In Quebec, coats are worn three seasons a year. So it's important to know how to choose the right one. Although its primary function is to protect you from the cold, it's also important that it's stylish and comfortable. There are a number of criteria to consider before you check out: cut, colour, size, materials and style. Here are our tips and advice!
The perfect fit
Before choosing the cut of your coat, you need to know your silhouette. Before you start reading this blog, take a look at our article on morphology types.
If you're petite, opt for a short or mid-length coat. If you want to explore the oversize effect, which has been very fashionable in recent years, opt for a model that you can control with a belt at the waist. Coats that are too long will tend to crush you. On the other hand, they can also elongate your silhouette, provided you opt for a fitted or belted model. Straight, close-fitting styles are preferable.
If you're curvy, you need a coat that enhances your lovely curves. Choose a belted model to structure your silhouette and accentuate your waist.
A trapeze-cut coat is also a perfect choice for you, as it will enhance your legs. Opt for mid-length or long coats, which will enhance your silhouette, as opposed to short coats, which will break it up.
If you're tall, the trendy extra-long coats will fit you like a glove. If you're going in that direction, avoid adding too much volume. A straight cut will be more advantageous. If you have a marked waistline, a belted trench coat will be perfect for you!
An X-shaped body will be sublimated in a bathrobe coat.
If you have a large bust, avoid coats that are too close to the body or have a lot of detail around the chest.
V-shaped morphologists should avoid shoulder pads, so as not to widen their already sporty silhouette any further.
An A shape will opt for a straight coat that doesn't accentuate the volume at the hips. Trapeze-cut coats, for example.
This silhouette can go for shoulder pads, since its upper body is smaller.
H's and I's look great in straight-cut coats. Adopt a looser style, which is very much in vogue right now.
The right colour for you
It goes without saying that black is a must-have wardrobe staple. But when you already have one, have fun!
For an everyday coat, avoid overly flamboyant colors. You need to take into account the colors you wear most often to make an intelligent match.
The colors that work best together and are most in vogue are denim blue, burgundy, emerald green, beige, cream, brown, khaki, gray and even the plaid coat.
If you want something a little brighter to wear now and then, red, mustard yellow, fuchsia, powder blue and mauve are original colors that are sure to liven up your look.
Then there's the complexion, hair and eye colour. A beige coat with blond hair is to be avoided. A red coat with red hair, too. A pale beige coat with dark blond hair, acceptable! A burgundy coat with coppery red hair, too! The secret: contrasts. Tone on tone makes the look less strong, more muted. But some contrasts just don't work. Green, for example. If you have a lot of redness, it will make it stand out more.
Perfect greatness
When shopping, always bring a cardigan, cotton fleece or relatively thick wool sweater with you. When it gets really cold in winter, no matter how much insulation your coat has, you'll probably be wearing a few layers underneath. If your coat is too tight, it won't warm you up properly. It can also restrict your mobility.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect size:
The arm test: stretch your arms out in front of you or raise them to the sky. If you have "water in the cellar" at the wrists and hips, your coat is too small. You'll constantly have cold drafts coming in through these areas.
On the other hand, if lifting your arms into the sky causes a lot of fabric to gather at the shoulders, it may be too big for you, which isn't any better.
Then cross your arms from shoulder to shoulder. In other words, hug each other. If you feel resistance in your elbows and shoulders, the size above will be a better option for you.
The shoulder seam should arrive just before your biceps. If it arrives in the middle, either it's too big or the style is more lush.
For a classic cut, the seam should line up perfectly with your shoulders.
Materials to prioritize and avoid
Choose from wool, down, synthetics or a mix of these materials.
Down as insulation has several advantages: it's very light and very warm. It's also ideal for cold, dry climates. Down coats are also the most durable and comfortable.
Synthetic down also has its advantages. It's just as warm as natural down, and stands up very well to cold, damp climates. This imitation down, which is very much in evidence in new coat models, is hypoallergenic and dries very quickly. It is, however, heavier. The choice is yours!
Waterproofing is also very important. Make sure the coat is indeed waterproof or water-repellent.
Wool coats should be made predominantly of wool. 100% wool, although very warm and high quality, is not necessary. As long as the wool percentage is the highest, you're assured of good quality. Wool is a great insulator, it breathes and absorbs moisture well. However, it's not waterproof and won't protect you from the wind. So it's perfect for milder days.
Make way for style
With a short dress, the best option is a loose, short cape-style coat. It will enhance your dress and show off your legs. You can then wear your best tights and a pretty pair of boots.
A long coat can also be worn with a short dress. It will break up the style, but provide an interesting contrast to it. In short, we don't want to distort the cut of the dress, we just want to sublimate it. Accompany it. The peignoir coat is also a good option for making your chic dress a little more relaxed.
The long dress is a little more complex. It's always very visible and requires more precise organization than a short dress. The ideal coat is long, of course! Trench coats, bathrobes, straight coats... they all enhance your long dresses.
Short or mid-length coats may be an option, but they won't work every time. Denim jackets, oversized blazers, wool cardigans and faux-fur coats are options that work well.
Avoid coats that fall to mid-thigh, as they won't do your figure any favors.
Then have some fun: fur hood, matching hat and large scarf, your favourite leather belt around your waist, wool tuque and gloves... Don't mix too many colours, especially if your coat or outfit is more flamboyant, you don't want your accessories to steal the show!
Here is our beautiful coat selection.