Cross “Coat” Off Your To-Do List

I have been angry with drug stores for years. Their incessant need to rush seasons perpetuates our inability to live in the present; how am I supposed to embrace the moment when Aisle 5 is pushing Valentine’s Day plush animals on me months in advance? I do not have a Valentine yet, let alone a 2016 calendar. That is a lot of pressure.

However, a recent self-made contradiction has forced me think think otherwise. Upon missing Don’t Step on a Bee Day, I blamed drug stores for not informing me of imminent random holidays, lamenting that it was their job to do so while ultimately admitting I rely on them for calendrical notifications. You see, I am a procrastinator — many of us are. All drugstores want is for us to be prepared.

I tell you this because now I want you to be prepared. Without getting mad at me. Ready? Though summer is not technically over until the 23rd and the North Pole has yet to be represented in your local apothecary, now is the time to deal with a winter coat. Cross it off your list so that you can relax.

Of course, as with showers and other things we put off, the reason we procrastinate is because we assume the task at hand will be hard. Showers are hard, yes. But coats are not. You just need this handy guide and some visual aid, the latter of which is illustrated by Manhattan-raised, Brooklyn-residing director of marketing at Mangia, Olivia Muniak. Note her location, then remember our situation last winter: the girl knows what it means to be cold.

Step 1: Admit that a winter coat means warmth.

You probably already own your “fashion coat.” It will look phenomenal on Instagram and go great with your runway small talk. What you need now is the kind of coat that is equipped to keep you warm. And looks cool. Think on-foot commutes and snow fights. The above Spiewak coat works toasty wonders. You will sweat while trying it on in September but you will sing while wearing it January.

Step 2: Consider it a part of your wardrobe, not just your coat rack.

You should be able to mentally style your winter coat with at least three outfits. If you think of coats as mere vehicles to get you from car to door, you’ll never be excited to wear it. I asked Olivia here to bring her favorite outfit in order to “test” that it would work with this coat, also Spiekwak. It did. And remember: this is why stores have return policies — take advantage of the fact that you can buy then try at home.

Step 3: Treat the process like Wedding Dress shopping.

AKA, don’t exceed your budget, but when planning your budget, keep in mind that an investment in the fight against hypothermia is an important one. Other things to keep in mind: you only need one (so make it good), and you need to own it before for winter. Shopping for a coat mid-frostbite is a bad idea, like going to the grocery store hungry.

Still think it’s too early? Think of me and CVS as that friend who texts you the wrong reservation time on purpose to ensure you arrive on time. I’m only looking out for you. Like your new winter coat, I’ve got your back.

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Photographed by Krista Anna Lewis.

Like Oliva’s styyyle? Follow her on Instagram.

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