Now that the winter has finally hit and the snow piles outside, I find myself thinking of all the fashionable ways I can stay warm. I live in Toronto, Canada and go into hibernation as soon as the sun shies away and the frigid breeze comes blowing in. I often wonder 
why it is that I stay in the Canadian cold and don’t move my life somewhere south where I can actually enjoy being outside the majority of the year (family has a way of keeping you close though). However, since I don’t live on a beach and can’t spend my life in shorts and tees, I opt for awesome ways to look great and keep warm, which is why a duster coat now tops my wish list this winter!
Duster coats were originally popular in fashion back at the beginning of the 20th century. This style is long, therefore needing 
a lot of material, which can be rather heavy. Since we no longer rely on fire to keep us warm in the winter months here, we have shed the length and opted for a various shorter styles of winter coats (I always prefer something that will cover my behind and hips since I get cold so easily).
On the FW’11 runway duster coats were popular among many of the most important designers, like Dior and Missoni among others. The Canadian duo D Squared were clearly influenced when designing their version of the duster coat by a popular film celebrated last year, True Grit (see below).
With the maxi we’ve been seeing consistently throughout the past couple of season with skirts and dresses taking on length, its no wonder that outerwear is following suit. I often find myself putting together a cute outfit with a maxi skirt and sweater when I realize how silly my shorter peacoat will look with it, taking away 
from all the drama of the length of the skirt; duster coats are just that — dramatic. If you’re looking to make a statement, the confident and stylish look of a duster coat is for you!
Kate Moss, arguably one of the most fashionable women on earth, has the cold beat as she heats up her style with this full length coat (right). Try this in wool or faux fur, or go for a unique style like a cape! If the length of the duster coat is too much for you, try tea length or at the knee first for a similar look!
*meg
