by Jackie | Photos by AlmeniaJPhotography

He pulls on his coat collar as an icy wind fails to interrupt his stride.  The hawk is no match for his cool, winter stands no chance against his resolve.

There is nothing more important than having the right coat when temperatures drop. Outerwear becomes a vital part of an outfit during the winter months, taking precedence over what’s underneath. I recently accepted the challenge of finding the perfect winter coat for my friend, Anthony. Check out what he had to say about the experience below.

For the past couple of years in the DMV there have been some blistering winters.  I’ve kept some warm coats (a snorkel, leather, trench etc.), but for a more timid winter this year, I was looking for something a little lighter and more versatile.  I decided on a grey topcoat.  I had been looking on some sites of choice — J. Crew, Banana Republic, Nordstrom — and found a few options.  I wasn’t too excited about any of them, but getting a coat was a must.  So I decided to consult one of my resident fashionista friends, Jackie.  I know she has an eye for these types of things, and her opinion is valued.  She looked at some of the options and she, too, wasn’t that impressed.  She did whatever it is fashionistas do — pray to a bust of Audrey Hepburn, I don’t know — but she came back with several grey coats. 

She mentioned my physique and the type of style she saw me in — “edgy” was the word I think she used — and the choices seemed to fit me to a T.  In the end, I decided on the Grey Top coat with Knitted Collar from Zara.  The coat itself has a knitted zip lining with an outside button closure.  The cut is sleek and rakish and can serve for both evening attire or a winter jaunt around the city — everything I was looking for.  Thanks Jackie and A*cute consulting.  I’m definitely a believer.

Anthony Weatherspoon is a business professional in the financial industry based in Washington, DC.

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