This month Kim (Northern California Style) and I for our Signature Style Edit are chatting about Outerwear. The winters here are a little cooler. I wear my winter jackets much more often. We actually wear wool coats here in the winter. These 6 Chic Coats will Elevate your Over 50 Wardrobe I am pretty sure.
A CLASSIC WOOL COAT
I have owned the J Crew Cocoon winter coat for way too many years to count. J Crew always has the best women’s winter jackets and coats many in bright colors if you are looking for a pop of color. My cocoon coat is still available (at 30% off) for good reason. It is a classic style that looks great with pants. I love the ease of the zipper. For extra warmth and comfort, zip it all the way up to the chin, add a pair of gloves and a hat and you are good to go. A wool coat is an investment that you will wear for many years. If you live somewhere where you will wear one a lot, it is worth investing in a good one. My necklace is from Paula Carvalho.
Shop the Look
Now that we live in an area where the winters are cooler, I am on the hung for a longer length wool coat that I can wear with pants and skirts. All of these coats are free of fashion trends with a mid length hem so they can be worn with pants and skirts. These coats are on my radar:
Shop Coats on my Radar
LEATHER JACKET
I have owned my particular moto jacket for at least 15 years. I wear it all the time. It just keeps getting better as it ages softer and more conforming. The key in selecting a moto jacket is to shop for one that is classic. Right now they are cropped. Don’t look for one that has too many bits and bobs. Keep it fairly classic with an edge.
I am wearing mine last season with a skirt from Reformation that is still available and my favorite combat boots. On the right I am wearing the same jacket back in 2018 when I first began modeling (under duress). I sure was a lot thinner then. The Reformation skirt is now available in a different leopard pattern, but you can find some on eBay here. I have linked the current pattern (which I like below)
Shop the Looks
This leather topper is another classic. It can be dressed up or down. I have owned it for at least 15 years probably more. The picture on the left was taken this week, the one on the right several years ago. I styled it with faux leather pants from Lysse, birdies, and a hat from Wyeth. The other photo is a more caual look with a pop of color. You can see how I have styled these jackets multiple ways in my post How to Style Leather After 50 here.
Shop the Looks
CAPE/WRAP
If you have been reading this blog long you know I am a big fan of capes and wraps. I love them because they can be styled so many ways and they are very practical in our climate.
The first wrap is from eBay I have linked it below. This would be a great option for a fall football game. If it gets warm, remove some layers. The second wrap is from Lysee and on sale here. Next J Crew’s cashmere wrap. The next wrap is from Mersea, Madewell and J Crew again. I have linked all available items below the graphics.
SHOP WRAPS
BLAZER
I have had but one blazer for years from Peruvian Connection. I still love it and wear it regularly. It is finally getting a little worn and no longer available. The J Crew Willa Blazer is similar.
This year I purchased two women’s winter jackets on sale at Rag and Bone. Rag and Bone is running their black friday sale right now, everything is 25% off. They are both an investment but worth the money. I love the flattrering silhouette of both of them. I have had my eye on the military jacket all season. I love the interesting buttons and the flattering fit. The jacket is unlined so it molds to your body. Below I am wearing it with jeans and birdies. I think you could dress this jacket up for the holidays with velvet or leather pants and rhinestone accessories (check out next month;s signature style).
Below I am wearing it with (sorry the picture is so hazy) the dress from Boden (which many of you have purchased). The jacket and dress can be styled multiple ways.
The Slade blazer (also from Rag and Bone) is made of the softest wool and is also unlined. There are several of these blazers on Poshmark here, or on eBay here. You can find the CP Shades lily skirt here. It is no longer available in green.
Shop the Rag and Bone Looks
SWEATER COAT
Lysee does great sweater coats. I am wearing the Alice Fringe Sweater Coat. Here I styled it with a scarf from Banana Republic (very popular with you readers) my concho belt and jeans.
This is last year’s version on sale here. I am wearing it with their faux leather pants here.
Shop the Sweater Coat Looks
QUILTED COAT/VEST
I am sure you know I am a huge fan of anything quilted. I love the texture and casual style. Here I am wearing my BB Dakota longline version that I purchased last year. I finally caved in and purchased the Rag and Bone bag on sale. I love the siz and the color combination. It goes with everything and is a great everyday bag. These are both available in different colors this year, and I located a couple on eBay and Poshmark as well.
Shop the Quilted Look
The great thing about these quilted coats is they are available in all price ranges and styles and are the perfect winter jacket for mild climates. If you live in a climate where temps dip a puffer jacket or puffer coat will be amongst your warmest options. The North Face, REI, Patagonia Columbia, and more offer either duck, down or synthetic insulation is the perfect option. Most are lightweight made of cotton or a mix of polyester and cotton. Below are some of my favorites. You might also enjoy my post from last year How to Style the Quilted Look After 50.
Favorite Quilted Jackets & Capes
Water-resistant trench coats are another option. I have never been able to find one that fits me properly due to my long waist. What do you look for when shopping for a winter parka or coat? I apologize for the lengthiness of this post. I hope you enjoyed These 6 Chic Coats will Elevate your Over 50 Wardrobe. Now let’s pop over and visit Kim. She always manages to get me into trouble!
