The "IT" items AW2012/13: Cover-ups

We have barely had time to digest AW2012/2013 trends when SS2013 ones are upon us. Admittedly, springwear is looking now fun, colourful, and glamorous, but it is still cold outside for a lot of us and the sales are out there. Ladies, now is the time to show some discipline (to ourselves) and make those investments that will make our hard-earned money go the extra mile. Coats are one of the most expensive items in a woman's wardrobe, and define your look completely.
Also, I don't know you, but for me it's -3°C outside and I'm thinking more down coats and less summer dresses.

The items

Capes. These have been in fashion for several winters now. I appreciate as much as anyone the beauty and retro feel of a well-made cape, but the truth is that they are better suited for average to tall women: if you are petite, they will literally swallow you up. Also, I think you need to be slim to wear them, because they do add bulk, not to mention your waist disappears in them. The one below is cute but pricey, so you can also try knitting one or asking someone to do it for you (I have been trying unsuccessfully to get my sister to knit me one for several seasons now...).

Trends AW 2012/13: Capes by Caroline Grant. 

M Missoni Tiger-print Cape / Reiss Ambrose Curved Dress / Gucci Lady Stirrup Handbag / Nine West Just Right Boots / Tory Burch Opera Gloves / Massimo Alba Wrinkled Scarf / Hervé van der Straeten Necklace / Hervé van der Straeten Bracelet / Tom Ford Lipstick in Wild Ginger / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire.

Down. Unbeatable in terms of weight and warmth: the higher the percentage of down versus feather, the warmer and lighter the coat. Good brands will specify the amount of each and how warm the coat is (Esprit, for instance, has a snowflake system). Avoid polyester filling, much less breathable, unless allergies are an issue. Look for matte materials in a flattering colour. High shine materials will make you resemble a garbage bag (however stylish).

Trends 2013: Down by Caroline Grant. 

Esprit Down and Feather Parka Coat / H&M Slim Regular Coated Jeans / Phase Eight Gail Cardigan / American Vintage Massachussetts Tank Top / Radley Cheadle Jacquard Handbag / Clarks K Nessa Clare Boots / River Island Black Baroque Belt / Mango Polka Dot Gloves / Daniela Swaebe Dragon Agate Earrings / Estée Lauder Lipstick in Red Tango / Revlon Nail Lacquer in Valentine. 

Oversized coats. I'm not in favour of these, let me tell you. Anything "oversize" should have no place in your wardrobe, and a good coat should last for at least half a decade, depending on how often you use it. Now you can go over the sales racks and enjoy raising your eyebrow at them.

Trends 2013: Oversized coats by Caroline Grant. 

Etro Graphite and Mustard Coat / Missoni Crochet-knit Dress / Vivienne Westwood Handbag / Clarks UK Chorus Voice Shoes / Fendi Kefiah Zucchino Scarf / Causse Castiglione Gloves/ Blu Bijoux Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Seagrass Ring / Estée Lauder Compact / NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

Shearling. This a serious investment, so choose a supple, light-weight leather in your best shape.

Trends 2013: Shearling by Caroline Grant. 

Burberry Prorsum Shearling Coat / Reiss Bridge Dress / DKNY Saffiano Handbag / Chie Mihara Kalili Shoes / Oscar de la Renta Brass and Resin Clip Earrings / Oscar de la Renta Seagrass Ring / Dolce & Gabbana Gloves / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

Leather. Another serious investment, go for a flattering colour that can become your fun neutral: cerise, rust, coffee brown, forest green, beige, blue gray, black. Choose a soft supple leather, with low shine, so it does not look cheap.

Trends 2013: Leather by Caroline Grant.

It's All About Romance Leather Coat / American Vintage Massachussetts Tank Top / Burberry Prorsum Bouclé Skirt / Dolce & Gabbana Bulldog Handbag / Manolo Blahnik Bipunta Shoes / Paul Smith Scarf / Blu Bijoux Coral Necklace / Alexis Bittar Coral Ring / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

Military. Epaulets, brass buttons... You get it. Choose carefully so it does not seem you could be leading a circus ring. Body type Cs should avoid detailing along the shoulder line, so this is probably not their best bet, unless carefully edited.

Black and Tiger Print by carol-grant featuring Massimo Alba

Trends 2013: Military jackets by Caroline Grant.

Balmain Jacket / Dolce & Gabbana Rose Bustier Dress / Aspinal of London Manhattan Handbag / Nine West Just Right Boots / Salvatore Ferragamo Fur Hat / Mango Crystal Embellished Gloves / Daniela Swaebe Dragon Earrings / Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette / Dolce & Gabbana Lipstick in Nude/ Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer in Bouquet Intense.