Do-It-Yourself Outerwear

You know you're bursting with great fashion ideas, so why shouldn't the rest of the world know, too? With custom-made outerwear, consumption can become creation.

When you can choose your own color, lining, and collars, perfection is merely a starting point.

To start, pick your own colors, fabrics, and styles in order to create the ultimate fleece jacket at BeyondFleece. You can also build one at Land's End. A made-to-order fit will keep the garment slim and form-fitting, perfect for layering under a custom trench coat from Burberry. Thought Burberry had already perfected the trench? When you can choose your own color, lining, and collars, perfection is merely a starting point.

Pair the coat with a custom-made fleece hat from Dino Haven to give the look a
quirky edge.

The proprietary feeling can be addictive, and since your inner Marc Jacobs is just beginning to blossom, why stop at outerwear? Neighborhoodies will customize t-shirts, hoodies, and undies, while at sites such as 1154 Lill Studio and Timbuk2 you can design your ideal bag.

But no wintertime outfit would be complete without warm shoes. For a real indulgence (or investment, depending on your interpretation), outdoorsmen (and outdoorswomen) can treat themselves to customized boots from Russell Moccasin Co.-they've been in the business for over a hundred years. Custom options include layers of Thinsulate, loops for easier lacing, plus a variety of soles and other reinforcements for a more durable boot. If that's too technical, simply picking the colors with which to swathe your pretty feet might just be a little more appealing.

Posted on January 23, 2006