The Coats of the Moment
This year’s must-have winter warmers
It’s time to say goodbye to summer, and look ahead to restocking our wardrobes for winter. If there’s one essential item that you need to update, it’s the coat. The perfect one piece for wrapping up against the cold, as well as transforming your look in one fell swoop, this year’s coats are bigger and bolder than ever. From voluminous fabrics to in-your-face textures and prints, our pick of the latest trends will have you warmed up in style.
Faux fur flourishes
The Fashion Week runways were filled with fur. From eyecatching dyed fur in bold, bright and zany shades over at Moschino. The bolder the better, in terms of colour, with patchwork fur and dip dying both making a comeback. Fur was also used to great effect as an accent on shoulders, cuffs and collars, with fur shoulders creating a striking contrast on floaty, feminine dresses. It’s a really easy trend to work into your winter wardrobe, perfect for keeping warm. Look out for faux fur collars and cuffs, as exemplified by this Ribbon dolly coat from BANK.
Texture
The mixing-up of texture played a key part on the runways for autumn and fall. Designers mixed and matched luxurious fabrics to great effect. Corduroy with suede, leather against velvet, it’s all about creating contrast. Look out for coats in tactile fabrics, like fuzzy wool, suede and velvet, all easily teamed with contrasting trousers, skirts and scarves. Or opt for a coat that does the mix-and-match for you, like this longline blazer from Red or Dead that contrasts straight-laced with edgy leather look.
Brocade
The brocade trend was spotted all over the Fashion Week catwalks this year, and it’s the perfect match for the thicker, richer fabrics of autumn and winter. Heavy, intricate embroidery is used to create embossed patterns that catch the eye. It’s a centuries-old technique that designers this year gave some very modern twists. While Dolce and Gabbana kept the look regal in stately black and gold, elsewhere the brocade technique was applied in a wash of modern colour and fresh new floral patterns. Balmain, Marni and Marchesa all looked to the east for inspiration to give us an oriental take on the trend. Whichever way you choose to wear it, if you’re looking for a bold pattern coat this autumn and winter, make it brocade.
Oversize
This year’s coats have upscaled. Large, sweeping cuts and voluminous fabrics filled the A/W runways, creating a strong, modern edge. The dramatic Rick Owens coat is a perfect example, also tying in the contrasting texture trend. Cocoon shapes are big news, and a great way to wrap up against the winter cold while retaining a look that’s as chic and boldly feminine as it gets. Team with skinny trousers and jeans to create contrast, or create a stronger look by teaming with equally voluminous full skirts and dresses. Whether you’re looking for blazer styles, trenches, or wrapovers this winter, go oversize for a more glamorous take on these classic coats.