Dear Mattie: Which style of coat should I get this season?
— Chilly in Cypress
Dear Chilly:
This is my favourite time of year. Almost everything is on sale, especially coats. Now is the time to splurge on one coat, the investment piece, and go cheap with a funky trendy piece. Coats are very much in fashion this season. Look for cosy, functional and classic shapes. The style should feature a sophisticated outer layer with trendy detailing, colour and texture.
I will start with the classics and get trendier as I go along. Remember, any combination of styles and trends will work as there is such a variety of coats in fashion this season.
Classics include trench coats, peacoats, bomber jackets, parkas and thick-knit cardigans. These are functional coats with clean silhouettes. The colour can be traditional beige, black, brown or navy, but why stop there? These coats have been updated to have a bolder, modern look.
Modern lines create an exaggerated silhouette. The trench can be double breasted and belted to create a fit-and-flare look.
Parkas come in funky colours and prints in addition to solid black or white. Single-breasted wool coats sometimes have large shawl collars and might fall above the hip or sweep the floor. There is a lot of room to take a classic and give it your own style.
Modern looks include military style jackets and coats of varying lengths. Short moto jackets (a motorcycle jacket with flair) have shoulder detailing, lapels and zippers for an updated look. Capes have made a huge comeback, from heavy knits to lightweight wool, with patterns that range from Fair Isle to Navajo blanket.
Texture has also become trendy in coat styling. Shearling coats are very popular, not to mention warm and cosy. Hairy coats (long faux alpaca) and faux lamb in non-traditional colours are trendy and luxurious. Leather is a great traditional fabric that can be both classic and modern at the same time, making a leather coat a great investment piece. Unfortunately, textured coats are so in fashion that a plaincoloured wool coat will look a little boring this season.
The trendiest coats incorporate detailing, for example, fur trim in the hood and leather epaulets with a leather belt instead of the matching belt that the jacket came with. Toggles and buttons can be a unique addition. Asymmetrical zips and piping outlining the coat are fashion forward.
Colour is a fun way to update a coat without being too over the top. Bold colour makes a subtle statement compared to the other trends in coats this season. Ivory coats in any style always look fresh and modern. Wool evening coats in pastel shades complement the little black dress. Royal blue and cognac are variations of traditional colours. Plaids, tweeds and herringbone are not only seen in traditional wool jackets, but also in parkas and moto jackets.
A coat can be an investment piece. It can also be an expression of one's personality. I think you should have at least two coats - one that reflects your personality and another that works with your lifestyle. There are so many trends that you can mix and match styles and still come up with something unique to you.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest at Mattie a la Mode.
