Keep things under wraps

WE mightn’t have had a white Christmas but it has been pretty cold out there.
Wet gear and wellies would be the sensible approach for venturing outside in recent weeks but I don’t think things warrant that fashion sacrifice quite yet.
If you haven’t updated your coat stocks so far this season, then now is a good time to have a look around as many great coats are on sale and the reduction might just make that investment piece a lot more affordable.
Of course you can’t be without a good black coat, full length or to the knee are the best options as they can be worn over trousers or dresses and if you choose a classic style then it will last for a good few years.
A lighter shade coat is also good to have to hand as it goes great with more casual looks like jeans and jeggings as well as the brighter autumn-winter tones of beiges, browns and greys.
Watch out, Batman capes are flying off the shelves this season and while some are a tad too close to looking like a post-war English nanny outfit, a cape with some colour, great buttons and not too big, really is an option to try out.
Faux fur isn’t going away any time soon and looks warm and luxurious on collars and cuffs. Full-on faux fur coats are tempting but unless they come at a good price, they don’t have the wearability factor to warrant investment.
If you’re not a coat lover and prefer to layer up, then the coatigan should be your best friend. There are some awful versions that look more like a blanket from a bad day at a craft market, but if you stick to one that is well structured and actually holds that coat shape, they are great for popping on over dresses with tights and boots and can be kept on inside if you’re still a bit chilly.
Remember the best way to get the best our of your coat is to choose a good wool mix fabric, one that’s preferably lined, check buttons are secure and always, always, hang it up.
Coats thrown over the banister will go out of shape, and the odd visit to the dry cleaners won’t do it any harm either.