In this post...
Two Talbots Coats and One from the Gap
Don’t you love how a wool ladies’ coat creates such a classy vibe to an outfit? I love the Talbots Winter coats. I think wool Talbots coats, such as the two boucle wool discussed below, are so classic and ladylike in their feel. Very Jackie Kennedy, I think you’ll agree.
And then there’s always a tan camel’s hair coat as a terrific style. I found this darling Gap long wool coat and really was impressed with how expensive it appeared. A camel winter coat is such a long-standing classic look
And then, all three are ON SALE TODAY! So, what’s a girl to do? Which one(s) should I keep? I think I am in love with all three! Let’s get to the actual looks to see the details. And then, maybe you could help me with my final selection by letting me know in the comments below which one(s) YOU would wear!
How to Choose a Wool Coat
Now as many of you readers know, I am from Chicago. And I have survived many midwestern winters (65 to be exact!). It’s really cold in Chicago during the winter. Midwesterners know all about down coats, gloves, scarves, boots, and warm gloves. But, there is also a need for dress coats. The coat you wear over a dress to dinner, a shower, or a holiday tea. The coat you wear before it’s really cold, and in the Chicago “Spring” because that is usually pretty crisp. That’s what I am talking about today.
You see, I spend the winter in sunny California. But, I really love the four seasons! I love the look of all the winter accessories. And in the midwest, women start wearing their wool coats now. So shopping for sharp classic women’s coats is a joy for me! And, I think a wool coat is a terrific piece to wear over jeans, once it’s too crisp for just a blazer or sweater, but not cold enough for the big guns.
And for all my lovely readers who live in warmer spots, a wool coat gives you the look of wintery fashion without too much weight.
As for general principles with winter coat looks for women, I think you should invest in solid color wool or wool blend coat. I think a solid color coat is more versatile than a plaid or patterned one. I think it is best to add prints or patterns with a scarf. That way, you can really change up the look of the coat by simply changing your scarf. I also recommend classic styles such as a single-breasted reefer style coat or a tan camel’s hair coat as they will stand the test of time.
Winter Coat Looks for Women #1:Tan Camel Coat for Women
This first winter coat look is such a great choice! This tan camel double-face wool coat is so much fun to wear! As you can see in the video above, it looks wonderful worn open with the belt untied. It also looks so sharp wrapped like a bathrobe, and belted! It looks great over jeans but also looks classy worn as in the video, over a black turtleneck and black velvet jeans (my favorite holiday look!).
The coat has a double row of buttons but really is meant to be a wrap coat. It is very soft to the touch and is made of 50% recycled wool which seems like a smart environmental choice. Remarkably, it is machine washable and it’s a mid-weight fabric. It would be terrific as noted above, now when it’s getting colder, and again in the Spring before it’s warmed up. I am wearing a size small.
Winter Coat Looks for Women #2: Grey Reefer Style
This second grey reefer-style coat is a pretty coat that really works for my silver and grey-haired readers! The lines of this coat are simple, elegant, and very flattering to most figure types. This also comes in a beautiful shade of dark turquoise for you to consider. The pockets are along the side seam which contributes to the sleek profile of this coat.
This Talbots winter coat is made out of wool boucle. Boucle is a slubby type of wool that is warm to wear and textured to the touch. This coat has an inset waistband on the back, that gives a cinched waist look without actually being a belt that you need to keep track of. The coat is a wool blend and is dry-cleanable. Pro-Tip: The single row of buttons is universally flattering. The hem is just below my knee on my 5-foot, 4-inch frame.
Winter Coat Looks for Women #3: Pink Boucle Wool Coat
Have you noticed that hot pink is quite the “in” color this fall and winter? I love pink and was very excited to try this coat (sold out, similar, here, and here). It is also made of boucle wool like the grey reefer style above. But instead of having pockets along the side seam, it has patch pockets on the front. This coat is sold out (similar here, and here) and is very stylish in its appearance as well as color. I, however, wish the pockets were along the side seam as I find that more flattering to the eye. Maybe, I’ll consider swapping the hot pink one for this dark turquoise.
Again as in the second coat, there is just a single row of horn buttons, which looks pretty. There is no belt or waistband, so it is very slimming in its profile. It looks pretty worn open or buttoned. Pro-tip: I also like the look of a winter coat draped over one’s shoulder when it’s not too cold, or inside at a restaurant.
Conclusion to the Best Winter Coats for Women:
Most of us need several winter coats. We need a coat for the cooler weather as well as a coat for the really cold days. To determine if you need a new winter coat, take a few moments to peek in your coat closet. Pull out the usual suspects and see if your current coats fit and are in good shape. If after that exercise, you think an additional coat is in order, consider one of these pretty, classic styles. They will stand you in good stead as they are solid in color and not so trendy as to be out of style by next year.
Do you think any of these coats are ready for fall hikes in Colorado?
Please let me know in the comments below, which one of these coats you would actually wear. I truly enjoy hearing from you about my posts. Also, if you have an item that you’re having difficulty styling, send me a DM on Instagram @drjuliemarshall or drop me a comment below.
Thanks! And happy coat shopping!
XO,
Dr. Julie
PS Here are a few more posts for you to enjoy:
Three Casual Date Night Outfits
Black Blazer Outfit, Six Different Looks
Five Plaid Blazer Outfits for Fall
How to Style a Houndstooth Cardigan Four Ways
These almost make me wish I still lived where it gets cold – almost! I’d opt for the classic camel but they are all beautiful.
I hear you, Joanie. But, even here in sunny California, this tan Gap coat would work. Kind of like a really long blazer!