My perfect winter coat wardrobe

Style is something very personal, so forgive me if my list doesn’t resonate with you entirely. But I am sure you are more likely to agree than disagree with me. You really don’t have to own 10 winter coats. If you have that perfect one (ok, let’s say two), it’s enough. Functional, stylish and transitional (from day to evening). Fabric and colour are important, but a coat truly speaks volumes when the cut is right. And when in doubt, always opt for an impeccably tailored one. This is how I envision my perfect winter coat wardrobe.

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The pea coat is among what Yves Saint Laurent called the “permanent forms”: functional meets urban in the most timeless YSL manner. I prefer gilt buttons to soften the sailor inspired garment in navy wool, thus remaining true to the original style.

I have a thing for grey (ageless and refined), salt and pepper or herringbone pattern tweed (town meets country, a recurrent theme in my style manual) coats. I think I prefer these to any other next to the camel coat. In straight-cut or shapely silhouettes.

The camel coat: the most elegant of them all. You really don’t have to worry much about your appearance in winter when you have a beautiful camel coat and a good pair of boots. Since the days of the Old Hollywood, this classic topper has been the epitome of glamour.

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I admit that a black coat is a tricky choice for me, although nobody has to plea for its ageless status. A deconstructed shape and a special fabric are two elements that would weigh in the most for my final decision.

There is something so classic and head-turning about a white coat in winter: maybe that’s why I have a white and not a black one. Collarless, with hidden buttons, is a personal favourite.

I like my posture in a military coat. A perennial fashion darling, which requires no presentation. Look how imposing it looks in the photo above. It deserves all the admiration and a salute.

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The parka will always hold a place in my closet, for there is nothing I like to pair down an elegant dress with than this already classic item. A warm zip-out lining is a must (making it so appropriate for autumn and spring too). There is nothing that guards me better against the icy cold of winter, while standing up to the fashionable stares.

The elegant short jacket (lined in shearling): it wears well with tuxedo pants, jeans or pencil skirts. It’s youthful and a welcome diversification (for unexpected warmer days in the middle of winter) from the longer lengths I usually go for this time of year.

I can not imagine myself wearing a fur coat, not at the moment at least. So the shearling coat is a wonderful option. It’s warm (and that’s always a winner with me), chic and it has a long-lasting wearability.

Which is your favourite winter cover-up?

photos: 1,2,4,5-Kate Powers for Easy Living UK, November 2012 / 3-Steven Meisel: Gwyneth Platrow was photographed for the August 1996 issue of Vogue US / 5-The Glamourai /6-The Blonde Salad / 7-The Blonde Salad / 8-Massimo Dutti Winter 2011 Lookbook, Fashion Gone Rogue