The kids are going back to school this week. (Cue a busier commute for me!) New pencil-cases jam-packed with smelly gel-pens, double-ended eraser pens and maybe a fancy Parker pen if they’re lucky. Kids still use all these things, right? For me, the start of September signals new coat(s) time! I spend some serious time looking for ‘the one’, for one to turn into two and sometimes three. If you’ve read my recent blog on my love for Marks & Spencer, you’ll probably expect me to be heading there for my new Winter warmer. And you’d be right. I’ve already spotted at least two that I want to own. I think I’ll have to write a separate blog on the ones I have found and perhaps start a small series of outerwear specials. Yes, I’ll call it The Coat Collection. So if you’re not ready to start spending just yet on a new coat, why not wait to see what I pick out? I might find the one for you too?

For now, I’ve headed to Zara online to see what they have to offer to keep me warm and stylish over the coming months. I missed out on such a beauty last year; a black, wool, fluffy-collared number with a few buckle type buttons down the front. I decided to wait and see if I could find something else that I loved more. Don’t do that again, Natalie. You’ll regret it! Without further a do, I’ll show you what I have picked out as my favourites. Like I say, one is never enough for me. Sorry for being greedy but it’s just how it is. Let’s cover 3 different looks.

 

Look: Smart

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know by now that I work in an office. 9-5. Office politics with the heating being too hot or too cold leave me nearly always being cold. I’m just always nesh (that’s Sheffield for cold). When it comes to outerwear for work, I need to go for a smart coat but one that’s going to act as my blanket for when I do need to keep it on inside. This navy, long wool coat with belt stood out to me. The shape and cut screams high-end designer to me. I love the big sleeves and the fact you can cinch yourself in at the waist to show off your silhouette, but at the same time it’s an obvious oversized fit. I like navy. A lot. It suits all skin tones, where as black can sometimes either wash you out or just look far too formal. At £95.99, I’d say this is a great buy. I can easily imagine being in Vogue and having a ludicrous price tag next to it.   

Look: Smart-Casual

For Christmas last year, I was treated to one of my must-haves of the season. A camel, masculine two-button coat.

This was from Zara too. I’m pleased to see that it must have been a popular one as they’ve repeated it for this season and are selling it in a gorgeous wine-red colour. It’s still the same price. At £99.99, I shall not be picking this one up myself, just because there are lots on my wish-list so I can’t justify buying the same coat in a different colour. However I would 100% recommend this as a choice for you if you’re looking for a coat to keep away the chill over the next couple of months. It’s 75% wool and not only looks smart enough for work but also looks great teamed with a plain tee underneath and light-wash denim and trainers. If you’re looking for a grey-marl one, they have a similar one available “with shoulder pads”, although I don’t think the pads are very obvious from the picture. I can see this being popular too.

 

Look: Casual

I’ve seen several of my favourite YouTubers styling a red, puffer jacket from Matalan at £20. I thought I’d go check it out as they styled it really well. When I tried it on, it just wasn’t me. No offence to Matalan, I do shop there, but this coat just felt cheap to me. The price tag wasn’t going to get me the best quality I know, but it just made me think I’ll check out other brands for a similar style. Then I spotted this beauty. The pink is delicious. The black is probably a better option for the long-term. I just can’t decide which one I like best. The off-white option isn’t for me but I think one of these lovelies is going to be mine very soon. It has side pockets and a lovely looking contrasting fabric inside the hood, which is a hidden. Good design, well done Zara. £69.99 I’ll enjoy spending.

Which colour puffer would you have? Let me know if you’ll seek out any of the above coats. You can show me your faves too; tag me on Instagram or mention me on Twitter. I’d love to see your choices.

Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend and have enjoyed reading.

Natalie x

imagery credit: www.zara.com/uk