{Shopping} 9 Must-Have Coats

Depending on where you live and how big a role winter-wear plays in your life, you'll know that January is the best time of year to pick up a new coat (or two). Sale season is in full swing, which means stocking up on cozy outerwear like it's going out of style... So to speak, of course. Right now I'm into fleshy tones, prints and basic blacks in the coat department, so when French Connection asked me to round up my favourite coats from their current (and reduced) collection, I couldn't help but narrow down my focus to those three categories. I find that pastel or camel outerwear generally take an outfit to the next level, while printed coats shine with bright pops of colour or complimentary prints. I save black coats for particularly crazy outfit days to minimize the amount of puzzled stares I generally get, or when a girl just needs a little something something to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette... And considering that most of us just ate our weight in holiday treats, this last option is looking mighty appealing right about now.

From left, Flesh Forward: Neat Weave Zip Through Coat | Santorini Coat | Divine Dorothy Coat 
Prints Charming: Electric Checked Oversized Boucle Coat | Checked Bunny Coat | Penelope Pop Checked Coat
Basic Black: Ali Faux Fur Coat | Ombre Dustls Coat | Queen Coating Flared Coat


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

Bridge

You've seen a very similar outfit to this one before, but I had to post it again to show you this coat, which has been a lifesaver during our cold, rainy spring. What's interesting about this jacket is that although I bought it in 2005 (I remember because my sister was visiting at the time and helped me pick it out), it seems to get more and more current as the years go by. The bold, graphic floral print and mix of colors seem very fresh to me, and I've worn it a ton over the last couple of months. If I saw it in a store today I'd surely buy it all over again.

The jacket helped to brighten up this otherwise somber outfit. The colors blended perfectly with the deep purple pants, and helped to bridge the pale pink cardigan with the darker pieces. I hated having to take it off once I got into my office.

Jacket: Liquid
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Tunic: Audrey Cantwell
Pants: Rag & Bone
Shoes: John Fluevog
Jewelry: Metal Pointu

Tough but Sweet

Lately I've been getting a lot of use out of this beautiful leather jacket. Its open front and cropped length make it not quite winter-worthy, but it's the perfect outer layer for spring and all the way through fall in the mild San Francisco climate. I loved the way it looked over these light chiffon layers; it added just the right amount of toughness to the soft, feminine look.

Dress: Fremont
Skirt: Anthropologie
Boots: Timberland Boot Co.
Jacket: Skin Graft