If you want to achieve The Row look, there’s one essential element you can't overlook.

And it's not the Margaux.

Before we get started, I want to take a moment to let my friends in LA know that I’m thinking of them. There are many people on the ground fighting the good fight, and I’m keeping an eye out for GoFundMe links shared in Instagram stories by friends who have loved ones who’ve lost their homes. Contributing to these campaigns is one way you can help, and the impact is direct. I hope the situation is contained soon; I can only imagine how difficult it must be.

Old COS with The Row Teatime boots

I've been feeling bored with fashion lately, not just because of the overwhelming presence of minimalist luxury and the saturation of Margaux bags, but also due to the unreasonably cold weather, which constantly affects my mood. Every winter, I question my parents' decision to immigrate here. While there’s a lot to love about Canada, the frigid cold definitely doesn't make the list. It robs my body of warmth and my brain of creativity. My fingers can barely move, and who has the energy to experiment with outfits? I don’t. I stick to a standard uniform, and when it gets scary cold, that uniform simplifies even further to an oversized sweater and wide-leg pants. That’s it. This is why I heavily invest in oversized coats.

The coat serves a dual purpose: functionally, it acts as the body's blanket, and fashionably, it draws attention with its expansive surface area, effectively becoming the main focus of the outfit. It is essential for achieving a Row look (and particularly, the styles of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen). What you wear underneath the coat is almost inconsequential.

Before you reach for:

- oversized sunglasses

- slouchy pants

- relaxed blazers

- boyish shoes

- layered jewelry

- loosely tied patterned bohemian scarves

- or even their signature Margaux bag

you'll want to start with a statement coat. One that’s comically exaggerated in size, that’s left undone, that nearly sweeps the ground, and needs to be uplifted in a debutant manner when walking up or down stairs. Not convinced? Maybe these images will help.

Imagine these outfits without the coat. They still look fantastic, as these ladies can pull off anything, but I maintain that the secret sauce is that outer layer.

Here’s a video where I present my case for the coat, along with a snippet below.

The same formula applies in the spring as well; you just need a lighter version. Come summer though, unless you’re equipped with the same temperature-resistant encasing the Olsen designers seem to have, it’s best to ditch the coat and rely on those other elements to tie your outfit together.

Options:

The Row trench (I’m in XS) with The Row bag.

I was unprepared for the magnificence of this in person, and I was steeped in my all-black rejecting colour phase when it first appeared online so didn’t think it was right for me. However, at half price, it was exactly right for me and my friend Rachel said “If you don’t keep this I will question the meaning of life.” Thank you for the gentle nudge my friend, I’m so glad I bought it. Just a few of the benefits of this beauty - I’m a walking pylon so I’m easy to spot in a crowd, it’s a conversational piece because it’s so unique, and the colour is an instant mood-lifter. In motion, here.

The Row coat (I’m in xs), beanie, bag, gloves

I’ve discussed this coat extensively (here) and will do so again because it’s a fantastic entry Row coat that excels in both function and style. The sleeves are roomy enough to fit a jumper comfortably (yup, even Ophelia), there’s a belt for shape, it’s nondescript in the very best way (it works with everything), it’s a decent length (size up if you want it longer), and it’s re-issued each season. The one complaint I have is that it’s a lint magnet.

Left: Goop G Label (in size 4). Right: The Row (in size 2)

My G label coat reminds me of The Row Diana coat, but it's softer and even more relaxed. I particularly like wearing it belted with the collars up and while I could have gone for a smaller size, I don't mind the extra room. In motion here. On the other hand, The Row Woody coat (pictured above) is a more fitted and sophisticated style that’s lighter and would also look nice when belted. I tried it on and really liked it but didn’t come home with it (yes, price was a factor).

Emi-Mess Pacome (left, in size xs). Similar beanie (I have this one too). Maria McManus (right, in size xs)

I don’t wear light colours often, but I made an exception for this coat by Emi-Mess because this particular shade and silhouette are so lovely. I had the shoulders pinched a bit and now it’s perfect. YouTube review / Reel. I wanted to go home with Maria’s Bathrobe as well but I waited too long and now there’s nary a small size left. Both are exceptional.

La Collection Marike trench in green and beige (I’m in size 0)

I couldn’t decide on a colour so now I have two Marike trenches from La Collection’s His/Hers line. It’s boyish, very long, oversized, light-weight, water-resistant, and classic. I took it to Paris with me in the fall and it was great for layering. I’ve mentioned this before but the mulberry silk lining is beyond. Once you feel it, you’ll understand.

Kulakovsky Hazel suede trench (in size xs/s) with The Row Lady bag, and Penelope velvet beanie.

Kulakovsky is a luxury brand based in Ukraine, known for creating modern, minimalist pieces that are often made to order. This trench coat took several weeks to arrive, but it was worth the wait. The color is rich, the fabric is extremely soft, and the length is just right. It is absolutely divine.

And I’ll leave you here. N xo