Coolest Coats - How to choose the best for every situations

If you’ve ever experienced the joy of wearing something that not only kept you warm & cosy, like a protective shield, and that felt gorgeous to wear, you’ll know the power of a great coat.

Like a faithful friendship on which you can always rely!

A great coat is worth the investment

There are coats, and then there are ‘coats’. A great coat will add gravitas to any outfit. And a good quality coat should last you a lifetime.

Along with a (great) handbag and watch, I would suggest it’s one of the best items in which to invest because it is a game-changer and will elevate any outfit.

But like any item of clothing, it's important to get it right and along with the practicality of keeping you warm, it needs to suit you and, importantly,  your lifestyle.  

Choosing the right coat for you!

There are a myriad of styles and the secret to knowing the coolest coat for you, is reviewing the best shapes and colours to suit YOU. There is no right or wrong style, despite what fashion says. 

For example, a key style this winter has been the wrap-style woolen coats with a tie, which looks ultra sophisticated and so easy to wear, making it looks effortlessly cool. The tie in the middle can really cinch in the waist - pull and fasten into a tight and secure knot et voila! Some oversized styles naturally have excess fabric, so be mindful that when cinching in, it can add bulk around the middle.

Also, a lot of tailored coats tend to have built-in shoulder pads and so can look very boxy, which is helpful to balance out a curvy bottom, but can equally add bulk to a frame, so just something to consider.

Same too with double breasted styles - they can look really good and impactful (think military style coats)|, but won’t suit every torso where a flattering single breasted will create a streamlined effect.

In fact, it can be a nightmare trying to find the right coat, but worth doing a little research.

Can we get real for a moment?

First things first. Even before deciding on the style, it really is worth stopping for a moment to think about where you’re likely to wear your new cool coat and therefore, what style is right for you. For example; in the daytime to and from work/meetings; predominantly off-duty style and weekends, or for special occasions, and in which case, that diamond encrusted velvet cape has your name on it! 

If you’re looking for a coat to wear every day and you regularly use public transport, or you’re up and down escalators, the colour and length definitely need to be taken into consideration.

White, cream and lighter colours are going to get grimy much more quickly compared to dark colours and it won't be long before it’s demonstrating the tell-tale signs of the daily commute. In this case, I always think it’s wiser to go for darker shades, and save yourself a heap on dry cleaning.

The length is not quite so crucial although if you’re an ‘on the go’ person, a long length might start to get in the way. I always think ¾  is a good length, so falling somewhere between the knee and calf area; I’ve found this one here from Jigsaw which I think would hold up nicely against the daily grind, and you’ll feel super-chic wearing it. 

The ‘I’ve arrived’ coat

If commuting is not an issue or you drive to and from work, then you don’t have to bother too much about your cool coat getting dirty. Perhaps you even have the luxury of arriving in chauffeur driven style and in which case, lucky you - the world is your oyster! In fact, you could go for an oyster-coloured coat because the chance of picking up dirt on those velvety cushioned limo seats is zilch!

This cashmere dress coat from Jill Sander is stunning. I must admit, there is something seductively grown-up about a long-length coat. However, circa £3k (!) is a serious amount of money for a coat, but top tip - Jill Sander has an outlet at Bicester Village which will provide considerable savings on the discounted prices, though they may not stock their latest or most popular items/ranges.

Otherwise, I always think Ted Baker do very smart and elegant coats at reasonable prices.

Effortlessly stylish coats

If you want a more casual style coat that you can just throw on for that effortlessly chic look, then a duffle coat or parka is a perennial classic.

The hood gives it a carefree, nonchalant feel that I love, along with being extremely practical if walking the kids to school in the pouring rain, or waiting at the bus stop and you’ve forgotten your umbrella!

Gerard Darrel has a gorgeous Parker that you can see here and - it’s reversible!

And of course, Burberry is synonymous with the duffle coat, along with some very fine British companies who offer a very similar style at a fraction of the price like Gloverall.

Make a statement with your coat

If you’re looking to make an impact, then a statement coat is for you. There can be a number of ways that a coat can really stand out from the colour, pattern, texture and cut. A brightly coloured coat can work wonders for your wardrobe, and your mood - I love Stella McCartney for this!! 

There is something about a bold block of colour that always looks cool and fresh, and considering a coat is one of the largest pieces of clothing we wear, a strong colour-choice is guaranteed to make an impact! 

‘That’ Coat

A word of caution however with a statement or stand-out coat.  If you are planning to wear the coat every day, it won’t be long before subliminally, people will start to think of you, and then the coat, or the-coat, and then you. You will become known as the person in ‘that’ coat.

And I mean that with love.

The coat will start to arrive before you do, if you get my drift. Also, it could end up limiting your outfits due to the lack of versatility compared to a more neutral colour but, regardless, you are bound to have heaps of fun with your statement coat.

I love this one here from Kate Spade for maximum impact!

Classic glam!

One way to buy into the statement coat trend but a more practical yet glamorous alternative that will blend in more with your wardrobe, would be to focus on the texture only. For example, a black faux fur. I like this one from M&S

Or try faux leopard print for a cool classic. In many ways, you can treat a leopard print pattern as a ‘neutral’ shade and wear it with anything.

Toasty warm

Some coats will keep you so snug and warm you’ll feel like you never want to take it off. These coats might be made with the highest quality fabrics or the latest technology to insulate you.

However, other coats will ‘look’ all warm and snuggly, but a quick glance at the tag and you will know in an instant if it’s just style over substance and you’re going to freeze to death! It happened recently when I tried on a pea coat style jacket in a charity shop. I really loved it, instantly, but when I checked the label, it was made mostly of polyester and that is not going to provide toasty warmth.

Knowing how much I often feel the cold, I realised we were not a match - so back on the rail it went. Always look at the label! And ideally, ensure there is a high wool content or it’s made of fibres that will keep you warm.

For advice on what style works for you, book your free discovery call

Now for the ‘boring, but important-bit’!

How to care for your coat!

Preservation is key.

Ideally, store your coat in coat bags and buy some of these from N Peal - cedar balls to prevent the dreaded moth balls. 

When hanging your coat up, don’t leave it on the back of a door, for example, where it will lose a little of its shape. Invest in a decent coat hanger, specifically for hanging coats, so it’s wider in order to keep the shape of the shoulders to prevent any indentations, which can result from using small, skinny or metal hangers. 

I also store my beloved Gerard Darel coat in a clothes bag and have cedar balls scattered in the same wardrobe, as opposed to in the bag to avoid the strong scent (strong when new) infiltrating the fabric!

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to finding your cool coat is to check the sales first, if possible, as you could be likely to make some big savings. Also do check sites like The Outnet who pass on hugely discounted prices on designer pieces for up to 70%. 

Also, if you already have your cool coat in your wardrobe but it’s perhaps seen better days, then consider showing it some love and take it on a date to the dry cleaners, or have that pesky hole finally fixed. If it’s not fitting properly or buttons need to be moved, then before relegating to the back of your wardrobe or sending to charity, look for a local tailor who might be able to work their magic!

There are lots of ways to add interest to a coat by adding a cool accessory like a patent belt or try changing the buttons, which will really give it a make-over and feel like new again.