Fall 2010 Jacket: The Anorak

Fall weather can be pretty wild—in the Northeast, anyway. One day it will be dry and in the high 70s, the next day a hurricane with torrential rains will blow through, and when the rains finally stop, the temperatures will nosedive into the 40s. How can the over 50 woman be prepared for such changeable weather? Well, I don’t know a single garment that will solve all those weather conditions. However, this season’s trendy anoraks come pretty close.

What is an anorak jacket? Clothing makers seem to have slightly different takes on the classic outerwear, but basically, it’s a light-weight, utility-style jacket with a gathered waistline. Most anoraks also have a hood. Since utility jackets are a Fall 2010 trend, there’s a variety of anorak styles available right now.

For women over 50, the anorak jacket has a lot going for it. It’s comfortable and ultra-practical. Unlike the trendy military jacket, which is too masculine for us, the anorak has a feminine gathered waist. This fall, there’s an anorak style to suit just about any over 50 personalities. And the stylish versions will easily take you from day to night activities.

YOUR ANORAK
What’s your anorak personality? If you tend to like simple, classic looks, but want a bit of style this season, you might like the
BUBBLE ANORAK-L-KHAKI from Maxstudio.com at the top of this post. Ellen Tracy Jacket, Lightweight Anorak is also a stylish design. It's on sale at the Macy's website for $79.99.
Or how about this...

AT BLOOMINGDALESBloomingdales has a number of anorak styles to choose from. Some are classic styles like the French Connection "Tony" Parka Anorak for $198. Others have super trendy fur trim, like the MARC BY MARC JACOBS French Terry Anorak with Faux Fur Trim for $268 or Aqua Hooded Anorak with Faux Fur Trim for $188 or the Live A Little Faux Fur-Trimmed Hooded Anorak for $148.

Or, perhaps, you’d like a little jewel embellishment? Take a look at the Aqua Studded Cotton Twill Hooded Anorak from Bloomingdales for $248. Or maybe you're in the mood for something gold. Check out Calvin Klein Jeans Global Drawstring Gold Anorak on sale for $107 at Macy's website. And while you're at the Macy's site, you might want to consider DKNY Jeans Vest, Anorak Utility Hood for $69. It won't keep you very warm, but it's very stylish.

MORE TRADITIONAL STYLESTraditional anoraks are available at a variety of online sites with a variety of price tags.
For instance, J.C. Penny's has a St. John's Bay® Reversible Anorak that ranges from $59.99 to $65.99. And you'll find a Mossimo Supply Co. Hooded Light Weight Anorak at Target for $49.99.