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Outerwear Not Just Coats

 In looking back on past posts comparing pieces worn over the years and currently outfitting through another winter season I started thinking about all of the outerwear items I've sported over the past decade... Here's a look back in fairly accurate chorological order of some OOTD posts featuring jackets, coats, and vest, Oh My!

From Fall Layers

This outfit was from 2014 (!!!)  And I'm counting this puffy, pinstriped vest from J.Crew as outerwear. I've layered it over a blazer, which in turn is layered over a shift dress and collared shirt. In looking at this picture now, I feel the proportions are slightly off, the skirt needed to be longer and maybe the dress belted underneath. But I do love the bit of orange on he upturned blazer collar against the navy. 


From Militant Newsie    
Oversized quilted jacket from H&M paired with a vintage cardigan, tunic, and jogger style pants. I took a cue from the gold snaps and styled gold jewelry to elevate this casual outfit. Again, questioning the proportion choice with the tunic, maybe a shorter t-shirt would have felt more "clean". 



Another coat from H&M, this one has been with me for many, many years and has made numerous appearances on the blog. Here I'm leaning into the menswear vibe of the peacoat and paried it with a vest, pinstripe shirt and black trousers. I may have to revisit this look here this winter, as it's a classic look for work, and fairly comfortable even with the cinching of the vest. 


Yet another H&M coat, layered over a duster style cardigan with an wide open lapel. There's a preggo bump underneath this plaid overcoat with the tunic featured above, some maternity leggings, and boots. Here I'm loving the proportions both with the coat button and unbuttoned which you can see in the original post. 


This voluminous denim hooded coat from Amazon is quite the statement piece and doesn't really lend itself to complicated styling. I let the coat stand mostly on it's own with a striped dress peaking out, grey tights/leg warmers which the season called for, and hiking boots. I don't wear this coat very often, but am thinking of getting it out here this season to throw over some plain clothes to appear more outfitted running errands, etc. 


Some knitwear-esque outerwear from Nordstrom belted over a minidress with leggings and combat boots. This was the fall of 2020 so I probably ONLY wore this to take pictures as we weren't going anywhere beyond outside treks in the park or quick, masked runs to the grocery. This may see another outing here this spring, not for work, or errands, but maybe a coffee meetup with friends...  



Another piece from Nordstrom. This leather jacket is such a great topper to many outfits, giving a sweater and jeans combo a bit of edge. Wore this early December of 2020, again not going much of anywhere, but still trying to outfit when I could. 


Same sweater as above, but totally different vibe in this spring 2021 look. With a leather jacket and jeans, this sweater felt more modern, graphic, and urbane. Here over a plaid shirt dress, with a classic trench from Asos, and tall boots it's giving preppy, countryside feels. 


Moving into the later spring/summer, I threw on a Gap jean jacket over a sundress because even into early summer the mornings can be crisp. Denim jackets can go over just about any outfit and look purposeful, versus some overcoats, or puffy jackets that are just worn for function and don't add or relate to the style of the outfit they are covering.  Here the jacket adds a modern feel to this romantic floral frock, and provides this outfit with pockets! 


Speaking of function, this J.Crew coat is my go-to dressy option for winter. I've had it since the mid-aughts and the lighter grey shade can bring a bit of freshness to darker grey or black outfits. Here it topped off a really layered look with a wrap-top as a third piece over a gingham shirt and full skirt. 


This Nordstrom overcoat with it's deep aubergine shade works for autumn and spring. Here this past fall I wore it over floral overalls and denim shirt for a twee take on seasonal style. But this coat would work with a classic as well as casual outfit. Just a great topper all around. 


Lastly, a schacket, again from Nordstrom here this past holiday season. Paired this with knit pieces, but I've also worn with a t-shirt, jeans, and combat boots. It definitely has a more rugged, cottagecore aesthetic, but can also with a boho look, which I may explore here as this winter rolls into spring. 


So, just a few outewear features to share with you this February day. Looks like I get most of my coats from H&M and Nordstrom. Where's your go-to shop for coats and jackets? 


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