It's very cold in many parts of the country this week particularly in Iowa where voters will soon be caucusing. The cold weather may have many out shopping for a new coat. Before you do you may want to read the advice in a recent Seattle Times article. Kyle Farmer, a fashion-design instructor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, told the Seattle Times that there is no specific trend happening in coats in 2008. Instead designers are recycling trends from previous years and adding modern twists. Farmer told the times that Burberry introduced "intricate detail on military-style jackets" and Marc Jacobs "married quilted fabrics and boxy swing coats."
The Seattle Times also talked to Tess Loo, the owner of a Colorado Springs boutique called Lulu. Loo offered the following tips for coat shoppers.
Short women appear taller in short jackets and large women appear slimmer in tailored jackets. Almost every coat style is repeated each year. If you really love peacoats, there is probably a designer who has created an updated version. Houndstooth is back, and you shouldn't fear it. Although the print is large and bold, "houndstooth is a classic," says Loo. If you're considering a swing coat, buy long gloves to make up for the short sleeves.
A Times Online article suggests adding accessories to your winter look.
Accessories are important for two reasons: one they will keep you warm, two they add gloss. Beanies and berets are the most fashionable hats, and many come with sequins or a lurex weave to add a bit of sparkle. Boots are really the only practical footwear. Ugg do not only produce those furry sand-coloured boots with which we have all become so familiar, but they also do more hardwearing leather versions, still warmly lined with sheepskin.
Retailers had a lot of trouble moving coats over the holidays so you might be able to find some good deals if you shop around.