One coat that goes with anything, part 1

casual chic over 50

I have  a lot of coats, sort of…

Well, I have 3-4 coats for each season, for sure. And I’ve distributed them more or less evenly between our two homes (if you’re new to this blog, here’s the story in a nutshell: I work in Finland, my husband works in the UK, and we have homes in both countries and travel constantly). So, the idea is that I have clothes (not just coats) in both homes /countries, and I can travel light. There’s no need to take a suitcase, maybe not even a carry-on because whether I’m in Finland or in the UK, I have a wardrobe full of clothes I can wear. It works very well. In theory, at least…

The point is that I only have about half of my wardrobe available (because the other half is in another country). Of course, it’s not a perfect system, more like work in progress, and some of my clothes and accessories have become very good at hitching a ride in my hand luggage…

Anyway, while my shoes, handbags and sunglasses seem to travel a lot, my coats are supposed to stay put in one country. I know, it seems a bit illogical, but it sort of makes more sense in my head… Coats take up a lot of space in a carry-on, and a long wool coat is a real pain to stuff in the aircraft overhead locker. So, whenever I travel, I wear something simple and easy. Definitely not what you see in these pictures (you’ve seen this coat before HERE). This coat does not travel (these photos were taken in the UK).

Having two wardrobes does have its challenges, of course. In essence, it’s a bit like having a capsule wardrobe. Everything has to mix and match, and I stick to simple shapes and a rather limited colour palette. This is particularly important with outerwear.

So, whenever I buy a coat, I expect to wear it with all my clothes. And that’s why I tend to go for very classic styles in colours that work with everything. And no, I don’t mean neutrals, they wash me out and I don’t like ‘muddy’ colours anyway. Besides, for me, blue is a neutral: it suits my natural colouring and it works with most of the other colours I have in my wardrobe.

And it can be accessorized with either cold or warm colours. Here I decided to add red, orange and burgundy accents to brighten up the look. But I think it would look just as good with some cold colours. I think I’ll try that later…

wool coat

chic casual wear

over 50 blogger

Outfit details:

wool coat: Jaeger / top: Tommy Hilfiger / scarf: Carolina Herrera / jeans: Next / 

sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana / shoes: Clarks / bag: Kate Spade / gloves: Global

How do you choose your coats?

Tiina

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18 Comments

  1. Patti
    5 March 2017 / 11:18 pm

    This coat is a brilliant choice, Tiina. It look wonderful with what you're wearing and I can picture it with most any outfit. Your travel lifestyle has given you lots of style inspiration! xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:00 pm

      Thanks, Patti. It's certainly a classic coat, and it was a bargain at an outlet sale, and definitely worth every penny.

  2. nancy baten
    6 March 2017 / 11:48 am

    The color of the coat goes with everything I believe! It s a very nice color. Love your gloves too.

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:02 pm

      Thanks, Nancy. The gloves were an impulse buy, I was looking for a burgundy top… Oh well, you don't always find what you're looking for, but something else might come along.

  3. Jill James
    8 March 2017 / 4:06 am

    Totally agree , the blue is such a good colour on you , a classic that will see many seasons come and go and you can change with a different set of accesories.

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:03 pm

      Thanks, Jill. Exactly; accessories play a key role here. I will be posting more photos later, this coat with accessories in cool colours…

  4. Nicole Mölders
    8 March 2017 / 5:06 am

    Thanks for joining the Ageless Style Linkup party. Great coat.

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:04 pm

      Thanks, Nicole.

  5. Jessica Jannenga
    8 March 2017 / 3:50 pm

    I love the blue on you, a great classic coat! I can see the idea of having 2 wardrobes so as not to lug around so much, as you travel. I love the red scarf and bag!thanks for linkingjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:06 pm

      Thanks, Jessica. Well, it's purely for practical reasons. Travelling is getting more and more complicated, and quite often even cabin luggage is restricted. But I also realise that I can manage with a very basic wardrobe for quite a while.

  6. señora Allnut
    9 March 2017 / 11:39 am

    I think that your blue coat is a versatile piece, it looks classic and elegant, with a modern look, so it could be dressed down easily. It has a nice length too, perfect to wear over skirts too!. I have not such restrictions in my wardrobe (I admire even more your coolness!!), but I'm a little bit obsessed with finding a Perfect Winter Coat, which is almost imposible, as I would like a waterproof, light, interesting shape, appealing color coat, in my size (and Budget!)besos

    • Tiina L
      9 March 2017 / 5:10 pm

      Yes, the length is perfect for dresses. Although for travel I actually prefer a shorter coat. That's on my wish list at the moment.Oh, the Perfect Winter Coat! I doubt it exists, to be honest. But then again, I live in a country where I need at least 3-4 coats (for different types of weather and temperatures) to get through winter.

  7. Shelbee On The Edge
    12 March 2017 / 9:01 pm

    Tiina, the color of this coat is perfection! Perfect with your skin tone. Perfect as a neutral. Perfect as nice pop of color. And wow, what a wardrobe lifestyle! I don't know if I could do it. I like to have all my things in one place and I literally have an inventory in my head of every piece of clothing, pair of shoes, and accessory that I own (and I own a lot). Packing to travel is very difficult for me! But you always look so fabulous so clearly you have mastered this double wardrobe life! Thanks for joining my #SpreadTheKindness Link Up!Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      13 March 2017 / 2:30 pm

      Oh, trust me, I dream of having all my thing in one place, neatly organised… But I've been living out of a suitcase for most of my life, and I've learned that I don't need a big wardrobe. Or maybe I'm just getting lazy and wear the same stuff all the time… And packing, well, I just toss something into a suitcase and mix and match. I guess when you travel a lot there comes a point when you can't be bothered with packing anymore and just pack whatever is clean. I wear a lot of basics anyway, so this is easy.

  8. Sara
    12 March 2017 / 10:36 pm

    There's nothing like a nice blue coat to add a pop of color to you look on a dreary grey day during the winter or spring! I love your whole look with the colors as well! Sarahttp://www.theperfectstormbffs.com/

    • Tiina L
      13 March 2017 / 2:31 pm

      Thanks, Sara! Yes, a pop of colour is what you need on a grey day.

  9. Emma Peach
    13 March 2017 / 7:45 pm

    You're right – blue does go with any colour. I love red, white and blue together…and not because I'm patriotic! I'd find it so difficult to split my wardrobe between two places, it's much easier for men! I love your bag, my eyes were drawn to it immediately!Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      14 March 2017 / 3:56 pm

      Thanks. Well, splitting up my wardrobe is sort of a practical issue, easier than constant packing. But of course it also forces me to simplify things, which is always a good thing.

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