How to Pick the Perfect Coat

ABLE outdid themselves this year with two gorgeous overcoats perfect for fall and winter layering. I legit couldn't decide between the two, so ABLE was kind enough send over both for my to try and test out before making the decision.

The Marie Plaid Overcoat is a gorgeous classy long coat in brown and with a faint blue plaid that surprisingly mixes super well with other colors. My favorite highlight is the 100% brushed cotton for a durable but super soft feel. .

The quality in the piece is apparent with perfectly matched side seams and pockets placed in the exactly in the right spot to align and keep the plaid pattern continuous. Because it is designed as an overcoat, it isn't super insulated which makes it a perfect transitional layer for now with enough space for thicker winter layers later in the year.

The Marie Brushed Plaid Overcoat is 40% OFF now with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40  (This is an exclusive early access code that is higher than the site sale code.)

Perfectly matched plaid seams and pocket placement.

The Brooke Sweater Coat is a cozy modern take on the classic camel coat. It has a soft unstructured sweater feel that makes it easy to throw on and live in. The sleeves are very wide and open for layering, too. I really like the detailed curve of the pockets. The coat is 55% cotton with a mix of polyester and nylon. Synthetic fabrics are difficult to avoid in outerwear but can be more prone to pilling. But the tight weave of the Brooke coat feels super high quality and built to last. 

The Brook Sweater Coat is also 40% OFF through Black Friday with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Here’s How to Pick the Perfect Coat this fall/winter:

1. Versatility ~ Choose a coat that can take you from school drop off, to date night to brunch on the weekend.

2. Classic Check - pick a coat that feels timeless to you. Make sure you love it beyond whatever trend might come or go. 

The camel coat has taken various shapes over the years but you can look back at old movies and see characters wearing them. A solid coat like camel or black will also get more wear in a closet already full of bright prints and details. 

But in a simple minimal closet, you can add a little flare with a plaid coat. Plaid is another option that can become a classic if you select versatile colors that will stand the test of time and pair well with your current closet. 

3. A Note about Plaid: Before you buy any plaid or striped pattern, check out the pockets and side seams. A truly well made coat will have almost invisible seams (where the stripes meet up continuously) and perfect pocket placement that keeps the pattern aligned. If you never knew this, hit the like button right now! If you did know, tell me in the comments who taught you this quality hack.

4. Craftsmanship ~ Speaking of quality, learn who made your coat! I love shopping at ABLE because of their mission to empower women around the world with fair wages and dignified jobs. So I know my coat did good while it it was being made and can have a happy life in my closet for years to come. 

5. Material ~ Finally, read the fabric labels and choose natural fibers whenever you can. I love that the Marie Plaid coat is 100% brushed cotton. It’s a rare find and makes this coat worth the investment to me. 

Synthetics are particularly hard to avoid in most outerwear, and they can be warm, too. So look for a blend with natural fiber that will help the garment be breathable and check the feel for higher quality fabric with a tight weave that will prove less prone to pilling like the exceptional knit on the Brooke sweater coat (that comes in camel and black).

Now that you’re prepared to pick the perfect coat this fall/winter, let me drop a deal for you. Right now, ABLEble is giving you their best savings of the season with my early access Black Friday discount. Use code: ALEXHOLIDAY40 to save 40% off the site including these two gorgeous maxi coats.