Ask A Boston Style Expert: Hottest Trends in Winter Coats
Sometimes finding the right style and fit can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to winter coats. To achieve the best look, fashionably challenged Bostonians look to Maria Vasilevsky, senior stylist and founder of Stilista Boston, a full service style agency to create the perfect look. From personal shopping with a client to troubleshooting an existing closet to make it all work, the trendsetting maven does it all. Here, Vasilevsky shares some of the hottest trends in winter coats to keep an eye out for this season.
Maria Vasilevsky
Stilista Boston
(617) 965-2500
www.stilistaboston.com
For the past eight years, Vasilevsky and her team of eight stylists have worked to put Boston on the fashion map. They work one-on-one with clients to tackle their wardrobe issues. After a 45-minute initial consultation with a new client to get an understanding of their lifestyle, Vasilevsky determines next steps. One of the biggest issues she has discovered is that people often don't know how to put an outfit together to make it work. She works with every budget and offers package and per hour pricing.
One of the most popular looks this season is a button-free winter coat. Free from zippers and buttons in the front, these free-flowing coats can tie at the waist or remain open. Pair it up with a brightly colored scarf for a beautiful accessory. If the idea of button-free may sound risky here in Boston, especially after last year's historically cold and snowy winter, it's important to remember the perfect warmth always includes lots of layers. So be sure the top one that everyone can see is the most stylish.
While it may sound remiss for a coat not to have a lining, it's all the rage right now, according to Vasilevsky. These jackets are made of a soft knit wool material and are ideal for a cool fall or early winter night. This fashion-forward style is light and comfortable. Vasilevsky notes these coats are designed to show off your unique style underneath the coat so others can see that beautiful dress you are wearing. As Vasilevsky explains, "It's very Kim Kardashian."
Faux fur "was very last year," according to Vasilevsky. But this winter, the trend is now focused on faux fur shearling vests. Whether it's an open front, zipped or fold-over lapel, the sleeveless style offers greater functionality while still keeping warm. Vests are designed to keep the core of your body warm while offering the freedom of not feeling constricted. Faux fur shearling vests can have pockets for functionality, a quilted back for warmth, and come in different colors and styles to suit your own personal look.
For women, Vasilevsky says bright colors like red, wine and purple are in right now. Men's outerwear is typically not dictated by trends, so they are sticking with overcoats that are three-quarter length and single-breasted. Woman always have accessibility to popular gray, black, camel and brown colors, but Vasilevsky says it's nice to see people branch out to a colored or patterned jacket to brighten up a look. The beautifully bright colors add a much needed pop to the snow white winter streets.
Stylish stand-up collared jackets, also known as "funnel necks," can enhance any look. This flattering style offers added neck protection and warmth during the cold winter months. The high collared style frames your face beautifully and comes in all shapes, colors and materials (think wool and angora) to keep you warm. There are knit quilted and fleece styles available for added comfort.
Kellie Speed is a Boston writer with more than 25 years of experience writing for local and national publications, including JustLuxe, Haute Living, The Boston Globe, Mohegan Sun's Legends and Amtrak's Arrive. She is the Boston restaurant writer for Gayot's travel site and contributed to Moon Metro's Boston guidebook, as well.
