Women's Dress Coats

Dress Coat Basics

What makes a coat dressy? This is an article of clothing that’s less casual than parkas or windbreakers. While the style can be anything from a pea coat to a trench coat, it’s generally tailored and leans toward a more sophisticated bent. You can wear your women’s dress coats to work as well as to church, while shopping or running errands. What constitutes a dress coat may differ from person to person, but suffice it to say that you would wear one with professional outfits or when you’re trying to look especially nice while also braving the cold.

Styles of Women’s Dress Coats

When fall and winter clothes start coming into retail stores, you’ll find no shortage of jackets and coats. Coats sold in climates that experience harsh winters will be heavier than coats sold in more tropical areas. One of the best times of the year to shop for coats is when winter is nearly over and the spring merchandise starts arriving. This is when stores mark down winter items in an effort to move them out and make way for warm-weather fashions. Here are some retailers that cater to the plus size market and the latest styles in dress coats:

• Alight carries a basketweave wool coat that will look great over a pair of dressy slacks. Vintage details make it perfect for the full-figured woman who appreciates chic dressing.
• Another Alight offering is this pleated swing coat that features a mandarin collar, matching buttons and pockets.
• Avenue, a popular plus size retailer, sells a satin quilted peacoat available in red, minky bronze or silver. The shiny satin fabric is dressy enough to wear over skirts or slacks.
• Lane Bryant sells a military inspired belted coat that’s elegant and destined to become a classic. The belt draws attention to the waist for the full-figured woman who’s proud of her curves.
• A walking coat like this from Roaman’s will look gorgeous in red or black. The coat’s smooth line will help you look sleek and elegant.
• Another Roaman’s offering is this wool coat with detachable shawl collar in faux fur.
• Jessica London knows how to outfit the plus size woman in style. This single breasted wool coat is available in several colors to satisfy just about any taste.

Accessorize Your Coat

Don’t forget other cold weather accessories such as:

• Scarves
• Hats
• Gloves or mittens
• Boots
• Earmuffs

If you have a coat in a basic, neutral color such as black, brown or beige, you can wear accessories in a variety of colors. You can stick with similar neutrals or you can bring out a spot of color by pairing red gloves and a red scarf with a black coat. It’s entirely up to you how you want to jazz up or tone down your look.

Treat it With Care

Although your dress coat is a piece of clothing you’ll remove once you enter a warm building, you should still take care to select one that you’ll enjoy wearing, hopefully for years to come. With proper care, a well-made garment can last a long time. If you live somewhere where winter snow is common, you may need more than one coat.

For women who don’t have to brave blizzards year after year, a lighter weight coat is a suitable option. Having it professionally cleaned once winter is over and then storing it properly will help it last.

Winter may become your favorite season if you look forward to pulling out a treasured dress coat to get you through the cold.