Coats of many colors

The post-holiday deep winter has descended, triggering a collective desire to hibernate. Personally, I like to use this polar vortex weather as an opportunity to get creative with my winter wardrobe. While the standard puffer is convenient for running out the door, I firmly believe in maintaining style without compromising warmth. Join me as I walk you through five of my favorite colorful coats that are not only keeping me toasty this winter but also expressing my personal style.

Timeless, this coat combines the elegance of a traditional plaid winter coat with a touch of uniqueness through the distinctive embroidered design on the bottom and back. The fringe detail on the sleeve and hem adds a woven charm reminiscent of Chanel tweed. The brand is Desigual, a Spanish brand that focuses on bright colors and abstract details with classic silhouettes. Given its status as my go-to pop-of-color coat, I may consider replacing the wearing leather sash – a minor investment for such a standout piece. A pop of red may also help you combat the winter malaise with its energizing effects, as suggested by color psychology!

My absolute favorite! Standout features showcase flattering princess seams and the fun, voluminous tucked hemline known as a bubble hem. Fashion publications like The Zoe Report and Who What Wear predicted the resurgence of the 80s bubble hem trend for Spring 2023, highlighting avant-garde dresses and blouses on runways. I for one am carrying this trend with me all the way into 2024! The metallic sheen adds a futuristic twist, making it a bold and stylish choice. Do you have a color you gravitate towards in your wardrobe? One that feels like the color equivalent of a hug? Teal is that color for me. I feel grounded, happy, and confident in teal, like it’s a second skin.

I don’t remember tapestry coats from the 70s, but they were a trend. This light blue hue of this tapestry coat breaks away from the typical neutral autumnal tones associated with the style. You know princess seams have a magnetic pull on me, and the ornate buttons with that great textured fabric bring flattering sophistication to the tapestry look, typically seen in an A-line or oversized silhouette.

Continuing the love for winter blues, this creation picked up in a Paris boutique several years ago exemplifies a perfect blend of classic and funky. The patchwork detail and different patterns add playfulness, yet the large blocks within the same color family make it easy to style. It strikes the perfect balance, allowing me to pair it with my favorite side-stripe joggers for a subtle mix of patterns. Positioned just below the bust, the band flatters the figure by hitting that part of the torso that tends to be the smallest in later life, and skimming the rest of the torso keeping the silhouette narrow.

Wearing this coat feels like being enveloped in a cozy blanket. I love the look of the front-facing pockets, and the lavender color pops when paired with the tan pants and gloves (complimentary colors!). The fuzzy scarf, a winter essential, introduces some Winter glamour to the ensemble. Notably, coats featuring a back vent, like this one, often arrive with tacking stitches, temporarily securing the shape during shipping. It's crucial to remove these stitches, emphasized in this PSA by a New Yorker who’s had enough of forgetful shoppers!

@maceyphall Respectfully, I’m begging you. #fyp #nyc #lifehacks #winter #winterfashion #fashion #fashiontips ♬ ABBA X Elton John X Frank Ocean TWINSICK MASHUP - TWINSICK

Cheers to Our Health

Welcome to our new Cheers to Our Health section! Here we can share some recipes, ideas, and tips with each other that will support us in our Later Life health journeys. As we grow older, health is a main concern and one of the best ways to support our health is through our food choices and exercise, right? We all know this, but it’s so challenging to find nutritious alternatives, particularly with the demands of our busy schedules and the constant temptation of convenience foods.

This week, I'm sharing a gluten-free, healthy, and quick recipe for chicken with tomato-caper sauce from the Taste of Home Mediterranean Made Easy cookbook. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes for great leftovers! To simplify the process, I opted for a rotisserie chicken, using about 3 oz per serving.

I'd love to hear about your health journey thoughts or your go-to winter styling choices! Feel free to share them in the comments below. Stay snug and cozy!