Coats come in a wide range of different cuts and silhouettes and there are many different things to consider if you want to make the purchase a good investment. You’re after a strong shoulder line, a skimming silhouette and the correct sleeve and hem length in order for coats to look their best. Here are some simple rules to apply:

• Layer properly. You need to comfortably wear two layers underneath a dressy coat (a camisole or shirt, and a fine piece of knitwear). If this is not the case, go up a size or try another style. Casual parkas are usually a little roomier and allow for thicker knits and more layers.
• Ensure that you can move freely. You’ll need to drive, reach out and lift in your coat. This is achievable when a coat is too big, but you’ll have lost your shoulder line and skimming fit. Make sure that your coat is tailored and comfortable at the same time.
• Choose the length that works best for your height. Petites look best in coats that are on the knee or shorter, while taller girls can pull off most lengths. I’ve found coats that finish at the knee best because they work perfectly with dresses, skirts and pants.
• Sleeves should clear the top part of your gloves. Long sleeves are too short if they finish on your wrist. Bracelet length sleeves finish just above the wrist while three-quarter sleeved coats should finish halfway between your wrist and elbow.

Whether it’s quilted, furry, woolen or sporty, a coat needs to drape well and create a flattering, unbroken vertical line. Finding a coat that fits well is challenging and there are unfortunately no shortcuts. You’ll need to try many to begin with, get to a shortlist of candidates and then make a careful final decision.

Fab fitting coats from Nordstrom.

The Holiday Season is in full swing and that means cocktail parties, office do’s and New Year’s celebrations. The holiday party cheat sheet aims to give you a good starting point for planning your outfit. It covers the four big areas you’ll be thinking about:  your dress, your cover-up, your shoes and your handbag. You’ll also find some pointers back to related blog entries.

Please comment here if you have any feedback or questions and, as always, use Ask Angie if there is a specific question that you would prefer to ask in private.

Dresses aren’t your only option for holiday bashes, but they are the most fashionably festive and feminine choice in this frock-focused season. I’ve been blogging about alternative “non-dress” party looks and will continue to do so over the next week, so stay tuned. Unleash those fabulous outfits and let the merrymaking begin!

Holiday parties at home or at informal festive restaurants are usually smart casual in setting and this calls for a more toned down yet appropriate holiday look (unless a particular dress code is specified on the invitation). You have lots of options when it comes to what to wear.

Here are some ideas:

• A-line day dresses with knee high boots are one of my favourite ensembles and any age group can wear the look. I was having lunch at Seattle’s flagship Nordstrom Grill last week and saw two elderly ladies, both clad in dresses, coats, knee high boots and rather theatrical hats. They looked fabulous and were the perfect example of looking great at every age.
• Sparkly tops always go down well and your pick from shiny girly blouses, shimmery knitted tops and sequined cardigans are all great. Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans, a denim skirt or a pair of fab slacks. Be sure to add a smart shoe or boot (heeled or flat), carry a small handbag and leave those gigantic totes to rest for the night.
• A festive skirt with a plain top is a super and versatile option. A button down shirt, simple knitted top or piece of knitwear usually works best with any skirt. Finish the look off with a tailored cropped denim jacket, a pair of heels or boots and a cute clutch bag.

Hose or bare legs are equally appropriate and knee high boots are an excellent way of giving your look more coverage if you’re a little leg shy, or instant drama if that’s what you’re after. Enjoy the festive occasion and relax into the evening with both style and comfort.

A roomy fancy skirt and simple top, or easy A-line jersey dress with fabulous knee-high boots gets my vote as the best casual holiday party looks this year (I’m going to rest my jeans on these occasions). These Stuart Weitzman boots were shown on Oprah’s style and beauty show last week and left quite the impression.

With the help of three fashion experts, Oprah explored how women from ages 30 to 70 can dress stylishly, fashionably and age-appropriately. The panel of stylists included Stacy London (host of America’s “What Not To Wear”), Lloyd Boston (author of “Before You Put That On”) and Charla Krupp (author of “How Not To Look Old”).

