You Don’t Have To Spend A Ton For A Good Winter Coat – 719woman.com
If you put off getting a new winter coat or jacket this year because of budget constraints, now is a great time to consider purchasing one since there are so many great sales. Even though it may still be cold outside and winter doesn’t officially end till March 20th, stores are deeply discounting their winter items, making room for the new spring lines.
But just because a coat might have originally been costly and now it’s marked down 50%, it doesn’t mean you’re getting the best bang for the buck. Being expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better in quality and will actually keep you warm.
I personally have quite a few coats and jackets. (I collect them like I do shoes!) But chances are, I’m going to buy another one in the next week or two while selections are still good and prices are low. A few things I personally consider before buying, the questions I ask myself, regardless if the coat is $25 or $250, are…
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What function do I want it to serve? Am I looking for something that is snow/water proof and will keep me extra warm and toasty on a hike? (Like I’m going to hike? Ha!) Do I want something I can wear with evening attire, a little more dressy and streamlined?
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Is it well-made? Is the hardware sewn on tightly? Are the buttons or zippers easy to work? Do I want pockets? Is it a good length and flattering for my body shape?
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Is this going to still be fashionable next year? Is it too trendy?
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Is this going to actually work with the clothes I already own?
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What are the care directions? How easy is it going to be to clean?
I live in Colorado where the temperature can vary quite a bit in a 24-hour and you can go from wearing a tank to a sweater within hours. Which for me, means I want a selection of coats and jackets with different weights. If you live in an area where it never snows and the temperatures don’t drop down that low, you most likely aren’t looking for something that heavy. Think about your lifestyle and the weather conditions where you live. Even if you purchase a coat at an excellent price, if you don’t wear it, it wasn’t a bargain.
Think too about what you’re going to wear with your coat. If you most likely will have layers or a sweater on when donning your outerwear, you want something bigger in size. If possible, wear something you would wear with the coat when trying on. (Or at least something similar in bulk.) I had a few coats I bought that are heavy and super warm but don’t fit that well in the shoulder and arm area when I had a sweater on. Which means, I didn’t wear them. (They have since been donated.)
So if you’re looking for a new winter coat or jacket, now is a really great time to find one at rock-bottom prices.
(Consider donating coats you no longer use to your local nonprofit or homeless shelter.)
Here are a few more things to consider before you purchase…