#InspiredByInStyle: Fashion Blogger (and InStyle Reader) Maria MacNamara on How to Pull Off a Statement Coat

In this new series, we demonstrate how our most avid readers sport the trends in our magazine. Look for it on What's Right Now every weekend, and be sure to try out a look or two yourself and tweet us a photo @InStyle using #inspiredbyinstyle. This week, we're featuring Maria MacNamara of The Style Letters.

I adore color—I’ll pick hot pink over black any day of the week. That’s why the tangerine topper in September's "Instant Style: Bank on Bold Color" appealed to me. The classic silhouette (by Zara, natch) is completely transformed by a totally eye-catching hue—it's like seeing an old favorite in a brand new light! I also live in Chicago, so it's fun to go against seasonal conventions and rock brights during months typically reserved for jewel tones and dark neutrals (and a whole lot of snow). I especially love combining sunny pieces with fall's dark shades. Not only does it feel fresh, but it allows me to utilize my wardrobe in a lot of ways. I teamed my coat with a matching Lisa Freede bangle and Kate Spade slingback sandals, but the jacket is really an accessory in itself. Get inspired by more InStyle readers we ♥ in our gallery.

Take browse through MacNamara's blog at thestyleletters.com or follow her on Twitter at @thestyleletters.Plus, check out more of our readers (and find out which stories inspired them) in our October issue with the gorgeous Jennifer Garner on the cover, available on newsstands and for digital download now.

Be our Reader of the Week! If one of our stories has inspired you to mix it up, send us a pic (300 dpi or larger) of your transformation to letters@instylemag.com, submit it through InStyle’s Tumblr, or tweet us @InStyle with the hashtag #inspiredbyinstyle. You could be featured in InStyle and on InStyle.com! And what’s cooler than that?