An important part of my winter wardrobe capsule was of course the coat.
There are so many beautiful coats I could have chosen!
In the end I opted for a simple but very distinctive coat by Zara. I did not want to spend a lot of money as I just don’t spend enough time in winter clothes, but at the same time wanted something fun, warm, comfortable and NOT black.
I did not need a super warm coat and I wanted one that would look good with both pants, skirts and a dress. Plus it had to be an easy color to match with all my clothes.
I was very attracted to the longer wrap around coats but found them quite overwhelming. I felt that this coat was a great alternative. Not too long or bulky with a nod to the wrap-around trend and of course a bit of asymmetry.
It has proven to be a good choice. I was able to wear this coat with almost all of the clothes in my winter capsule. Even my black blazer fitted comfortably underneath.
The only issue was with my bulky sweaters, but you would really need a cape for that as they both have dropped shoulders so are difficult to fit within normal coats. When I wore my bulky sweaters, the poncho and blanket scarf came in really handy.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Your Challenge!
Show me how you wear your favorite or most versatile coat! Do you wear it with different outfits? Do you mix it with different scarves? Even though we all love our practical black coats in winter, it would be great to see some looks with non-black coats.
Want to show me and all the other women in our community your looks? Upload them to the private Facebook forum (style course members only), the 40+Style Facebook page or add a link to your photo in the comments below. If you managed to assemble your own capsule wardrobe, I’d love to see images of that also.
I look forward to seeing your outfits!
Outfit Details
Black Skinnies: COS (old)
Cream skinnies: Zara (old)
Faux leather skirt: Zara
Blanket scarf: Zara
Silk scarf: present from Suzanne Carillo
Grey coat: Zara
Dress: Porto c/o GetDressed2
Leggings (worn as tights): Uniqlo
Cream corduroy pants: Zara
Shoes: Laura Bellariva
Which is your favorite current coat? Did you buy a new one for this season?
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
LOVE these bootie shoes. Looked all over online and couldn’t find them. Can you send me a link?
Unfortunately I can’t find them either. All I know is the brand which I’ve listed. I bought them at a small shop in The Netherlands in the sale so I guess they are no longer available….
Cannot get enough of that coat Sylvia! Its just soooo stylish, elegant yet edgy. But you know what I like the most? Your new hair. Its just wonderful. You look great! I have been going crazy over gray the whole season, feels like I have been wearing nothing but gray sort of:) Have a great week. xo Sabina
Thanks Sabine. Yes the hair does look good in these pictures. Unfortunately, on most days it does not and I tie it back. Longer hair takes quite a bit of effort to look good….
I love that coat! What a great shape and style on you. My favorite outfit is the very first one with the white pants. Such a chic look and those silver ankle boots are to die for!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Thanks Cherie. Yes it all worked out well. Funny enough the booties was the first thing I got. An impulse buy in The Netherlands that worked out great!
Love your new coat. It’s a really pretty grey colour! The silver booties are also fabulous. It must have been hard to pose for these pictures. You were probably sweating bullets! Thanks for the great post!
Thanks Kathy. Yes, it was so HOT! But I knew it was the only way I would be able to get decent pictures (even if they look a bit funny).
Just LOOOOVE this coat. Light grey suits you wel Sylvia.
My sporty winter coat is from the stylisch shop ‘Maison de Bonnetrie’. It was my last time shopping there because the beautyful compagnie (started in 1889) closed.
Thanks Desiree. Yes I remember that store even though I don’t think I ever bought anything there. Great that you still have that coat!
This is a great coat for you. I like that it’s not black but still a great neutral color to go with everything. The tab closure makes it so unique.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thanks Alice. Yes I really enjoy this light gray which was so perfect with all other outfits. Definitely makes me a lot happier than black!
What a lovely coat. Great choice. And if you want to borrow a coat of mine in December to wear over your bulky sweaters, I have a black faux fur coat (present from Anja actually) which goes over anything bulky.
Thanks Greetje, but I still have a few other (old) coats in the Netherlands. Hopefully one of them will fit over them!
Lovely pictures, and also hilarious. Posing in front of a palm tree in your “winter” coat? While wearing short pants that leave part of your legs uncovered? Or in a skirt with bare legs? Pretty darn funny. For those of us who get actual winter (I’m in Michigan) this is entertaining but not very useful. OK, not at all useful.
I understand that these are not the ideal photos but it was the only way I could photograph this winter wardrobe. I wore all of the outfits in the capsule on my trip to cold Europe. Although I forgot to add knee-high flesh colored tights here, that is what I wore. On cold days I added some socks as well. If you can look beyond the palm trees in the background, I think these outfits can be both inspirational and useful as my winter capsule series will show you how to create a diversity of winter outfits with a smart capsule. https://40plusstyle.com/capsule-wardrobe-for-winter/
I might have to have this one! Such a great color and I like the unique closure. Works beautifully with all your choices. I been buying a couple of down coats this winter, going for the warmth. They are a challenge to find some choices that don’t look like sleeping bags but I managed to find some in white tones that look good!
blue hue wonderland
I can recommend it Ann. It’s versatile and easy to wear. Lovely to read that you have been buying light coats too!
This really was the perfect choice for you and looks great with all your outfits. So unique with the little closure at the side.
How I *wish* I didn’t need a very warm coat. I have many “inbetween” coats that look lovely. Sadly they aren’t very warm. I have a couple that are really warm that make me look HUGE. What can you do though? It’s winter and I need to try to stay warm.
I need to get some photos of it now.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Yes, winter dressing is tough. I know that I always need to be warm first and foremost….