The Value of a Scarf and Winter Coat

I recently saw an ad for a fashion photography course to shoot “winter fashion or the lack-thereof in the streets of Sydney.” I thought it was an appalling critique of Sydney winter fashion.  That being said, I can understand the perspective of most Sydney-siders. The snow never comes to us. We “go to the snow.”  By mid-morning the sun usually emerges and warms us to a balmy 18C – 21C. What to do with the coat by lunchtime at those temperatures? My suggestion is to leave it behind when you dash out for lunch. Wear a scarf and walk or ride fast.  But I have heard many people ask, why spend money on a winter coat?  My answer is simple, to look good.  Second, but more importantly, it’s good to stay warm. We have those days where the temperature stays around 15C which is “chilly, Willie the Penguin” as my kids say. To aid in the evening commute home, a winter coat is ready to embrace you.

I had a moment of panic a few weeks ago. I have a number of coats, all of varying weights, that I wear on the bicycle. Eventually, I was going to run out of coats to wear for this blog. I was going to become imminently boring  As a result, I took a turn to assess the Australian coat landscape. It was brilliant! I went to Manning Cartell, Scanlon Theodore, and Trenery. All had beautiful coats at varying price points.

A classic coat shape to last for years.

Very reasonably priced.

The classic pea coat with a narrower cut.

Also reasonably priced to last for years.

And then I went to Zara which for me, is coat heaven.  The coats are all reasonably priced, fashionable and the correct weight for Sydney i.e Not too much insulation and lighter weight.

I’m not a fan of a super long coat or the wrap coat as they’re cumbersome on the bicycle. I like a mid-hip to knee length coat as it gives me more ability to move around on the seat when pedaling. If it’s too long, it can be slippery on the seat. Also, I like the coat to fit well in the shoulders. If it doesn’t, it can be uncomfortable while leaning forward slightly on the bicycle. I never wear a suit jacket under a coat.  It’s too bulky and I get too hot on the bicycle.  If I wear a suit jacket, I just wear a warm scarf.

A scarf? I can hear you ask. Yes. This is how you keep yourself a little bit warmer on the bicycle. The scarf that I have is Scottish cashmere from Aldi, of all places. I like wearing cashmere. It’s very light and warming. Here is one way to wear a scarf.

Drape the scarf evenly behind the neck.

Lengthen one end in preparation

Wrap the long end around neck.

Scarf ends should be equal. Hair flip if necessary.

Cross one end of scarf over the other.

Push one end through to make a knot

Arrange for maximum coverage of the neck and chest.

Here is another way to wear a scarf.

Wool is also a favourite because it breathes. I bought my husband a silk Tom Ford scarf in the winter as it breathes and warms at the same time. (Justin Timberlake seems to like it too in his video for Suit and Tie.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUsVbTj2AY) Cotton scarves also work well for that extra bit of warmth – for both women and men. And my ultimate favourite is faux fur which is very warming.

Today’s ensemble: Leona Edmiston dress, J.Crew necklace, Cartier Santos, Lovisa ring and earrings, J.Crew infinity scarf, Aldi cashmere scarf, Witchery sunglasses, BBB gloves, Yakkay helmet, Zara coat, Po Campo Loop Pannier bag, Aerosole tall boots, Gazelle CityZen S9 c/o Omafiets.