Between the three experts and a whole slew makeovers, many of the points made resonated strongly with my personal beliefs on style and fashion:

• One mistake that women make is to shop by size rather than fit. Going up a size for the most flattering fit should be the main focus, and not the number on the size tag.
• Body type, age and lifestyle dictate which trends will work for you and which won’t – not every trend works for every person.
• Many women in America are hung up on comfort and wear clothes as if they are going to the gym (I believe comfort and style are important, but that sweats are for working out and lounging at home).
• Dressing well causes people to sit up and take notice.
• Handbags do not need to match shoes.
• Patent is great at any age but in smaller doses as you get older. Less is more as you age.
• You can wear cream and white through Autumn and Winter as long as the fabric of the garment is season-appropriate.
• If you wear clothing that is waist-conscious, you will always have a flattering silhouette.
• Women at any age can wear classic and sophisticated looks.
• A pair of good jeans can make you look 10 years younger.

The experts also made some points that can be true in some situations, but really depend on your body type:

• The older you are, the slimmer you should go on a wide-leg pant. Wide-leg pants are best with chunky heels and boots as opposed to thin-heeled stilettos.
• Pencil skirts are a great look for women in their 50’s and over because it gives the body a great shape.
• You should wear high neck blouses if you are feeling bad about your neck because it draws the eye upward to the face.

One other point: While the style makeovers were impressive for that TV moment, the crux to having style is maintaining it from day to day. Perhaps this topic will get covered another time. Do you agree with the fashion experts? If you didn’t see the show, there is a lot of coverage and extra material on Oprah’s website.

Some form of weatherproof coat is essential for those of us who have wet Autumns and Winters. Styles with hoods are particularly practical when small children are in tow and our hands aren’t available to hold an umbrella in addition to everything else. The good news is that our choices are less dowdy these days and rainwear seems to get more fashionable every year. Below are my top picks for this season. The stylish Mum-on-the-go never looked better.

Price points for this item will vary, but the style from Macy’s (far left) is currently on sale and looks terrific paired with a super pair of funky waterproof boots, jeans and a great handbag. Thank you Meredith for inspiring this blog entry. You looked fab yesterday as we shopped in the rain.

Bridging pieces allow you to refresh your wardrobe and increase the ROI of items you already own (because they “bridge” a gap in your closet). One effective bridging piece is a knitted top in a neutral or fashion colour. Renew your look fashionably and cost effectively by mixing a new knitted top with an existing jacket and pair of business casual slacks (or jeans).

Banana Republic took me by surprise last week. They have the best selection of bridging knitted tops at the moment. The choice of neckline (high or low), fabric composition (wool or cotton-rich), colour (basic or bright), style (classic or funky), length (short and long) and price point (affordable or cashmere) is impressive. There is something for everyone. Their fine knit gauges make these knitted tops doubly versatile because they suit both casual and business casual environments.

Get to Banana Republic soon if bridging pieces are on your shopping list. The stock is new and seems to be moving quickly.

A selection of assorted knitted tops from Banana Republic. Perfect for work and for weekends, dressed up or down.

We look for soft comfy knits that keep us warm and cozy as the weather cools. Say goodbye to button-down shirts and thin cotton T’s, and hello to easy, A-line knitted tunics this season. Wear them over jeans (skinny, straight or bootcut), or with a thick pair of leggings and knee-high boots. Knitted tunics also fall into the “sweater dress” category, so remember to look in the dress department if you can’t find them amongst the separates. They are best matched with trenches and coats that are knee length or longer if you’re after an additional extra layer for extra warmth.

Try on a cozy knitted tunic instead of a regular pullover if you’re looking for a stretchy knit that’s flattering and forgiving. Their tailored yet relaxed appeal ensures head to toe comfort with style… the perfect casual update for Mum on the go.

