Culturally, Italians over-dress. When it was sunny with a high of 75 in Venice and people were walking around (looking perfectly comfortable) in black wool coats layered over sweaters, I noticed! I was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and had my jacket tied around my waist (along with all my other pack accessories).
However, Americans, in my opinion, under-dress. How many people do you know who own nothing warmer than a leather coat for outerwear? Here in the mountains of The Great Northwest, where sub-zero temperatures are not unheard of, I know plenty of people who never wear coats. At all.
Now we could discuss the reasons for that, or take a poll about whether we’d rather be too hot or too cold, but I prefer to point out advantages of the Italian approach (which may be common to other countries – say Canada? – as well):
- All it really takes to look good is to wear a great coat (and shoes and bag).
- Although coats are bigger ticket items, infinite variety is not required.
Can you see yourself in one of these coats?
Especially on the nicer days, we saw lots of cycle-style leather jackets. With the sporty stripes and the breath-of-fresh-air color combination, if I had a spare hundred bucks, this one would be mine!
Many coats, both wool and parkas, were belted. Also plentiful were drop-waisted belt styles, although it was too early to see many trenches.
I just threw this one in ’cause she looks so darn cute!
The over 60 crowd were primarily sporting classicly elegant quilted jackets, alongside lots of wool, of course.
How about you? Are you more likely to over-dress or under-dress?
I could see myself in the black coat. That’s rather cute. 🙂
I like to think that I dress just right! lol Does that count??
Interesting observation about overdressing and the Italians. I tend towards the layered look. I start out with a sleeveless something and add a couple layers on top in the winter. I do that in the summer too, only with lighter fabrics.
I could see you in the black one, too. And, although it’s not a steal, you would probably wear it enough to make it a frugal purchase.
I’m not surprised that you dress just right. I typically get it all wrong, especially when I’m going to be indoors. My hero tells me I try to hard to be precise. lol
I prefer the seasons on the extreme ends: dressing as warm as possible and as cool as possible. 🙂
My thing with coats is that with heated cars, garages, and indoor climate control, I have no place to wear them. I get in the car, throw my coat into the front seat, thenI wear it for the 30-second walk from the car to a heated indoor place.
But, you have a great point about looking pulled together in a stylish coat. It’s just that I’m always carrying it if I ever decide to wear it. I guess I never walk anywhere.
As a Canadian, I can attest to the fact that it gets cold enough in my area to definitely need heavy coats! I have a long, black wool dress coat, a pink leather blazer and enough shawls and wraps to keep myself toasty warm.
What’s a coat?
I have jackets–sort of. To be exact, I have borrowed or stolen a nylon letter-style jacket from a brother, an ancient ski parka from my mother, an unlined windbreaker from my dad…
..I do have a jean jacket which I bought for myself.
I love wearing coats and jackets, but perhaps that comes with age and an increasing sense of yearning for formality. In college it felt fine to slouch around very casually, but I like feeling put together now ( 42) , and I don’t like to be cold. I tend to be more dressed up than the people around me.
Jennifer – I think you nailed it. If we were standing on the sidewalk, waiting for the bus, like the ladies I saw in Italy, our coats would surely be more of a priority.
Chloe – what a great basic coat wardrobe!
Chrs – you crack me up! Wear the jean jacket. 😉
Polly – I agree with so much of what you say (maybe because we are close in age). Especially the “don’t like to be cold part”. lol
Is picture #1 a b’day hint?
BTW, just wait ’til you’re 50 – you’ll think you’ll never be cold again. lol
LOL
I know it’s coming!
i found a great place for coats that’s all they do. http://www.coatsinc.com