top coat
A great blazer or jacket can pull a look together without much effort. Minimal work; maximum effect. Just how I like it.
And ever since I moved to Chicago where there are actual seasons, outerwear of some variety is appropriate almost year-round. As a result, I cannot stop coveting (or buying – judging by the 25-odd coats, trenches, blazers and jackets currently hanging in my closet) them up. Perhaps this is excessive, but highly justifiable because a great-fitting coat or blazer made of quality fabric will last and be stylish for years and years.
Here is a handful arm-full SUV-full of my current obsessions.
Talbots High-Ridge twill top coat; $229 at talbots.com
I love the flattering, conservative shape. Wearable until May in Chicago or Minneapolis, so it would be a practical purchase even in February. Check out the other FLIPPING GORGEOUS colors it comes in too!
Banana Republic striped jacket; $198 at bananarepublic.com
As long as I could avoid the “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” thing, I’d get this one size smaller than usual, roll up the sleeves (I wonder if it has a pretty lining) and wear open with tees, jeans and lots of jewelry.
J. Crew schoolboy blazer; $188 at jcrew.com
A classic navy blazer is a wardrobe essential (and I’m sure you can get a great one that sells for less than this J. Crew beauty). The gold button detailing really amps up the preppy effect, which I happen to like, but you could ”prep it down” by wearing it over a floral slip dress.
Kate Spade Be Dazzled Addie jacket; on sale for $368 at katespade.com
How perfect is this gorgeous, cropped jacket? I’m not entirely sure how I would wear it: I would want to do something dressier than over a white tee and jeans like the (adorable!) model pictured here. But it’s unlikely I’ll work out a solution, as the price tag is out of my budget, even on sale.
LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls trench coat; $84 at kohls.com
Now this trench is totally within a reasonable budget. The color is fantastic and the princess seams and bow detailing on the back push it over the edge into MUST HAVE status for spring (but in a fight, the Talbots coat would still win).
Madewell Cadet cardigan; $110 at madewell.com
Even though this is actually a sweater, the construction of the collar and buttons wears like a jacket and the effect is similar. Again, I’d go with a smaller size for a tighter fit, and the collegiate-but-military look would be very versatile with a longer style-life than the printed skirt the model is wearing.
If I was going to buy just one, what would it be?
