Every girl needs a coat to keep her warm and a bag to hold her essentials. Here are six stylish combos for every occasion life throws at you this spring.
At the Office
Striped in earthy tones, this coat is in command but not standoffish; the cobalt hobo has room for a clutch if working overtime for client A rolls into dinner with client B. Blanket coat $695 at Tory Burch; washed pebble bag $88 at povertyflatsbyrian.com.
The Extra: Bounkit’s double-duty dazzlers go from day to night by adding the jasper drops; $245 at tuckernuck.com.
Playing Tourist
Look sharper than every out-of-towner at the Cherry Blossom Festival in a playful jacket made for layering, paired with a bag big enough to hold snacks and souvenirs. Blouson coat, $895 at Coach; bucket tote, $425 at Tory Burch.
The Extra: A monogram cap to tame hair and protect from the sun; $49 at markandgraham.com.
Concert Night
Rocking out at Echostage calls for the ultimate cool-girl gear: a leather moto. Worn cross-body, a graphic saddle bag gets hands up when David Guetta and Tiësto hit the stage this month. Rebecca Minkoff jacket, $698 at EmporiumDNA; bag, $78 at povertyflatsbyrian.com.
The Extra: An Alexander McQueen neck scarf to edge up the rest of the outfit; $295 at Nordstrom.
Running Errands
Breathe easy in a sweater/coat hybrid while driving the carpool to your daughter’s basketball game. Afterward, a chic backpack leaves hands free for the weekly Costco run. Kinross jacket, $850 at Rizik’s; Loeffler Randall bag, $395 at Bishop Boutique.
The Extra: Converse sneakers keep you comfy while you’re cheering from the sidelines; $70 at net-a-porter.com.
Weekend Brunch
This peppy pastel combo is polite enough for eating with the in-laws but also pairs well with boyfriend jeans if bottomless mimosas with old roommates is on the agenda. “Elsa” jacket, $550 at Ann Mashburn; structured satchel, $78 at povertyflatsbyrian.com.
The Extra: A pleat-front blouse allows for extra helpings of French toast; $80 at Ann Taylor.
On the Charity Circuit
Every lady who lunches needs a ladylike trench; we like one with unexpected piping. On the purse front, this season’s designer desirable mixes the feminine (florals) with the fierce (a chain strap)—perfect armor if you find yourself in a Real Housewives of Potomac–level drama. Lanvin coat, $2,695, and Gucci bag, $2,700, at Saks Fifth Avenue (Chevy Chase).
The Extra: Chloé sunglasses make every arrival more glamorous; $345 at net-a-porter.com.
This article appears in the March 2016 issue of Washingtonian.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
