Special Occasion Coats for Girls

Whether it's for traditional Sunday best or going to a performance of The Nutcracker ballet or something similar, there is something timeless about special occasion coats for girls. In any climate, it's wise to make an investment in a very good coat that can be kept in the family for years.

There is a timeless look to girls' dress coats.

For many decades, going back to the early years of the 20th century, girls' coats have had a particular look. They are lightly fitted, usually A-line cuts and double breasted, fastening either with large buttons, frogs or toggles. They tend to be wool with a contrasting color trim in either fur or velvet. If the coat is a girls spring dress coat or a summer coat, it can still be a lightweight wool or tweed, but linen is also a popular choice. Many special occasion coats for girls are part of a matching dress outfit, often with another accessory such as a hat.

The "Russian princess" style of girls' coat is enduringly popular. It is wool, double breasted and fastens with frogs, with contrasting trim on the collar, cuffs and pockets. It can also have other charming details, like buttons or bows at the back, over a pleat. For little girls, the coat is most commonly cut with an empire waist.

For older girls, the more classic princess tailoring is typical on dress coats. This refers to a shaped waist and skirted bottom of either knee-length or longer. It is a timelessly elegant cut that looks wonderful on girls of all ages.

Attention to detail, as well as beautiful fabric and construction, is what distinguishes special occasion coats for girls. The classic little capelet, for example, finished in contrasting trim, has a timeless charm that enchants girls and parents alike. In addition to providing extra warmth, the capelet, whether just over the shoulders or hanging nearly to the waist, harks back to another era and makes a girl feel more like a princess. In other words, a detail like this puts the "special" in special occasion.

Many good winter coats will also include a matching muff. Again, this is a very old-fashioned accessory that isn't necessary when a girl has warm gloves and pockets. And parents may be less than thrilled, as it's one more thing that can be easily lost. However, it's included because the look of a muff in a contrasting color laying over the coat with the hands folded inside is a perfect picture.

Belts and sashes also add to the flair of a good coat – witness the lovely J Crew coats worn by the Obama daughters for Inauguration Day. These were good examples of simply cut coats that were made spectacular with a few well thought out details.

Many good winter coats for girls will include fur trim. As with the cuts themselves, the fur is old-fashioned, seen in many classic children's books and much art. It used to be a necessity, but there are now many better ways to keep warm. Unless you are buying a vintage coat, you want to try and avoid fur. Besides humane considerations, fur is treated with an array of heavy chemicals. Although not enough is known, it is understood that these are not what you want your child in close contact with. Unfortunately, even when a coat says it is trimmed with faux fur, you can't always be sure this is the case, as many fur manufacturers call something faux when it isn't, or mix in real fur. It's best to opt for velvet or another fabric trim. This is also easier for cleaning and storage.

It can be hard to pony up a lot of cash for a child's coat, knowing they will soon outgrow it. However, a good coat, well kept, is something that will last for many years and can be worn by all the girls in an extended family.

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