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Your outerwear is the first impression you arrive with and the last impression you leave with. Tatty pickpocket, forlorn baglady, overstuffed Michelin man….there are many outerwear guises to evaluate, but below is a guide to picking a CE approved winter coat.

::phase first::set a budget
Illustration of this principle will be presented through a story problem:

If Calgary stationed Clementine procures a car coat post Christmas for $139.95 (retail $268) and wears it through the end of February as well as the two subsequent 4 month winters after that, what is her cost per fabulous wear?

Meanwhile, if San Diego Stella purchases a full priced bundler after Halloween for $69.95 and wears it through the end of March before discarding based on prevalent pilling? What is her cost per economical wear?

Answer: Stella and Clementine both average a $.47 cost per wear. The value is equivalent.

When determining a budget, factor your climate, replacement window, and cozy soled needs. If you live in a land of bitter frigidity and rarely make it out to the retail wonderland. It makes sense to invest more now to ensure your tail isn’t rosy later. If however, your environment never falls below freezing and you prefer not to visit a dry cleaner, indulge in disposable clothing. Either way, fail not to purchase prudently.

::phase first::city chic or country casual
Coating distressed denim and trainers in calf-skimming cashmere is no less tacky than the shabby parka + pencil skirt combo. Examine your average uniform and find a topper to match. If your double life requires it, invest in both a posh and sporty option to avoid outerwear incongruity.

::phase third::solid vs. print
If your coat is chauffeured from home to abroad in a long, shiny black car, you can safely select a winter white wrap. For if your umbrella doesn’t protect it your extensive dry cleaning bill will.

However, for the average plebeian, a darker hue is a less dangerous alternative. While black and gray are basics for good reason, feel free to experiment with patterns or statement hues which will hide imperfections without hiding your dynamism.

::phase third::size & fit
When coat shopping, wear or bring your heaviest imaginable layer. Then stretch your arms out to the side and evaluate whether the shoulder seam matches up with the underlying body part.

Next, stretch your arms out in front of you with your little hands clutched into fists. While you obviously don’t want others to mock your fighting stance based on prematurely ending sleeve lengths, you also don’t want jack frost nipping your wrists while you’re sweeping slush from your windshield or removing roof lining Christmas lights.

In summary, fear not a fuller size to accommodate an extra layer or elegantly elongated arm length.

::phase fourth and final::accessories
Don’t forget to add on your scarf, mittens, and hat. They’re not only fashionable, they’re also functional. Purple ears, fingers and clavicles are so last season.

You can win your own DownEast Basic Muffler too my dear, here’s how:

The winner of the Outerwear Giveaway will be selected on Friday, December 18th. The winner gets to select a DownEast Basic Coat in her style and size of choice, or she can opt for the outerwear accessories set, including the Rosette scarf, glove, and hat.