An Argument for Eschewing the Sensible, Neutral Coat
If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times: life is short. However, winter, particularly winter on the East Coast, is long. Which is why I've arrived at a conclusion recently, and said revelation is: if you're going to buy a winter coat, don't buy a neutral one.
We've all been taught that above all, our topper for chilly temperatures should be practical, wearable, and versatile. Most of the time this inevitably ends in a black or navy coat, maybe a camel if you're feeling edgy. And then for months on end, you throw a snoozy finishing number on top of a thoughtful and well-planned out outfit. But when you're walking down the street in 30 degree weather, no one is going to see your killer bright minidress. Sorry, those are facts.
But, you see, the problem goes deeper than the outer layer. Once I examined my general behavior and sartorial pattern during the winters and what I arrived at was shocking: I mostly alternate neutral staples, like my favorite creamy cropped turtleneck, leather leggings, and a kickass pair of boots—in black. In effect, without even realizing it, I had been falling into a sartorial holding pattern, in which my outfits themselves, perhaps influenced by my outerwear, were becoming nondescript and snoozy.
No wonder come February I feel lackluster about getting dressed; there's no pep in my appearance once I've completed the task. If there's no joy or excitement in what you wear, what is the point? And further, why does practicality have to be synonymous with boring?
So I arrived at the only natural inference, which is that we have all been conned into thinking that nondescript coats are better because they can be worn with anything. Reader, I object.
In the year 2019, I am embracing the statement overcoat. Who cares if it doesn't entirely match the outfit worn underneath—a good print, or a bright faux fur, or perhaps both combined, is like a little visual morsel of candy. Why deny yourself the little emotional boost of some visual joy when it is dreary outside? It's the first thing people see when you are out and about—why not make it memorable?
Maybe we've been doing it all wrong and our coats should really be the focal points of our outfits once temperatures sink below 50 degrees. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for wearing coat-dresses, and there's no arguing with her stylish status, just like there's no rule that you have to be married to Prince William for that styling decision to be pulled off with aplomb.
Aside from visual interest, which in my book is major component of the "pro" argument, coats are more democratic. Coats flatter whether you are tall or short, or any size in between (and to clarify, I believe that if you like something, you absolutely should wear it— body type rules are harmful). The basic concept of coat silhouettes are the same, aside from subtle changes, so if you're looking for a piece that's flattering no matter who wears it, a coat falls pretty high up on the list. For someone who might not feel comfortable going for a daring dress, a coat is a friendlier way to attempt a trend.
And then, of course, there's the most obvious reason of all: it's cold out, you need a coat. If it is a necessity and serves and a true function in your everyday, why not make the choice to ensure that every time you look at your coat it makes you smile? 50 years ago, people used to splash out for a fabulous coat to keep them toasty during the winter. Think Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million or Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl. Why would we all pay to wear the same black puffer now?
So this season, I'm thinking of my statement coat purchase like rent. If it brings me joy to throw it on over my winter work uniform, then I'm essentially paying for a piece that I live in. And if making those cold days less miserable isn't worth it, I don't know what is.
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