Brrrr. Temperatures are about to plummet, but put down the down. We offer some ideas for staying warm without looking like the Michelin Man.
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Modern
Bring on the blizzards. This stylish coat, made from neoprene, was the warmest we tried. The fabric—you might recognize it as wetsuit material—is windproof and waterproof, and will keep you insulated against the nastiest weather. “It’s practical and fabulous, and it’s a forever coat,” says Lake Barrington’s Pamela McBride. No one will mistake you for a deep-sea diver if you choose pieces that have unique elements, like the architectural hood and leather detailing here. Whether worn over your stiletto boots or yoga gear, the effect is the ultimate combination of sporty, youthful and chic.
Givenchy coat, $4,625, Alaia belt, $1,275, Ikram; Only Hearts ribbed legging, $57, Denim Lounge; Tiffany Reversible Tote, $595, Tiffany; Black glass ring, Gray bangle, Jolie Femme
Military
Military-inspired styles are everywhere in fashion right now. This impeccably tailored coat by Smythe, a label known for its high quality construction and materials, puts a cheeky spin on the masculine cut by adding well-defined but whimsical shoulders. Lorette Malek, a mother of two from Northbrook, loves the look. “Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to schlep around in sweat pants. I like to show my personality through fashion, and this coat does that.”
Smythe Cadet Coat, $995, Current/Elliott The Skinny jean, $207, SHE Boutique; Oska striped knit fingerless gloves, $117, Jolie Femme; Sam Edelman Zoyla booties, $224.95, Nordstrom; Zina Eva purple bag, $330, Le Dress; Maison Michel hat, $300, Flower pendant with stone necklace, $1,950, Chalk
Classic
The camel coat has always been a wardrobe staple, and its prevalence this fall makes it a great time to invest in one that you’ll have for years. McBride, who runs her own fashion consulting business, Style Precis, helps her clients edit and restock their wardrobes so that getting dressed is easy and fun. “This is a beautiful, classic coat, and it will be in your closet forever,” she says.
Maison Martin Margiela camel coat, $2,400, Givenchy blouse, $1,285, pants, $2,110, Ikram; Funky Junque ruched scarf, $28, Denim Lounge; Alberta Ferretti studded leather gloves, $275, Chalk; Attilio Giusti Leombruni bronze leather loafers, $325, Shirise; Tiffany Hadley shoulder bag, $1,495, Tiffany
Sumptuous
Function meets elegance in this coat, whose beauty lies not only in its design, but also its versatility. The soft wool and long length will keep you warm, while the architectural draping keeps things from looking too heavy and bulky. McBride loves the coat, deeming it “classic, but with a twist.” Best of all, you can wear it over everything from jeans to suits to formal gowns.
Haider Ackerman coat, $3,285, Alaia gloves, $1,345, Jean Michel Cazabat Zilla pumps, $395, Ikram; Jimmy Choo Brix clutch, $1,150, Shirise; Silver pendant necklace, Jolie Femme
Formal
Holiday party season is nearly upon us, which means we all need toppers to don over our formalwear. This jacket is all about fun and drama, making it the perfect match for festive dresses. Malek, who does extensive volunteer work for St. Norbert School and is the co-chair for their upcoming dinner auction (Nov. 13, stnorbertdinnerauction.org), fell in love with the piece as soon as she put it on. “It’s sassy, and it will never go out of fashion.”
Ivan Grundahl black crinkle taffeta jacket, $400, Jolie Femme; Jill Stuart Karla dress, $872, Lionette Penelope crystal earrings, $170, SHE Boutique; Michael Stars slouchy gloves, $46, Denim Lounge; Yves Saint Laurent black suede pumps, $695, Shirise; Red croc clutch, $64, Le Dress
