Why the right coat changes everything
Brrrr it’s getting cold here in the snowy mountains as it is for many of our birdies down south, so we thought now is the perfect time to put fingers to keys and tell you about our favourite coats and layering pieces of the season as well as the how, when and where to wear them!
The Trench Coat
They’re stylish and forever in vogue - if we’re talking cost per wear, a Trench Coat is a lifelong investment your future self will thank you for! Generally lighter than your winter overcoats, a Trench Coat offers an added layer of warmth but brings more to the table in the looks department. Historically associated with spies, detectives and elusive fugitives, they carry an air of mystery and intrigue; traits that have held as the style has become more mainstream.
So, when to wear them and with what?
- We all love a “jeans and a nice top” combination but add a set of heels and a trench coat and you’re taking that casual chic to a whole new level!
- A simple tan trench coat or houndstooth print can easily be styled up or down, and with the right accompaniment, it’s the perfect layer over your formal wear while in transit.
The Denim Jacket
Like the trench coat, a Denim Jacket is a wardrobe staple we think every bird should have on hand, and whilst a classic blue denim is a universal favourite, you’ll find that prints, colours and featured details have taken the OG to a whole new level! From summer through to winter, a denim jacket should never be packed away. We love to “dress down” our summer frocks by switching into sneakers and slipping a denim jacket over our shoulders, while equally we find ourselves reaching for them when a jumper and jeans is not enough and that extra top layer ensures all day comfort through the cooler months.
The Leather Jacket
You don’t have to be punk rock to rock a Leather Jacket, and with the right pairings it can transform an outfit into a brand new look; if you’ve ever seen Wonder Woman take a spin or loop into her lasso you’ll know exactly what we mean! If you find a style of Leather Jacket you LOVE, see if another colourway is available to broaden your wardrobe's versatility.
Look for pieces with features that complement your personal style and shape - think collar or collarless, or perhaps an asymmetric fastening. Once again, they can be a great pairing with skirts or dresses, adding a little edge to your look, or, depending on the colour and features, a free spirited bohemian vibe.
The Overcoat
The final layer of defence when those temperatures start Benjamin Button-ing down to single digits. An overcoat, we reserve strictly for ventures outdoors, except when you can’t. get. the. fire. to. catch! (might just be a me problem?)
The features we love and look for in our overcoats include but are not limited to:
- Hoods - are they detachable, or can we adjust them to cinch close around our face.
- Covered plackets or dual fastening - so no unexpected drafts are breaking the barrier.
- Lined - this especially makes it easier to slip on over our other outer layers, as well as performing additional insulation.
- Quilted and cosy trimmings - puffer styles, or faux fur trims can added extra warmth as well as that cosy feeling!
Puffer / Longline Jacket
If you’ve ever been subjected to Saturday morning sport through the winter, you know the beauty… and necessity … of a long-line puffer jacket. Easy to pull over multiple layers, but still reasonably light to lug around should the sun come out, these quilted delights are sure to keep your kidneys cosy as my mum would say. Even without the added thermal qualities of a puffer design, styles with a hood and a covered placket are going to ensure the cold stays out, while features like a waist tie or some well-positioned seaming bring structure to your silhouette.
Longline jackets really define themselves while in transit, assisting in keeping our professional to evening looks both clean and concealed, ready for a big reveal once we make it indoors. And yet, that doesn’t mean we want to discount their value in a more casual setting. The Rendezvous Tencel Jacket from boho bird floats freely between that formal and casual chic occasion. Layered over formal wear in spring through early autumn, the rich fabric feel and soft shell tone complement the luxe look and feel of the occasion, while layered over a knitted sweater and belted maxi skirt, the purpose shifts, and it is the depth and flow that the piece brings to the outfit that completes it.
Shacket
Trending in and out of vogue with consistent regularity, a Shacket calls for casual occasions but brings a chic country flair all the same. Featuring a shirt style shape in an oversized jacket fit, this style is perfect for pulling over a classic jumper and denim combo, paired with boots and a beanie. Known best for sporting a check print you’ll find the tonality and print layout varies, so think about the colours that feature strongly in your current wardrobe and will complement your new layered addition. If plain is your game why not try a style with a cord finish or denim fabric to add a textured element to your look?
Jumpers & Cardigans
When a coat is too much, or just not enough, we turn to the coat’s their layering rellies to get us through. When picking your jumpers or cardigans take a look at the fabric content and think about when and where you might need them. Wool and cashmere are going to keep you nice and cosy through the cooler months, while cotton and bamboo blends can be a great option when looking for natural fibers, not to mention their moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. Longline cardi’s add depth and length to your look, and can make for a chic High Street look when layered under your longline coats.
Necklines are an important consideration in the field of light layers. A collared shirt or blouse settling best beneath a V-neck, while an unfastened cardi can be mixed and matched with almost anything! Think about the sleeve style too. A batwing or extended sleeve can be awkward to try and squeeze beneath a jacket or coat with a regular sleeve cut, and might be the prompt to turn to poncho or cape style pieces, or switch to a wool or cashmere fabric or blend.
Ponchos And Vests
If you like to keep your arms free and at ease then a Poncho or Vest might be for you! A knitted wool vest is perfect for adding warmth through the chest and it layers easily under a coat or jacket when needed, while a puffer style vest is the ideal shield over your active wear when training in the early morning or late evening. A Poncho or Wrap finds its stride over styles that have a bit more bulk, or when you prefer more freedom and movement in your look. We know our maternity and breastfeeding birdies love the freedom these pieces provide.
Love, the birdsnest girls x
Sarah Slattery
Sarah is an integral part of our styling team and has a deep love for words and a stunning smile. When Sarah isn't writing wonderful blurbs and creating gorgeous outfits for the styling team, she can be found hitting up the cross country ski tracks at lightning speed!
