I recently helped a client to get out of her black coat rut with the purchase of a beautiful royal purple boucle car length coat which we accessorized with a deep pink zigzag pleated scarf and coordinating black-plum leather gloves. Topping it off were a pair of black winterized suede 'shoeties' boots with delicate silver studs on the heels and a gorgeous black leather bag with a shoulder strap long enough to go over a coat sleeve.
Can you imagine what a joy she will be to look in the middle of February? She can't wait for the cold!
I know not everyone is brave enough to give up a black winter coat, and that's ok! It makes a fantastic base for interesting accessories! In fact, a reader, Andrea, wrote me with a question that I'm sure many of you have: "Tamara, is it ok to wear a black coat with a black bag and brown boots?"
I suppose it is, but I think we can have a lot more fun here. A couple of things to remember:
- We have winter for a loooong time. I advise my clients to build a wardrobe of winter outerwear that suits their needs. For heaven's sake, would you wear the same outfit every day for 6 months? Didn't think so. So why would you wear the same coat, boots, and winter accessories every day until the thaw?
- The idea is to make this outer layer look like just as much a thoughtful outfit as the rest of your clothing. Have fun with the accessories! They're easy to build on, replace and jazz up!
Here are a couple interesting & elegant options for that black coat, one that uses that brown accent but bumps it up by incorporating this winter's fur trend & one that uses berry tones and a little rock 'n roll bling:
These are two simple ways to create interest with that plain old black winter coat. What's your favourite way to accessorize for winter?
