Finding the right coat with a personal stylist

I’m often asked by friends and family for style advice whether face-to-face or by text, twitter or email (you know who you are, ladies!) and it doesn’t matter if it’s a challenge to find the perfect pair of trousers, the right dress for a special occasion or general advice on what to wear for their body shape, I’ll always lend a hand, or rather eye, and put together a mood board of outfit ideas and share links or top tips.  I work as a Personal Stylist (among other things and of course being a mum!) and as much as I’d love to offer support in person to everyone that asks, it’s not always that easy for them or me so online styling is the easiest way to solve those style dilemmas in a hurry.

Style Brief

The most recent call for style support came from a friend looking for a new coat. The brief: Not the main winter coat so it doesn’t have to be waterproof and hugely padded but a stylish option that’s ideal for the school run and family weekends for teaming with jeans most days.

The research

Looking online isn’t great for checking out texture and thickness of a key purchase of something like a coat, so I headed to Westfield London* (White City) to see what was available in store and get a real feel for the styles on offer.  There are a wealth of stores at Westfield (you need a whole day there to make the most of all the fab shops!) to choose from and if like me you usually end up shopping with tot and buggy in tow, it’s mum and baby friendly too with family change and feeding rooms, lots of choice of restaurants and a play area.

Warehouse

Stripes in different widths are more flattering, and the fluffy finish of this coat diffuses the harsh lines for a more subtle feel. For an everyday coat that’s more interesting than your average, this is an inexpensive update to your outerwear wardrobe.

Banana Republic

A great option for a lighter weight coat to layer with chunky knits and a shirt for a smarter feel.  The raw edges give it a contemporary twist.

Topshop

I’ve said it many times but adding texture to an outfit is the easiest way to add a stylish twist. Treat this tactile herringbone coat as if it were plain and don’t be afraid to team with print in your outfit beneath. The dropped shoulder on this coat will soften wide shoulders while the single breasted cut will streamline.

Banana Republic

The camel coat is effortless chic at its best. This style has a mannish feel that’s perfect to pair with everything from jeans and plain knits to workwear. Add some bright red underneath for a flash of colour on a winter day.

Topshop

This is another versatile coat that will take you from work to weekend and mum-duty to night out. The straight cut will streamline an apple shape and grey tones will always be a top alternative to black to lift your look.

Banana Republic

A bright coat will instantly update your winter style but if block colour feels a little intimidating at first, try classic uniform tones of bottle green, cobalt blue and burgundy which have a more formal feel and work just as well in a corporate environment as on the school run. The large collar of this coat and double breasted buttons add detail and width so this would work well on narrow shoulders and balance wider hips.

Six great coat options to suit the busy mama lifestyle, all under one roof at Westfield London.

If you have a style dilemma, are looking for advice about your existing wardrobe and style or searching for the perfect new season coat, boot or jean to suit your lifestyle and budget, then do get in touch to find out more about online personal styling with me; what’s involved and prices. Thanks to the wonders of technology, it doesn’t matter where you are; we have Skype, emails and online shopping to help us get you looking stylish and feeling fab!

*Sponsored by Westfield London, written by CocoMama