Coat-ing It in Winter
by, Rema Nayer
wInTeR time means it’s time to put on a happy face – and find a coat that keeps you warm without making you look as if you have just gotten out of the tundra. 
So, how do you pick a fashionable coat – that still lets you be warm? Of course, NEEM Magazine is at your rescue.
FaBrIc
The right fabric is essential for ensuring warmth and long-lasting wear. While the absolute best fabric is cashmere, wool comes a close second and is much more affordable. Cashmere keeps you warm as a toaster but the high cost and short durability of the fabric makes it not practical for snowy or wet conditions. It is better to opt for a great wool coat, with a thin layer of Thinsulate or goose down sewn into the lining. These coats are great because they keep you looking sleek while keeping you warm.
FiT
Finding the right fit is often difficult. You may go in and try on a coat while you are in a thin sweater and it will fit perfectly. But when you bring it home and try to wear it with a bulky knit, it may feel tight and uncomfortable. To cure this oft-happening irritation, choose a coat that is slightly looser around the arms, where much of the tightness will occur depending on change of outfit. If you are looking for a sleek form-fitting coat, remember that it will only work with non-bulky clothing options.
StYLe
These days there seem to be 101 style options to choose from. From floor skimming trench styles to hip-skimming bomber jackets. But there are a few trends that we are loving at NEEM, because they fit South Asian women gorgeously (see left). Generally speaking, we encourage women to go a bit longer on the coats – as opposed to the 80s-loved bomber jacket – because it creates sensuous lines, while keeping more of your body warm and covered. It also allows you more variety on what you can wear UNDER the coat!
CoLoR
The best part about winter coats these days is that they are not limited to greys, blacks, and browns as they were once upon a time. Now you can seamlessly classy pieces in electric blues, soft pinks, and enticing jades. In fact, you should have at least ONE boldly colored jacket/coat in your winter collection. After all, you don’t want to get lost in a sea of dark during winter – so be the one to add a little color.
Let NEEM Magazine by your source for the hottest Winter 2009 Fashions for South Asian Americans!
