My “Flare” Lady — Twirl Into Fall With A Fit-And-Flare Coat
Outerwear trends vary dramatically this season, so that we’re as likely to see faux fur chubby coats in candy-worthy pastels as we are sarape-inspired blanket coats and robe coats with wide lapels and self-tie waist sashes. And, while many of the season’s more daring outerwear styles require a certain amount of nerve, there’s one silhouette that shouldn’t intimidate anyone: the fit-and-flare coat.
These coats feature classic elements like curved collars, double breasted fastenings, military-inspired buttons, and cinched waists (some even adorned with belts) along their top halves, but their bottom halves exude a playful femininity thanks to dramatic A-line, trumpet, or skater skirt shapes. Here are 10 of the most twirl-worthy skater coats we’ve spotted!
Ted Baker Laureol Flared Skirt Coat, $595. Available at TedBaker.com
This navy blue wool coat features a wide collar, an off-center front closure, slim sleeves, and a glossy black patent leather belt that create a dignified effect. The side seams, meanwhile, flare out along the bottom, making room for pleats that create a voluminous skirt with plenty of coquettish movement.
Valentino Floral Brocade Coat, $5990. Available at FarFetch.com
Plant the seeds of unforgettable style by donning this silk blend floral brocade number from Valentino, which features a double breasted front, a colorful garden-worthy blossom design, a slim belted waist, and a roomy A-line skirt.
Alice + Olivia Cohen Military Flare Coat, $550. Available at AliceandOlivia.com
Ten-hut! In addition to having an upright collar reminiscent of naval dress uniforms, this virgin wool and cashmere piece features two vertical rows of buttons that nod to the design of traditional general and colonel coats. But, unlike any combat- or ceremony-ready coat, this piece feels softer and distinctly feminine thanks to its fuller bottom.
H&M Green Flared Coat, $129. Available at HM.com
Not only does it have the ease of a wrap dress, this hunter green fit-and-flare coat features white embroidered knot details that adds an artsy, Bohemian, and even slightly kitschy feel to the piece.
Valentino Long Studded Paneled Lather Trench Coat Dress, $9900. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Take a cue from Neo and enter the Matrix with this long lambskin leather trench coat, which features vertical rows of gold-toned studs adorning the skinny, ribbon-like panels pieced in between the wider smooth and unadorned leather strips. Even the notched collar is outlined with these studs for a futuristic yet femme fatale effect.
REDValentino Wool-Blend Coat, $895. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Give winter pastels a whirl with this REDValentino coat, made of a wool-blend felt in a demure blush color that would make Olivia Pope herself swoon. The single oversized, fabric-covered button below the round collar makes this coat feel dainty, as does its flared, pin-tucked skirt, but the epaulettes at the shoulders balance out these softer design details and lend the piece a sense of gravitas.
Alexander McQueen Double Breasted Overcoat, $2785. Available at AlexanderMcQueen.com
Though it boasts a simple silhouette, this Alexander McQueen wool coat makes a grand statement thanks to the exaggerated collar, which extends down to the waist area and is distinguished by remarkably wide lapels and deep notched indentations; along with the two silver-toned buttons at the waist, and the full, tulip-like skirt with its rounded folds.
Gucci Black Flared Coat, $2800. Available at Gucci.com
The double-breasted front of this body-hugging coat, made of black stretch techno microfaille, instantly conjures up a military feel that’s magnified by the metallic finish of the disc-shaped buttons.
Alice + Olivia Carth Puff Shoulder Flare Coat, $1197. Available at AliceandOlivia.com
The padded shoulders of this wool blend Alice + Olivia coat make it feel positively regal, while the splatter-like, cream-colored design extending from the waist to the hemline creates a modern and graphic visual effect, as if tiny snowflakes were sticking to the surface and creating a powdery pattern.
