Inside Outerwear — A Complete Guide to this Season’s Coat Trends
When temperatures plummet, the ways in which you can showcase your style personality — at least while outdoors — become increasingly limited, making a statement-making coat all the more pivotal. Though basic black, navy, and gray pea coats and longline duster coats never go out of style, this season is all about pushing the boundaries via unexpected colors, graphic motifs, luxurious materials, ornate embellishments, and dazzling prints. Below, check out the season’s most exciting coat trends, along with some designs that will make you wish for chillier days.
GRAPHIC CONTENT
From quirky chevron patterns to Op Art-flavored stripes, checkerboard motifs, and color blocked paneling, these coats feature strong lines that demand attention.
MSGM Chevron-Patterned Wool Blend Coat, $820. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
The pastel pink and fuchsia zigzags on this coat may have their own peaks and valleys but they’re what make this navy wool-blend coat one continuous high point.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Austyn Plaid Jacquard Coat, $498. Available at BCBG.com
Talk about pattern mixing! The upper half of this coat features a multi-colored gridded pattern with pops of orange and teal, while the lower half features three horizontal bands, each with an intricate chevron pattern, that together create an ombré effect.
& Other Stories Ada Kokosar Colour Block Coat, $245. Available at Stories.com
Made from a soft crepe fabric, this Ada Kokosar x & Otjer Stories coat features kimono-inspired sleeves and a color-blocked design incorporating shades of pale peach.
Alice + Olivia Wesley Mock Neck Long Coat, $1298. Available at AliceandOlivia.com
If Gwen Stefani had rocked a coat in her “The Sweet Escape” video, it probably would’ve looked a lot like this glamorous, full-length number from Alice + Olivia, with its bold horizontal black-and-white stripes and regal mock neck.
Peter Pilotto Track Ribbed Stretch Wool-Blend Coat, $2605. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Inspired by board games, this black wool-and-angora coat features woven, road-like lines in bold orange, yellow, and forest green, as well as soft sky blue and pink shades. The sharp twists, turns, and unexpected intersections of the street-like lines recall the 1950s board game Motor Racing. But, with this coat, you’ll always be winning the game — the fashion game, that is!
SUNO Striped Wool-Blend Short Coat, $995. Available at SunoNY.com
Made out of fleece wool and mohair, this button-front, oversized coat features unexpected cerulean blue and tangerine orange stripes that infuse a liveliness and zest into an otherwise unfussy silhouette.
BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Winter fashion doesn’t have to be drab and dreary! When skies are gray, trees are barren, and the sun sets before 5 p.m., we all need some visual stimulation to keep us feeling perky and cheerful. Perhaps with this in mind, designers embraced color with gusto this season, serving up coats in saturated jewel tones and near-neon brights. Color us happy!
Milly Two-Tone Bonded Felt Wool Coat, $850. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
From Annie Lennox’s theatrical bright blush and eye makeup to Cyndi Lauper’s bustiers and tiered ruffled skirts and Madonna’s pink mesh tanks and lacy crop tops, 1980s style was all about pops of electric pink. Looking to the era’s neon exuberance, Milly designer Michelle Smith crafted this fuchsia felt coat, marrying the vivid fabric with a black neoprene that adds contrast and elevates the piece’s sophistication quotient.
J.Crew Stadium Cloth Cocooon Coat in Emerald, $350. available at JCrew.com
Oversized, rounded, cocoon silhouettes are retaining their popularity this season, and there’s no better way to make the silhouette modern than through an eye-catching hue like this emerald green,
Dolce & Gabbana Red Cashmere and Wool Long Sleeved Coat, $3595. Available at ModaOperandi.com
You’ll feel jollier than Mrs. Claus in this perfectly tailored, holly red coat, crafted out of virgin wool and cashmere and featuring an off-center front flap and body-skimming silhouette.
Ted Baker London Mawd Wool Cocoon Coat, $519. Available at TedBaker.com
This wool-blend, collarless coat, with its roomy patch pockets and gold-toned buttons, can be your sugar plum all season long.
