The Closet Coach

Can it really be September already?

Although temperatures may still be scorching in many parts of the country, the turn of the calendar–and the hefty thud of the September issues landing in your mailbox–means it’s time to think about updating your fall wardrobe.

Of all the trends coming out for Fall 2010, what’s worth spending on, and where should you save our money?

Here are my picks for what to splurge on–and what to save on.

Splurge

Spend your money on the trends that will outlast this season and form the foundation of a lifelong wardrobe–and where the difference high-quality makes is greatest, like outerwear and footwear. Look for the best materials and construction you can afford. You’ll more than get your money’s worth.

• Camel coat. Camel is everywhere this season, but it’s also a classic you can wear time and again. Make sure yours is cut lean with a slight nip at the waist to avoid looking big and bulky.
• Flat boots. Another trend that will be useful for years to come. And let’s face it, they’re just easier to walk in. When there’s snow and ice on the ground, are you really going to try to hike through it in 3-inch heels?
• Belted trench. I’ve sung the praises of my own trench coat, so I can vouch for the long-term wearability of a trench, another classic coat style like the camel coat.

Save

Save your pennies when purchasing trends that will be tucked away again next year, or where better quality doesn’t make an obvious difference. Hermes aside, a scarf is a scarf.

• Animal print accessories. Sure, they come in and out of season several times over the years, but why spend a lot on something fun? A zebra-print bangle or a leopard-print scarf from a mass-market store will work just as well as its pricer cousin. I have just such a scarf that I’ve worn plenty over the years, and it came from Claire’s.
• Metallic fabrics. Assuming you can even pull off this look, it’s bright and flashy, so cheaper is practically better. And it’s hard to imagine you’ll be wearing it again any time soon.
• Cargo jeans. Another look that only works for a few body types (who really wants to add width to their thighs with pockets?), this one practically screams trendy and it won’t be long before it seems terribly dated. Look for cargo jeans at stores like Old Navy or Express, if you must.
• Ruffle front shirt. It’s such a prominent style that once it’s out, it will truly be out for a good while. And a decent version now can be found at such chains as H&M–or even in vintage clothing shops.

Your turn

• What about you? What are your Splurges and Saves for Fall 2010?

Life-saving clothes? Seems a little dramatic, doesn’t it?

Usually I think about clothes for their form, not their function. How can they make me look? How can they make me feel? Who do they make me?

But as I write this from my home in the DC area, we are under an actual National Weather Service blizzard warning. It’s our fourth snowstorm in less than 2 weeks.

Two of them were pretty dustings. The third, dubbed “Snowmageddon” or “Snowpocalypse” buried us but was mostly inconvenient.

But this one is actually a little bit scary. The wind is howling and snow is blowing. Travel is not inconvenient; it’s impossible.

My husband and I ventured out into it this morning to clear some snow off our roof, fearful of possible collapse. We had to put on layers of long underwear, snow pants, turtlenecks, gloves, down jackets, hats and even goggles.

It made me realize that in this case, the difference between windburn or frostbite was our clothes. They needed to be functional. It didn’t matter what they looked like.

If we lose power in this storm, it could be hours or days if it’s restored. Power crews can’t go out in this. Again, what we wear may become vitally important. Standing between us and freezing temperatures will be our clothes.

If you’re also in the mid-Atlantic, I hope you’re safe and warm.

Tell me:

• Have you ever counted on your clothes to keep you safe?
• To save your life?

The official first day of winter is just around the corner, but for most of us, the mercury has already dipped well into frigid digits.

Staying warm when venturing outside is a must. What’s a chic woman to do?

Here are a few secrets for dressing well while staying warm.

• Skip the ski jacket. Unless you’re schussing in the Alps this winter, of course. That is–don’t settle for ordinary outerwear. Why ruin a perfectly good outfit with an ill-fitting or unflattering coat? Try a well-cut wool coat in a full-length that skims and elongates the body. For casual ensembles, perhaps a fun waist-length puffer, with or without hood. The fewer straps, buttons, pockets and other items strewn all over the outside surface, the better. Keep to classic, neutral colors. And build up your coat wardrobe over time. These are investment pieces; don’t expect to buy them all in a single season.
• Pick a proper topper. When it’s cold enough or the wind blows, a hat is the only way to go. Since it will be covering most of your head around your face, make sure it works with your features–just as a hairstyle would. Try several on. A quick check in the mirror will tell you whether you favor a knit cap, a wool beret or a felt hat with a brim. There are so many options, there’s no reason for your winter chapeau to be anything less than fabulous.
• Think “accessories.” You’ve got the coat and the hat. Now think carefully about the scarf and gloves to go with them, in style, materials and color. A super-long knit scarf doesn’t work with a cropped length coat. A silk scarf seems out of place with a vinyl jacket. And don’t feel confined to making everything matchy-matchy. While you don’t want clashing shades of red (it will seem as if you were attempting to match, but missed), try a solid scarf with patterned gloves, or the other way around. Make sure the colors work with both the coat and the hat.
• Layer up. Underneath all that outerwear, do you still feel a chill? Add on the layers! A thin turtleneck will keep you from adding bulk but provide an extra layer of warmth to a sweater, jacket or dress. Wear thick tights with skirts and if you’re feeling adventurous this season, try leg warmers on top (but never over knee-high boots). If you don’t want your layering to show, find a pair of fine silk thermal underwear. Worn under pants and shirts, they’ll keep you toasty and none will be the wiser.

Tell me: What are your favorite ways of keeping warm while staying chic?

Last month, I wrote about the importance of the outer layer of your outfit — coats, trenches, jackets and the like.

I mentioned how one of my two raincoats made any outfit look casual and even baggy, thus making me reluctant to wear it, despite its practicality.

This month, I decided to take my own advice, especially after coming across a perfect take on the trench from Michael Kors, on sale at Bluefly for 40% off. Not only is the fit tailored and the cross-tying belt fun, but it has a little hood for those days when it’s lightly drizzly and you want to protect your hair without manipulating an umbrella.

And sure enough, when I put it on I feel vastly more glamorous than in the other coat. Owning it almost — almost — makes me look forward to rainy days.

• Tell me: What piece of style advice have you followed recently? What was the result? (And what’s your favorite coat?)

I have two spring coats in my wardrobe.

One is a fitted single layer trench coat by Ann Taylor Loft, in lime green, that buttons up the front and is belted at the waist.

The other is a pale blue raincoat from L. L. Bean that zips up the front, has a removable warm liner and a practical attached hood for drizzly days. It hangs loosely over the body.

Both fall to just above the knees.

Can you guess which one I prefer to wear?

The lime green trench has no hood and isn’t lined, but because it’s perfectly fitted, it instantly dresses up any outfit and creates a smooth, flattering silhouette. The blue raincoat, while ideal for its precipitation purpose, looks like a loose bag and makes every outfit feel casual and slightly sloppy.

So unless it’s pouring down and cold, I reach for the “wow” coat and grab my umbrella to cover my head.

Remember the importance of this final layer when you select your outerwear, whether it’s a spring raincoat or a winter parka. When you’re outdoors in anything but balmy sunny skies, it’s the only — or primary — part of your ensemble that others will see.

Practicality is important but so, too, is fit. If a down-filled coat makes you look like the Michelin Man, try a slimmer-profiled peacoat in wool. If an ordinary raincoat is swimming on your body, try a style with a belt or a slightly shorter length.

Look for classic styles that will last for several seasons. This will allow you to invest in a higher quality garment that will pay for itself in durability and design.

And if it makes you smile every time you put it on, it’s a winner for sure!