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Do you find the Birdies run large or true to size? I love the military jacket but need to convince myself to spend the money😁
I always love your fashion posts and admire your style. It’s very aspirational for me. I bought a pair of lantern pants from EF, black ponte fabric, and I’m having some challenges styling them as, like you, I often have more volume in my tops, and that doesn’t work with lantern pants. I do have linen lantern pants for summer and various simple t-shirts and linen tops that work,…but am struggling with the fall/winter tops for these beautiful pants. How about a post on rocking lantern pants?
Hi Lisa
I will work on that. I think if the bottom is weide the top should be fitted. If that bottoom is fitted the top can be wide. Not a steadfast rule but helpful?
Sorry Lisa I guess I answered your question yesterday!!
Hi Lisa
If I have pants with volume I usually choose a more fitted top. If the top is voluninous, I like the pants or skirt more fitted. I will work on a post!
Hi Cindy! I only have one cold weather coat as it rarely gets below freezing here but i found the best down coat at Eddie Bauer. It is midi length and comes in 3-4 colors. I got the black and love it. It is good for up to 20 below 0. Amazing it is not very bulky or heavy. It is called the Women’s Lodge Down Duffle Coat and it is half price right now.
i have had it for 4 yrs now and do not want another heavy coat. I have several light weight coats and they are my mainstays.
Hi Marcia
I rarely wore a warm coat when we lived in Monterey County. I actually wear mine on occasion here!! I agre with you about heavy coats…too much!
Fabulous! Something for all types of cold! My favorite looks are the cocoon coat, moto jacket, your gorgeous blazer and military jacket, and last but not least the Fringe sweater coat. Well done, Cindy!
Hi Barb
I think your favorites are mine!!
I love your posts and always look forward to receiving them. As a 79 year old woman who has shrunken in height
over the years, you inspire me.
Thanks
Hi Janice
Thank you so much! I try my best.I think the only reason I have not shrunk is two artificial hips!!
What’s not to love in all of these?
You look wonderful and I’m still in awe of your wraps!
A little too warm here for heavy winter coats but I’m on the lookout for a really stylish red or orange showerproof coat which will up the ante on a basically neutral wardrobe.
And after your comment about wearing your leather moto often and how it moulds to your body, I’m thinking I should wear my navy suede moto jacket more so that it softens, but it’s so heavy I almost expire!
Thanks again for inspiration, from way south of the globe in Tasmania.
what if you took your blue suede and had the lining removed or reduced ?
take it to a tailor and see what might e done.
Hi Prue
I did not know you lived in Tasmania. Tell us more about your beautiful island!
Cindy, You manage to have the coolest pieces always. I love the new military jacket. Rag & Bone has the best pieces! The Salde jacket is also such a good one.. and of course you can rock a wrap so well. It’s too hot here, but in the UK I did the same and wrapped one around my trench! The one you have with the plaid is TDF!
The new quilted jackets are so cute and perfect for California! Love the tan one.. Now you made me think that I need to get my moto jacket out! You make everything look chic.. Love doing this! Now could we please get some cool weather ??
xoxo
Cindy, I am curious as to what size you bought in the Rag & Bone Hadley Military Ponte Jacket. I think you are thinner than me and I should be purchasing a large, but they are out of it and I just ordered a medium because I love it so much and you never know. Plus if you leave it unbuttoned, and I also love that look, a medium might work. I wear approximately a 10 or 8. Cheryl
Hi Cheryl
I did get an 8 in both of those jackets. I bet the medium will work for you. I would normally wear a S but I am really overweight right now, especially through the bust.
I always read your blog and just love how you style your clothes. I love that green dress from Anthropologie but I can’t find it in the store or online! 🙁
Hi Pat
I emailed you the link. The dress is linked below the photo. It is from Boden.
https://rstyle.me/+ha6daDIC5zVDDCLZzR29yw I really love the dress. It is very flattering I think it would look beautiful with your coloring!
What are the black leather loafers you are wearing? Love that look with the jeans.
Hi Judy
They are linked below the picture as well. Here are the links:
Link to velvet
https://rstyle.me/+mjcrUqzbebXPVMThbh8GCw
Link to tassel
https://rstyle.me/+mh3l0R6ZxtxxpMkFRqeCXA
I love all these outfits and I love cool/cold weather in which to wear all your outfits!!!! Love the wraps and coats and blazers and you show us how to pair them with jeans, dresses etc.
Thanks you for that!
Can’t wait for the temps to drop – so ready!
Cheers, Cindy! Thank you for a post to keep!
Hi Dianne
It seems like it is finally cooling off a bit!!
Good morning! It is always a pleasure to see see the new you: your cheerful smile, your healthy weight (of which many of us can relate),stylish comfortable fashion, food, nature themed decor plus your excellent photography of all of these designs. Thanks for keeping it real.
Hi Ann
My weight isn’t very healthy you just can’t tell in the pictures! Thank you for your vote of confidence though!
Fabulous post. So many great ideas. I have a long camel hair coat I bought in 1989. One of my best purchases ever.
I have so many jackets and coats. When the weather is chilly it is all other people see so I like a variety, and ones that cover all weather conditions, whether it’s rain, snow, chilly or downright cold, I have it covered. I’m trying to add some color into my wardrobe this year. As a neutral loving gal both my home and wardrobe are quiet colors. I recently purchased a red anorak and look forward to wearing it.
I love the military inspired jacket you feature.
Hi Joanna
That black military jacket from Rag and Bone is a winner. I am thankful that I got it on sale! I am trying to add color as well.