A selection of easy knitwear tunics from Nordstrom.

Knee-high boots tucked into skinnies or slipped on underneath a skirt is a fab look for Autumn. It’s a versatile dressing formula that can be adapted to any fashion persona or lifestyle. While classic long boot styles are always in vogue, you might get the urge to splurge on an alternative funky pair if your budget allows it.

• Cuffed boots are striking, but they can look bulky if they aren’t shaped correctly for your legs. A streamlined cuff and a style that tapers at the ankle is a safe option.
• Biker boots add an edge to any ensemble by providing glorious contrast when matched with ultra feminine pieces.
• Casual flat boots are all the rage on the streets of London. Riding boots and slouchy styles make for a superbly unfussy urban look.
• Sliver wedge boots are a modern and retro combination. Their low wedge heels oozes comfort, but beware of their overall silhouette. They could make you feel dumpy since the style doesn’t always taper at the ankle.

One of the reasons I love Autumn is because boot season really gets my fashion juices going. Long boots in particular are a powerful statement piece that always adds drama to your ensemble. And thanks to heavenly cushioning insoles, their comfort factor is easily increased.

Boots are magical. As long as they’re comfortable, I adore them in any size or form. Add the right pair of boots to an outfit and your style quotient doubles. Your wardrobe should therefore include at least a few pairs of versatile boots (unless you live in a year round tropical climate).

This season boasts a whole slew of interesting ankle boot styles that can be adapted to both classic and daring looks:

• Slouchy flat ankle boots are the latest look and in keeping with the retro 80’s revival fad. They work best tucked into skinny or straight leg jeans and were all the rage on the streets of London.
• Cuffed styles are another 80’s inspired trend and great tucked into jeans (without the legwarmers this time around).
• Tapered ankle boots are versatile, smart and sleek with pants or jeans – either skinny, boot cut or wide-legged.
• Wedged versions are streamlined and modern.
• Booties were fringe statements last season but completely mainstream now. It’s the boot with the least coverage and therefore ideal for warmer weather. They are particularly comfortable with elastic inserts at the ankle.

Ankle boots with skirts and dresses is an ultra fashion forward look, but not one that everyone can pull off. It’s not easy getting the shape of an ankle boot to work with the shape of your legs and the silhouette of the skirt. You’ll also need to think about the right type of hose to wear with this look. It is still much easier to pop a pair of fabulous knee-high boots underneath a skirt. Stay tuned for long boots tomorrow.

If you like the trapeze jacket look, but you’re battling to find a shape that’s flattering, you might find these guidelines helpful:

• Length – it’s extremely important to get the length of this jacket right. The style is best when it grazes your hipbone. Going shorter can also work, but going longer can be tricky unless you have the body type (hour-glass, inverted-triangle or rectangle). If this style hits you on the wrong part of your thighs, it’s going to look dumpy. If you’re short waisted, try the petites department even if you don’t usually shop there.
• Tailoring – swing jackets have to fit snugly on the shoulders. You’ll end up with a sloppy shoulder if they don’t. Strong shoulder lines are essential for a flattering A-line silhouette.
• Sleeve width – opt for a sleeve that’s three quarter length and not as voluminous. This will add structure to your frame.
• Slightly swing – choose a style that swings out subtly and is not as wide at the torso.
• Keep it plain – select a fairly streamlined and basic version instead of a style that’s yoked, gathered and printed.

The trapeze jacket is not the best style for women with large bust lines. Well endowed woman still look best when they maximize the shape of their waistlines. I have been able to make A-line jackets work for this body type if I adhere to the guidelines above and keep the style unbuttoned to emphasize a long vertical line. Busty ladies can also opt for trapeze styles with V or scooped necklines (Icy hit the nail on the head with her suggestion yesterday).

All three of these Trapeze jacket styles are hipbone-grazing or shorter, streamlined and tailored. I can personally vouch for the yellow style on the left, which I own and is particularly flattering.