On Trend: Seasonal shopping

Let’s talk purchases.

While on the hunt for a new coat during a recent lunchtime shopping break, I spotted a very plain—but plain in that perfect way that staples are—camel-colored overcoat. It was affordable and the perfect weight that would allow at least a few wears during a Baton Rouge winter, but certainly more in other cities with an actual winter.

I passed on it the first time, thinking it wasn’t really interesting enough to live in my closet. Then it haunted me. Camel coat. Camel coat. Camel coat. So, I went back and bought it. And promptly returned it the next day, rationalizing that it didn’t fit just right and was too neutral/business-like for my style.

Then, the stupid internet turned on me, as it likes to do. On every site, across all fashionable corners of the web, they were extolling the virtues of the camel coat being fall/winter’s must-have essential. Camel coat. Camel coat. Camel coat. All these stylish bloggers, parading around in their lovely coats, mocking me and my life choices. CAMEL COAT.

FINE, Y’ALL. After discovering the coat I returned was quickly snatched up by someone smarter than me, I was on a mission. For days. Online and in stores. Turns out JCPenney (what?!) had just what I was looking for. It is the Switzerland of coats: neutral, cold-weather friendly and adequate for all shapes and sizes. And, it was 50% off. Done.

Now that I have subliminally convinced you to get your own camel coat, here are a few great options in a variety of styles and prices.

• H&M ($99)
• Topshop ($110)
• Zara ($189, $279)
• J. Crew ($350, $398)

If you’re in the mood to skip several months’ rent, this Max Mara one is a great option. However, I do not advocate ignoring bills for a coat regardless of how fabulous it may be.

New York magazine’s The Cut has 25 coats to get you through winter, and not all are camel. So if you would rather commit to a different color, have at it.

Gentlemen, I didn’t leave you out. Here’s a lovely one from Amite-born, Florence, Alabama-based designer Billy Reid. It’s definitely an investment, but aren’t all good men’s clothes expensive investments? I know your shoes are.