& Other Stories Wool Blend Belted Coat, $325. Available at Stories.com
Feel like most belts make you look bulky? Then you’ll love the built-in belt on this collarless, cobalt blue number, which will help you cinch your waist and highlight your womanly shape.
ROBE CALL
Call it the Olivia Pope effect. Ever since Kerry Washington donned a dusty pink Ferragamo coat with extra wide lapels on ABC’s “Scandal,” the world has wanted to emulate the fixer’s polished style, embracing knee-length and full-length numbers with robe-like silhouettes and wrap ties. Below, a few Pope-worthy pieces.
River Island Khaki Wool Blend Robe Coat, $170. Available at US.RiverIsland.com
This wool-blend design fits all of Olivia Pope’s criteria — from the unusual greenish brown hue to the extra wide lapels with notched details.
Reiss Long-Length Wrap Coat in Ambrosia, $615. Available at Reiss.com
Sure, Olivia Pope doesn’t embrace much color — her wardrobe consists primarily of grays, whites, blacks, creams, and dusty pinks and blues — but why shouldn’t the rest of us? This minimalist coat relies on only a few details to make a major impact — primarily its distinctive salmon pink shade and the contrast between the rounded wide lapels and the strong and structured shoulders.
Scoop Long Sleeved Wool Blend Blanket Coat, $695. Available at ScoopNYC.com
Why shouldn’t your outerwear be as inviting as a plush bathrobe? With its dramatic shawl collar and dual front pockets, this coat will make you yearn for a spa retreat.
Topshop Boutique Cashmere Wrap Coat in Pale Blue, $435. Available at US.Topshop.com
Made of 90% wool and 10% cashmere, this powder blue coat proves power pastels are chic way beyond springtime.
Atea Oceanie Bouclé Wrap Coat, $1200. Available at Barneys.com
This full-length wrap coat is made of bouclé wool, yielding a nubby texture that feels rich and elegant — perhaps due to the fabric’s association with the now-iconic Chanel jacket unveiled in 1954.
CAPED CRUSADERS
No, you don’t need to be part of the Justice League (or Sherlock Holmes) to don a cape. It’s likely, however, that you’ll experience a power rush when you don one. Time to embrace your inner superhero!
BCBGMAXAZRIA Walker Color-Blocked Wool Jacquard Cape, $368. Available at BCBG.com
A Mondrian-esque cube motif makes this zippered cape coat feel like an abstract work of art, while pops of teal electrify the autumnal oranges, creams, grays, and blacks.
Alexander McQueen Placed Rose Jacquard Short Cape Coat, $2540. Available at AlexanderMcQueen.com
Blush-toned rose detailing along the shoulders and hems of this wool, silk, and rayon cape lend it a gothic romanticism.
Zara Houndstooth Cape, $189. Available at Zara.com
Go for a dapper British-inspired look with this brown houndstooth piece, featuring a button-front closure, sliced arm holes, and a faux fur collar.
Vilshanka Carla Embroidered Wool Cape, $1860. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Let Elsa be the Ice Queen. You, meanwhile, can be crowned the Snow Queen in this dreamy ivory wool cape, which is intricately embroidered with antique rose, silver, and blush pink threads depicting floral branches, regal peacocks, and majestic horses.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Tommy Fur Collar Cape, $798. Available at BCBG.com
A detachable Mongolian lamb fur collar adds a theatrical glamour to this operatic black cape.
Ted Baker London Zala Jacquard Cape, $425. available at TedBaker.com
There’s no feeling blue when you wear this navy-toned Ted Baker cape, featuring a woven damask pattern and prim round neckline.
RANK AND STYLE
Even the most bleeding-heart pacifist won’t be able to resist this season’s military-inspired outerwear, which ranges from oversized camo print anoraks to structured jackets inspired by London court dress uniforms.
Kanye West x Adidas Originals Trench Coat, $2860. Available at Fwrd.com
If baggy is your shtick, you’ll appreciate this padded, full-length, camo print coat, featuring two flap pockets with velcro closures along the chest and two side welt pockets with zipper closures.
