If you are like most of us, you have only one coat. Sure, there may be more in your closet but there is usually only one coat that you love to wear. It can be like a best friend. But like best friends, they aren’t always easy to find.

A good coat has many roles. It goes without saying that it has to protect you from the elements, but it also has to make you look and feel comfortable and above everything else, it has to make you look great … all the time.

When you start your search this season (and right now is a good time to be looking) remember, you are looking for a friend.

 Tobias hooded wool blend coat with zip front

This red packs a punch but if you'd like something more classic, this coat is also available in black and olive. The kasha lining protects against the wind and the hood and snap closures keep you snug all season.

Now on sale for $245 (originally $295).

Tobias A-lined boiled wool coat with hood

 Add or remove layers as the weather changes and you'll get tons of wear out of this perfect layering coat. Available in navy, black or merlot.

Now on sale for $189 (originally $229).

Tobias coat with asymmetrical hem

This cozy boiled wool coat looks dressy with its draping front and brass clasp and is available in charcoal, black and merlot.

Now on sale for $210 (originally $249).

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You might be wondering how exactly the elements of design in your body match elements of design in your clothes to create harmony. After our last post, you may have been inspired to take a good look in the mirror to see just what your elements of design might be! Not only that, but we hope you’ll take a look in your closet too and make a note of how the pieces you love reflect the elements of design that exist in your body. You might also notice that pieces that don’t work just don’t match who you are, which makes it easier to let things go!

Here are some good guidelines to help you out, keeping in mind that this is general advice and your personality and lifestyle still need to be taken into account (more on that later!):

1. Scale – are you tall or short or somewhere in between? If you’re tall, that’s awesome, you get to wear long coats, jackets and cardigans, big jewellery and lots of volume in your clothes. If you’re short, that’s equally awesome – you get to wear short hemlines, narrow clothes and smaller details.

2. Proportion – are you evenly divided into eight lengths along your body and do things sit where they’re supposed to? An easy way to remember this is the ‘8 Heads Rule’. The length of your head from the top to the chin is roughly 1/8 of your height. If you’ve got a neckline, waistline or hem that isn’t working, it might be too high or too low. Things sit best right at the lines of division, or exactly at the halfway point. If they sit a little bit higher or lower, they can look a little odd.

3. Line – so you have curvy or straight lines, but what does that mean in your clothes? If you have curvy lines, you will likely feel more comfortable in things that have wrapping, ruching, princess (curved) seams, curved lapels and things with softness. If you’ve got straighter lines, you might like things that are more tailored, with pointed collars, straight lines in patterns or sharply creased pants.

4. Shape – the shape of you determines the shape of your clothing too! If you are a bit of a rectangular shape (like me, my bust and hips and waist are all roughly the same size), then you’ll do well in clothes that are more rectangular, like shift dresses (which I wore all summer), tunics, flat front pants and jackets that fit close to your body but don’t nip in at the waist. If you’re smaller at the waist, then you might like things that have detail at the waist. If your face shape is oval, you’ll likely feel more comfortable in oval shaped earrings and necklaces rather than square or rectangle shapes.

5. Texture – you can find texture either in the construction of the fabric, such as tweed or corduroy, or in the visual, with a pattern. If you’re more textured (remember, curly or wavy hair, freckles or lovely lines), look for things that have a bit of texture. If you’re smoother (straight sleek hair, more angular shape), then look for smooth fabrics such as tightly woven wool/silk or some synthetics in solid colours.

We hope these few tidbits will help you let go of some of the things you haven’t been wearing and make room for choices that are more purposeful. If you need more information, we’re learning rapidly (actually, we knew a lot already and we’re rapidly integrating the new information) and are here to help!

Did you miss part one? Catch up on your reading here!  ... read the full post and reader comments

You cannot build a wardrobe on basic solids alone--prints speak to your personality. But smart shoppers say there should be three ways to wear a print before you commit to a purchase.  At Plum, we are keen on this kind of math!

1. Mix this print with your basics:

The black and grey print works wonders with your basic blacks, whites and greys: your black skinny yoga jeans, your Plum white button up, a Tobias black pencil skirt. (Think Plum’s Perfect 10).

2. Add a pop of colour:

What’s in your palette? Fuchsia or cobalt blue would make an outfit pop! Coordinate with some solid pieces in bright colours and you have endless fun looks. 

Let’s do the math:

black skinny yoga jean + fitted peplum top

cobalt blue skinny jeans + fitted peplum top

fitted peplum top + polka dot pencil skirt

polka dot pencil skirt + fuchsia crossover top

polka dot pencil skirt + classic white button up, etc...

But you can still get two whole different looks with the right accessories...

3. Be wise and accessorize:

For a day look: accessorize the polka dot peplum top and pencil skirt with a layered chain necklace that hits just below the bust--it makes the look long and lean. 

With this creative work attire, a portfolio clutch pops in orange and creates a focal point to all-over pattern. 

For an evening look: it’s a subtle switch.  Show off your shape with some sparkle--an embellished belt is jewellery for your waist.  

Focus on the finer details--while a necklace would overwhelm the look, the earrings create balance to the belt. (Needs some inspiration? Check out our Detail Orientated Pinterest board.)

How many looks did you count? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!

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