A jacket of all trades

Just because the weather has been in flux doesn’t mean your sense of style has to follow suit.

Imagine this: you have a hot date lined up for Saturday night, and you’ve pulled together the perfect outfit to show off your most stunning traits. Then, the terror sets in that you’re about to cover it all up with a jacket or coat that’s so two seasons ago. Your excitement has just morphed into panic as you decide which is the lesser of two evils – either freezing all night – and looking like the guy who doesn’t realize the seasons have changed – or wearing the dreaded thing anyway – and risking the damage to your self-confidence that’s sure to ensue.

Luckily, we’ve found some great jackets and coats that will keep you warm without sacrificing style.

For a really snazzy look, try something on for size at Lawrence Covell in Cherry Creek North. This is a great place to shop for something sophisticated yet understated. Some of the lines are more progressive while others are more classic, but you won’t find anything frumpy or stayed. “We have brands and a style that are a good fit for Denver,” said vice president Joe Covell. “It’s a little more relaxed here, but we have items that can be dressed up if you are traveling on business to New York or London.”

In terms of jackets, the trend has been sportier, shorter, trimmer and softer. “We still offer a wide range of classic jackets or sport coats – but, over the past few years, jackets have become shorter and more fitted/tailored to the body,” Covell said.

This classy boutique also carries a lot of softer shouldered jackets (with very little padding) that are often unlined or half-lined. This style of jacket portrays a dressed-up look that’s still a bit relaxed. “You can still wear a tie with them (we love wool and cashmere ties for fall), but you also can wear them with a crew neck sweater and a pair of jeans or washed chinos,” Covell said.

Covell suggests trying the hybrid jacket/coat from Rag & Bone ($495). It has five buttons, and you can turn up the collar and button it like a coat. He also loves the soft Belvest sweater jacket ($1,195) that is made in completely unlined wool. “It feels like a blanket, but in a good way,” he said. “We also have a very eclectic jacket from John Malkovich ($1,095) – yes the actor – who moonlights as a fashion designer. We only bought four of them – and there are maybe one or two other stores in the U.S. that buy his line, and I’m not sure if they bought this jacket.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence Covell also carries a variety of versatile coats. “Rag & Bone makes one ($795) that is black with two flap pockets and a ticket pocket (the little pocket that sits on the right side), and it’s a very cool piece,” Covell said. “Herno has one with a zip-out wind stopper. It’s waterproof wool, and it’s great for rainy winters back East or for here in Denver. The lines on it are fantastic.”

Spot the trends

When it comes to jackets and coats this season, think the four S’s: slim, short, soft and sporty. If you find one you like (but it doesn’t fit all four of the criteria), don’t fret. Even if it boasts just one of the S’s, that’s better than displaying none at all. If you want the look for less, then check out H&M’s hip selection of outerwear. This trendy retailer, which is slated to open its first Colorado location at the Denver Pavilions this year, offers a slew of stylish finds – and all at bargain prices. Both of these options will hit the racks in the next few months, so keep an eye out.