Alexander McQueen Military Coat, $2985. Available at AlexanderMcQueen.com
This maxi military coat’s gray color scheme nods to the color of the dress uniforms sported by Bulgarian and Russian armed forces members, while the oversized lapels and the fit-and-flare silhouette yield a distinctively feminine feel. The combination of light and dark gray panels, meanwhile, makes the design current (after all, colorblocking is all the rage) without sacrificing its timeless feel.
Mr. & Mrs. Italy Lined Hooded Army Parka, $4260. Available at KirnaZabete.com
Inspired by the M-51 jackets or “fishtail parkas” with which US military troops were outfitted during the Korean War, this hooded jacket offers excellent coverage from the elements and is lined with coyote fur to keep your torso and all of your extremities warm and toasty. The khaki green color, drawstring-equipped hemline, and side flap pockets, meanwhile, complete the military-inspired design.
Oasis The Military Trench Coat, $225. Available at Oasis-Stores.com
The stand-up, belt-adorned collar on this camel-colored trench coat cleverly updates a classic winter wardrobe staple.
Moncler Dree Jacket, $2375. Available at Store.Moncler.com
It may have a camouflage print, but this glossy hooded jacket certainly won’t blend into the crowd!
Calvin Rucker Wanna Get To Know You Army Jacket, $795. Available at Fwrd.com
This lightweight anorak’s drawstring belt and hood enhance its punk-flavored vibe.
THE FRESH PRINT
Moody florals and jaunty animal prints are among the motifs you’ll find emblazoned in this season’s coats — whether they’re down-filled jackets or double-breasted coats.
Just Cavalli Down Coat, $1285. Available at Store.RobertoCavalli.com
Made in Chile, this puffy coat features a technicolor digital floral print, a black band to define the waistline, front snap buttons, a turtleneck, and a down-filled interior.
Stella McCartney Leopard Print Coat, $2365. Available at KirnaZabete.com
This single-breasted coast may feel like it was borrowed from a boyfriend’s closet with its boxy and roomy silhouette, but the pale gray leopard print blurs the gender lines, taking the design into Queen of Fierceness territory.
French Connection Lunar Rose Wool Coat, $298. Available at USA.FrenchConnection.com
Ink Master lovers will appreciate the tattoo-esque vibe of this wool coat’s oversize rose print. The oversize collar, meanwhile, bestows a certain largesse upon the design, while the ribbed fabric grounds this design detail, giving it a sporty feel.
Ted Baker Carleih Shadow Floral Cocoon Coat, $495. Available at TedBaker.com
The tenebrous energy of this cocoon coat’s intriguing floral print proves that ominous and beautiful, mysterious and majestic, eerie and elegant don’t have to be paradoxical concepts.
FANTASTIC FUR
Whether real or faux, fur coats are taking a wild turn this season, with adventurous color combinations and gutsy patterns helping us turn up the volume on our winter wear.
Armani Collezioni Rabbit Fur Coat with Removable Collar, $3295. Available at Armani.com
Made of 100% rabbit fur, this dreamy coat features an ombré design that transitions from a mysterious forest green to a vibrant sky blue.
Topshop Faux Fur Contrast Collar Coat, $170. available at US.Topshop.com
Think leopard and zebra print faux fur coats are as adventurous as it gets? Think again! This playful piece features a chevron pattern in shades of olive green, camel, white, black, and dusty lilac.
Shrimps Abatha Coat, $955. Available at Shrimps.co.uk
This two-toned design features the front-button construction and rounded collar of traditional 1950s coat, but the faux fur fabric adds a cheeky modern twist — as does the contrast between the deep green body and the punch pink collar trim and cuffs.
Marni Inlayed Vest in Alpaca, $13,140. Available at Marni.com
This inlayed alpaca vest’s flamboyant explosion of color rivals that of a Jackson Pollocl painting.
SHEARED THING
Shearling coats have been a pivotal element of many a movie fashion moment: from Cameron Diaz’s Christian Dior piece in The Holiday to Sylvester Stallone’s bomber jacket in Rocky IV and Ryan O’Neil’s preppy number in Love Story. This season’s shearling coat craze is firmly grounded in ’70s fashion, with many pieces subtly (or overtly) referencing the fluffy coat of Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane character in Almost Famous.
