even later evenings, you might well be styling long coats.
Heck, I even have a couple of puffer coats…yes, even here in Arizona.
Think of a long coat as the fashion equivalent of a statement necklace. It’s there to be functional but also decorative.
And yes, you can absolutely wear one over any kind of outfit, as the crew will showcase.
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It’s no surprise that I love a little drama. Styling colorful long coats over unexpected outfits is one of my favorite ways to play with that.
For this look, I’m wearing an orange long coat layered over a sparkly top and shorts.
This is a great example of how styling long coats doesn’t have to be serious or subdued. You don’t need neutrals. You don’t need the basics. What you need is confidence along with a coat that makes you feel amazing.
Pro tip: If your coat is bold, let your under-layer be playful. That contrast is what keeps things interesting.
Details:
-I find myself wearing shorts more in the winter since I can pair them with tights and boots. These shorts are a sweater material and perfect for cold weather.
-It’s hard to see my top, but it’s full of sequins and very stretchy.
-Adding a hat is one of my favorite ways to give an outfit a bit of “extra.”
Charlotte’s coat is extra special because she made it herself, and it’s a gorgeous, printed long coat that steals the spotlight.
She showcased it back in Denver, and because she had lots of leftover material, she ended up making us all something from it.
If you’re not super bold with your style, a great idea of styling long coats that have a lot going on is to keep the outfit underneath simple.
And that’s exactly what Charlotte did with black pants and an ivory turtleneck.
Her base outfit is clean and minimal, allowing the coat to shine without competition.
This is such a good reminder that you don’t have to overthink styling long coats. Sometimes the coat is the outfit.
Style tip: If you’ve ever fallen in love with a statement coat but worried you wouldn’t “have anywhere to wear it,” this is your sign. Throw it over a simple outfit, add comfortable shoes, and suddenly you’re effortlessly styled.
Details:
-I love how the cowl neck of the sweater creates almost a scarf-like look in the outfit.
-Mom brought her sass to the look with this penguin purse.
Nancy shows us another brilliant way of styling long coats for warmer climates by choosing a lightweight fabric long coat and pairing it with timeless basics.
Her printed long coat is airy and easy, layered over a classic black outfit. This is one of my favorite formulas because it works every single time.
This look proves that styling long coats doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful. Nancy’s coat may be a print, but it’s more subdued in its coloring and includes blocks of black.
Style tip: If you’re new to print coats, this is a great entry point. Start with a simple outfit you already love, then add a long coat that brings in pattern or texture.
Details:
-I love how Nancy used this olive green straw purse even though it’s winter. Purses are not seasonal!!
-Notice the black collar sticking out…that’s a lightweight puffer vest that Nancy is wearing under the long coat.
If long coats feel intimidating, here are a few simple mindset shifts:
Styling long coats is really about confidence. Once you realize they work in more places and climates than you thought, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Style tip: Long doesn’t mean hot. It just means intentional. And your definition of “long” may mean just below your hips or maybe to your ankles…there’s no correct meaning.
Long coats aren’t about hiding your body or about only staying warm. They’re about expressing your style.
They add drama without effort. They elevate even the simplest outfit. And I believe they absolutely belong in Arizona wardrobes.
Besides, there might be times you Travel to a colder place…then you’ll need it for the warmth.
Great style isn’t about the weather report. Instead it’s about showing up as yourself, every single day.
And that never goes out of style.
Welcome to the Ageless Style group. We all have very different styles, so I hope you check out the other women for their thoughts about outerwear.
We don’t all post at the same time, so make sure to check back if their post isn’t up yet.
Next month, we will be styling spring trends if anyone wants to join in.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Blog
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
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The post The Art of Styling Long Coats for Real Life appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
