Guide To Buying The Perfect Coat In Chicago
It's that time of year again to start contemplating your fall wardrobe. What better way to start than with outerwear! There are a wide variety of coats and jackets this season ensuring you will find your perfect match.
Capes
Nordstrom Rack
2155 W 22nd St
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 572-1212
Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 11am-7pm
Nordstrom.com
The first must have Fall 2011 look is a cape. Capes are a great way to make an outfit, are pretty much one size fits most, and work for any body type. There is a great array of capes to choose from this season. I chose this fabulous gray military influenced cape by Guess that can be found at Nordstrom for $138.00. Pair this with a great trouser or jean and booties for a more casual look, or add a bold fall hued skirt and tights! This cape will take you through the cool early fall weather through mid spring! Keeping the cape in a neutral tone will enable this fabulous piece to be a wardrobe staple for seasons to come.
Fall Hues: Low, Medium & High
Urban Outfitters
1521 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-8550
Sun 10am-7pm
Mon – Sat 10am- 9pm
www.urbanoutfitters.com
The hot hues for Fall 2011 are red, mustard, rust, and black and white, along with the fall go-to gem tones. First I chose a great little faux leather bomber. This has been a great coat for the last few seasons but mostly found in browns and blacks. Edge it up this fall and choose a rich red, by Sparkle and Fade through Urban Outfitters for an affordable $99. This will be a great statement piece, add a great wide leg dark denim jean, printed blouse, and platform booties for a polished city-chic look. You can also wear over a great dress and tights!
Next I found a great simple cropped wool jacket in rust from French Connection for $228. It has subtle hints of a mod and military world remaining very clean and chic. This coat begs for a printed scarf, dark jean, riding boot, and driving gloves!
Finally I found a great black and white splurge item by Rachel Zoe as seen at Bloomingdale's for $575. This coat is on the pricier side, but will provide impeccable quality and longevity. It's classically cut yet striking in the bright winter white adorned with black buttons and belt. The asymmetrical button arrangement and collar-less neckline offer up a contemporary mod appeal. This can be worn over your favorite trouser or jean, with an animal print or red silk blouse or over your most stunning cocktail dress with bright hued tights!
Polka Dots
Another prodigious trend for this fall is polka dots and this applies to outerwear as well. Polka dots offer a surprisingly neutral backdrop for bright hues and patterns, so get creative when accessorizing your polka dot coat! I found this ultra feminine empire waist double-breasted black and white polka dot coat by Tulle as seen on www.modcloth.com for $99.99. Garnish this beauty with a mustard scarf, a great jean or gem toned pant or tight, a fun beret, and boot.
Peplum Jackets
Diesel
923 N Rush St
(between Wabash Ave & Walton St)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-0157
store.diesel.com
The peplum is here and in full force. For the early fall days I suggest a fitted light to medium weight peplum jacket. They can come in a multitude of materials and styles. I chose this fun faded black denim jacket from Diesel for $195. I particularly love this for its playful juxtaposition. The top showcases a mix between military and motorcycle collar and the bottom is a ruffle peplum. The two styles are artfully joined with an asymmetrical zipper. Pair with a bold slim-fitting mini skirt, tights, and ankle boot, or a bold high waist trouser.
Twist on the Trench
Trench coats are timeless and classic, but this Fall find one with a twist. This could mean an unexpected color or feature. I found this wonderful stone brown toned trench with a faux fur collar by BB Dakota at Urban Outfitters for $149. This coat offers all the classic smart features of the trench but adds a boho romantic touch with the faux fur collar. Pair this with everything from jeans, trousers, to dresses and skirts. It is a deep neutral tone so pair with your favorite saucy hues.
It's a Mod Mod Fall
Mod is huge this fall, particularly the 60s mod, think Jackie O meets Twiggy meets 2011. I found this gorgeous and bold black and white mod cut coat online from Asos for $129.99. This coat features a striking horizontal stripe in black and white, double breast buttons, ¾ length sleeves, and collar-less neckline. Pair with a black cocktail dress and emerald or magenta tights, platform black oxford heel, and elbow length leather gloves! An amazing vintage brooch would also accent this to die for coat!
Oversized
Macy's
835 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 335-7700
www.macys.com
I also noticed a lot of oversized coats this season, in a variety of styles. From menswear cut, to swing, shawl collar, wrap, to car coats. I stumbled upon this vintage inspired car coat from Rachel Roy offered at Macy's for a sale price of $83.99. It features a shawl collar, shorter sleeve, and black and white tweed. Pair with a slim jean or dress, and elbow length gloves in your favorite bold colors for a vintage sophistication.
Happy coat shopping!