Chloé Reversible Shearling Coat, $8365. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
As showcased in Chloé’s Fall 2015 runway show in Paris, this maxi-length tan leather and cream shearling coat is designed to be worn on both sides so you can get as woolly with it as you want!
Rebecca Minkoff Midnighter Coat, $1498. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com
Ever the fan of slick motorcycle jackets, New York-based designer Rebecca Minkoff unveiled this riff on the style for Fall 2015: a shearling-lined jacket with an asymmetrical zippered front, leather trim, and plenty of hefty straps and buckles.
Yves Salomon Biscuit Shearling Penny Lane Coat, $2995. Available at IntermixOnline.com
You might just beak out into Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” when you wear this retro-flavored, Boho chic, shearling-trimmed coat, inspired by Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane character.
Scoop Long Sleeve Shearling Drape Jacket, $285. Available at ScoopNYC.com
A power blazer that’s polished yet plush? Believe it. This winter white jacket features a fuzzy drape collar, an edgy asymmetrical placket, and a triangular front opening for a hint of sex appeal.
A.L.C. Stager Shearling Coat, $1595. Available at IntermixOnline.com
Lambchop meets Edward Scissorhands in this avant-garde jacket, featuring black leather trim at the snap-button placket, the buckled and belted hemline, and the double belts on the sleeves.
Topshop Faux-Shearling Car Coat, $150. Available at US.Topshop.com
Though initially favored by fashion-savvy men, the shearling car coat was embraced my women in the 1970s. As we celebrate the aesthetic of the era, these winter wardrobe staples, with their square silhouettes and patch pockets, are making a roaring comeback.
BLING THING
This winter isn’t a time to skimp on lavish trimmings and flamboyant fashions! This season, sequins, feathers, embroideries, glitter, and jewel trimmings abound — whether on dresses, handbags, or coats.
Tory Burch Sequined Alpaca Coat, $1095. Available at ToryBurch.com
You’ll be glistening — literally — when you slip on this structured coat, made of a fuzzy wool blend and featuring rows of tonal paillettes that shimmer festively.
Giambattista Valli Sequin Coat, $7920. Available at Shopbop.com
Channel Donna Summer’s disco extravagance in this felt Giambattista Valli jacket, featuring colorful stripes fashioned of of rose gold, crimson, silver, and azure blue sequins.
Marc Jacobs Cocoa Twill Two Pocket Coat with Embellishment, $4200. Available at MarcJacobs.com
Sparkling pavé embellishments on the notched lapel and folding flap pockets of this below-the-knee, two-button, gabardine twill coat remind onlookers that you are a radiant beam of light.
JACQUARD JACKALS
Elaborate patterns woven on a jacquard loom (rather than printed or dyed onto textiles o) abound this season, making coat fabrics feel all the more luxurious — especially when they involve shiny metallic threads.
Emporio Armani Runway Damask Coat, $2345. Available at Armani.com
The sapphire blue damask pattern on this blood red coat creates an enthralling color contrast, while the high neck and off-center placket offer an aristocratic elegance.
Gucci Double-Breasted Metallic Jacquard Coat, $5780. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Geometric shapes threaded with metallic yarns distinguish this retro-flavored, column-style Gucci coat, which further references the ’70s due to its camel, gold, and forest green color scheme.
Tory Burch Jacquard Coat, $1295. Available at ToryBurch.com
Made from a mid-weight wool blend, this coat features a tapestry pattern inspired by the intricate textiles of Marrakech.
Nanette Lepore Rock N Roll Coat, $748. Available at NanetteLepore.com
As if the metallic floral print weren’t cheeky enough, this Nanette Lepore coat features four bright pink contrast stripes along the bodice for a Sergeant Pepper-worthy look.
Etro Patchwork Jacquard Coat, $2870. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Inspired by ornate tapestries, wallpaper designs, and carved wood panelings commonly seen in French salons during the 18th century, this long, A-line coat features a patchwork of jacquards in rich and earthy shades of mustard, blood orange, burgundy, champagne, sepia, and black.
