A Not-So-Mad Plaid Coat

If you are looking for a new overcoat for the upcoming winter, you may want to look a little beyond the classic solid colored ones and think plaid. In general, plaids are coming back stronger than ever this winter, especially in the overcoat department.

Key words for this season's overcoat:

• Big bold plaids  
• Oversized in blanket or bath robe style

I found this trend especially challenging on my petite frame. It's much easier to embrace these two elements one at a time: "plaids + slim", or "solid + oversized". I've tried a couple of plaid oversized coat (like this Theory piece), and felt totally overwhelmed. If you check out other fashion bloggers, you will find many of them, except for those tall ladies, only "kind of" wear those new trendy coats -- throwing one on the shoulder is not really wearing it; in winter, we all need a coat that sits nicely on the shoulder when we put our arms through the sleeves and button up. Honestly, although being understated is the new sexiness, plaid oversized coats are really made for taller girls with wider shoulders who have the asset to play a tomboy. I'll try to stay sober in all this madness for plaid.

Here is my not-so-mad plaid coat from Marni. Slim cut and streamlined. Another investment piece I got two years ago.

Wool coat: Marni (more plaid coats from Theory, Polo Ralph Lauren, Free People, Rag & Bone, Sea, Trina Turk)
Wrap dress: Tory Burch
Pumps: Fendi
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM