I’m calling this look my “French Matrix Meets Rock Star”.

This vintage long winter coat was thrifted on my recent trip to BC.  It is by Peter Weber from Toronto, 55% wool, 45% rayon and cost $15.  It is not quite warm enough for the weather we are having right now.

We are in a deep freeze at -25 C with the windchill, which needless to say, is why these photos are indoors.

That slit goes all the way up making the coat move even more.

It makes me feel almost as badass as this guy…

I know…the resemblance is uncanny.

I’m like the Mary Poppins of Morpheus.

How do you like the fake black leather pants?

Very rock star no?

These are the S&M inspired booties I’m wearing that I thrifted along with the coat…

That gold lining is killer.

And you know how I love a good beret to finish off this “French Matrix Meets Rock Star” look.  My nod to French style, although I’ve very rarely, if ever seen any French woman wearing one.

I knew when I spotted this coat that I’d have to pair it with a bright red scarf.

Me in all black, white and grey?

Not-so-much.

Give me colour or let me die!

Or something like that.

Without the heels this coat goes almost all the way to the floor. Truly a L-O-N-G coat and wonderfully unique. Since I’m showing a few long coats here I figured I’d squeeze in what I look for when I buy a long winter coat:

What should you look for when buying a long winter coat?

Make sure it fits you correctly. 

The shoulder seams should sit on the shoulders, not below.

It shouldn’t touch the ground, otherwise it’ll just be dirty all the time.  If you are short and want to avoid visually shortening your body, aim for a style that ends just above the knees (warmer climates) or just below the knees (colder climates so that your boots go up to where your coat ends).

The sleeves should hit about an inch below your wrists when your arms are at your sides.

If you are going for a fitted style make sure you have enough room to wear a sweater or layers underneath.

If you have a wider style I personally like a belted version that shows the waist so it doesn’t add extra bulk to my frame.

Make sure it is warm enough.

Depending on what type of weather you have during the winter months will indicate if you just need a long light wool coat, or if you are like me and you must suffer through a Canadian winter every year then make sure it is lined, ideally with fake fur or down as those are the warmest.  Thick wool is also very warm for winter but can weigh a ton.

Pockets are essential!

Both for your hands, gloves and whatever else you want to hide in them.

Buy a colour that suits you and the rest of your wardrobe.

If your wardrobe is 50% black chances are you should buy a grey, black (or if you’re really crazy adventurous, white coat).

If most of your closet is filled with bright colours you can probably mix a bright coat into them easily. That said, bright coats can also brighten up a neutral wardrobe. If you have cold colours, then stick with cold for your coat.

A warm neutral shade like camel or brown is also good if you have more earth tones in your wardrobe.

A hood is optional.

I find that since I like to wear hats I don’t always need a hood on my winter coat. Truly a hood is for severe cold weather and snow. So if you don’t have either of those…(can I come and stay with you this winter?) you don’t need a hood unless you want to look gangsta.

I’ve found a few more tips on how to choose the perfect winter coat here and here and a great article by Sylvia from 40+ Style that includes choosing the right coat shape for your body.

Okay…back to my shopping trip…

I could have easily come home with this coat from the same store as well…

It checked off every requirement on my “how to buy a long winter coat list”.

But it was so close to this one that I felt I shouldn’t. Talk about restraint!

In fact that day I could have gone home with 4 new-to-me winter coats but I didn’t have enough room in my suitcase.

I desperately tried to get my Mom to buy this incredible blazer that didn’t fit me…

No go though.

I was very disappointed.

Hardest person in the world to shop for as far as clothes are concerned?

Probably my Mom.

Or my Dad.

I did score quite the haul at that one Talize thrift store in BC. Last time I was at the Talize in Hamilton I bought (shamefully hiding my face) 6 pairs of shoes/boots (or was it seven? I stopped counting). I’m going to a new Talize tomorrow in Brampton…look out!

My thrifting luck has been sky high lately. I reckon I might even find a slightly used George Clooney hiding there somewhere. Wish me luck!

Have you found the perfect long winter coat for yourself?

P.S. Greetje don’t answer…we all know you are the reigning Queen of all long winter coats with a huge gorgeous collection in every colour, style and shape under the rainbow.

Linking up with the lovely Patti for Visible Monday.