I know this is New Year’s Day, and resolutions are all shiny and new, and we’re all hopeful and stuff, but it’s windy and rainy and cold and so I’m just going to put this out there. I just hate the dailiness of exercise, don’t you? Why can’t you just exercise one time and be done with it? Noooo.. you have to do it again the next day. And the day after that. You have to do get off the couch on a daily basis and sweat, and I’m a sitter, by nature. Sitting’s my favorite.
Some people feel the same way about getting dressed and looking cute, and I get it, sort of, but not really. For one thing, getting dressed doesn’t make you sweat, unless, of course, you’re putting on Spanx. Also, clothes make you instantly cuter, whereas exercise makes you look all sweaty in the short term, and, allegedly, cuter down the road, and the verdict is still out on that…
But I digress… After all, we’re talking outfit ideas here, and I’m getting to that. While there are a few items that are universally flattering (A-line skirts, wrap dresses), I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to outfits. After all, you’re dressing your body, not just any body. And in order to dress it, you have to know what works, and what doesn’t. And that’s where I come in. If you’re new here, let me introduce you to the simple-but-powerful Style Dial(®), a system developed by The Stylist Online that will really change the way you look at your body forever, and the way you dress it. Just click on the image below to help you discover your Style Dial(®) number.
Still trying to discover whether you’re a proportional Style Dial 1, a curvy-hipped Style Dial 2, or a straighter Style Dial 3? Hop on over to Style Confidence Club for more help. I’ll wait. 😉
Outfit Formula #1: Colorful Coat + Skinny Pants
Now that’s done, let’s move on to outfit ideas! Today’s inspiration is all about a seasonal standout: The Colorful Coat. While bright, bold faux furs showed up everywhere this season, a statement-making coat isn’t simply a passing trend. It’s always been a beautiful, practical way to look stylish when it’s cold out, because, let’s face it, in many parts of the country, your coat is the first (and sometimes the only) thing that people see.
A friend bought a bold pink Ted Baker coat she spotted in one of my gift guides and claims she gets tons of compliments on it, and I probably get more comments on my red Marc Jacobs coat than pretty much anything I own, and I’ve had it for years. So while there’s nothing wrong with buying one of this season’s fun, furry numbers, especially if it’s a steal, a coat with staying power should tick all of these boxes:
Bold Color
A standout coat will be most versatile in a single, ultra-flattering shade. Red is my signature color, but you can choose a Pop Color that works with your own wardrobe and Color Code (more on this tomorrow!): hot pink, turquoise, plum, blush, powder blue, mustard, orange. Prints are fun and show fewer stains and smudges, but a solid color offers maximum versatility. If you’re wardrobe is full of prints, a solid color coat will work best for you, but if you’re primarily a solid-outfit kind of girl, then a printed coat will add interest and personality to potentially boring outfits.
2. Flattering Shape
I consider a coat an investment purchase, so your ideal topper should be a classic style, like a peacoat, trench, or wrap, that flatters your body type. It’s the details that make the difference. A Style Dial 1 and Style Dial 3 can wear most styles, but look for a vertical neckline (where the wrap, buttons, etc. start at about chest level); a Style Dial 2 should choose a higher neckline. Belting at the natural waist is flattering for a Style Dial 1, while a Style Dial 2 or Style Dial 3 should look for empire styles that belt or define the waist higher.
This double breasted style with a higher neckline is great for a Style Dial 2 or a Style Dial 3 (if you don’t have broad shoulders). Photo courtesy of BuzzTendency.
3. Beautiful Quality
Since this is an investment piece, buy the best quality you can afford. Fortunately, January is the best time to find your favorite styles at deeply discounted prices, which may help you snag a piece that would typically be out of your price range. A fine wool, cashmere, or wool-cashmere blend are great choices for an everyday coat
THEORY is known for high-quality fabrics, especially beautiful wools. Oaklane open front trench coat shown here on VivaLuxury.
Coats by Body Type
Style Dial 1 Coat
This classic coat of boiled wool comes in petite and tall sizes as well as regular, and features a flattering, waist-defining shape and vertical neckline that makes it a perfect choice for a Style Dial 1. The new shorter length works with everything except maxi styles. Plus, it’s 40% off the already reasonable price.
Style Dial 2 and 2 (3)
This fun coat features a trendy bell sleeve which can be altered when the trend passes, because the rest of the coat is so classic and features great Style Dial 2 details: higher neckline, double-breasted style, and an empire waist.
Style Dial 3
This pretty coat is classic but still updated, with a fur collar and beautiful, baby-blue color. The vertical neckline and waist defining details make it a solid choice for a Style Dial 3.
For more coat ideas, and to see all of the outfit formulas in this 30 day series, check out my 30 Days of Outfit Ideas Catalog.
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