How to style a fall/winter coat: 14 Style Panel tips for embracing this season’s trends while keeping warm
Dropped shoulders, hourglass figures and loose fits are just three of the characteristics of this season’s coat trend. Seeing as what’s worn on top of it all was one of the hottest trends on the international Fall 2013 runways—-from Carven’s larger than life bubble coats to Rag & Bone’s we asked our Style Panel for their essential tips to staying on-trend, while keeping warm.
New to Style Panel is Marla Brum of Trend Struck, who suggests wearing a colour rich burgundy cape coat to embrace the trend of oversized outerwear. Bonus: the extra rooms affords for more layering without looking bulky.
Vibrancy and colour is what Cara McLeay of A Fashion Love Affair opts for to combat those cold, dreary days. A jacket lit with some brightness is the perfect thing that will keep you warm and be something you won’t get bored of wearing. Meanwhile, Northern Style’s Kira Paran looks for ones that use quality material and have classic details. She’s smitten with her wool coat with toggles.
If you’re in need of an outerwear update or need advice on how to embrace the latest trend styles, look no further than these 14 tips!
Question 75: How are you embracing this season’s coat trends? Read the answers now! »
BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | DANIELLE ROCHE, TORONTO | DEANNE MCCRAE, MISSISSAUGA | ÉLODIE PARTHENAY, MONTREAL| KD FAUSTINO, CALGARY | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MARLA BRUM, TORONTO | MELANIE MORAIS, EDSON | RUTA RUDMINAITE, TORONTO | STEPHANIE KOCH, CALGARY | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES VIA VANCOUVER |
Marla Brum, 28
Toronto | Trend Struck
Just like my clothes, it’s important to have variety with my coats, especially since they become a staple to my wardrobe for about 6-7 months out of the year. Being covered for any occasion and the changing temperatures is a must.
One style in particular that I’m wearing a lot right now is my burgundy cape coat. With oversized coats on the rise this style was a simple adjustment to ease into the trend. This cape-like coat has arms but still has the room as one without. Use this room to layer for warmth during these colder months. With a looser fitting jacket like this one I prefer to wear it with skinnys and a pair of riding boots and always completing my winter look with a great scarf.
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
In Vancouver, we can get some pretty dreary days during the fall and winter, which is why I’m so happy to see designers like Simone Rocha and Céline carrying vibrant hues into Fall 2013. A brightly coloured coat can instantly illuminate an otherwise monochrome fashion forecast.
Cara’s wearing: Coat, J.Crew.
Élodie Parthenay, 26
Montreal | Hell Elo
Montreal winters are notoriously cold, and a long wool coat is my BFF whenever the windchill is in effect. For an extra layer of depth and dimension, put on a pair of patterned pants with a textural grey-on-grey ensemble.
Élodie’s wearing: Coat, Sandro.
KD Faustino, 28
Calgary | The girl with the Messy Hair
I’ve learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to Calgary weather, which means perfecting the art of layering. I love the idea of throwing a cape over a dress for an urban boho look. Pale pink and whimsical heart prints bring a touch of femininity to a streamlined, structured silhouette.
KD’s wearing: Cape, Caitlin Power.
Danielle Roche, 20
Toronto | Kastor & Pollux
I love to play with prints and textures all year round, but layering pieces with a little more substance is my favourite part of Toronto’s cooler months. Lately I’ve been loving the contrast between super-light silks and a structured wool coat.
Danielle’s wearing: Coat, Carven.
Ruta Rudminaite, 22
Toronto | Look Ugly in a Photograph
When the colder months dawn upon us, it is common to feel that we have to sacrifice a part of our style for the necessary warmth that we usually align with some big, shapeless, not-so-pretty coat. Yet, there is no reason to feel down trodden when the good old Canadian weather comes to visit. When I found this red leather jacket at a Parisian vintage shop, I snatched it right up because I knew it would make for the perfect statement piece in colder weather, but at the same time, it would keep me warm. Two for one, what more could you ask for? Finding statement coats doesn’t have to be hard or expensive, it simply takes some looking around and deciding what style and colour you want.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your cold weather wardrobe, think about investing in a coat that is a different colour, style or shape to what you would normally wear. It’ll keep you from compromising your style and it’ll spice up those dull cold days.
Ruta’s wearing: Leather jacket, vintage. Jumper, American Apparel. Blouse, Marks & Spencer. Skirt, Marciano. Shoes, Aldo. Beret, bought in Paris.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
As we head into a season of covering up with coats, I think it’s important to have variety in those layers. This season, the options for coats are endless, as designers seem to have given this essential some extra attention. Printed, plaid, leather, camo and fur are just a few of the materials being mixed to create structured and edgy looks.
I’ve invested in a few (well…more than a few) great coats this season to add to my growing collection. This vintage silk magenta Diane Von Furstenberg, which perfect way to add colour on a dark fall day, a tweed pink/neon orange/purple oversized letterman, a white moto jacket with leather detailing and a crushed velvet blazer. I’m holding off right now on any more, but there are a few plaid coats I’ve been eyeing for when the temperatures drop.
Barbara Ann’s wearing: Coat, vintage Diane von Furstenberg. Sweater, Zara. Pants, Topshop Canada. Booties, Michael Kors. Clutch, Roots Canada.
Kira Parn, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
When I saw the fall style for coats was “the bigger the better,” I was a bit sceptical I could make this trend work for me. I had fashion nightmares I would become some 80’s esq faux pas drowning in tons of wool cashmere. In an attempt to fend off this idea, I decided to add volume with only the coat itself. I kept my bottoms slim and by having a cropped sleeve I got to also show shape in my upper half. Coats are an essential for the months to come, when updating your outerwear wardrobe I like to go for quality materials and classic details. I was sold when I saw the toggles on this wool duffle coat.
Kira’s wearing: Coat, J.Crew. Pants, Madewell. Flats, Town Shoes. Sweater, American Apparel. Bag, Philip Lim for Target.
Whitney Cosgrave, 25
Los Angeles via Vancouver | See Shop Eat Do
My essential is a classic coat in a fun colour. This one by J.Crew is super warm as well as being chic, which is a bonus. It’s important to change up the look of your coat since it is worn so often, so I like to style mine by adding a scarf, belting it, or changing out the buttons.
Whitney’s wearing: Coat, J.Crew.
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna via Calgary | Inherited Jeans
Since coat season is inevitable in Canada, I like to have a few in rotation to divvy up the wear and tear on them and also add interest. For me, I like to have a good leather jacket, something trendier in a print or color, and one in a classic shape and shade like this caramel button down. It isn’t super heavy so it acts as a great final fall layer, and will go with so many things! If it isn’t overly windy or cold, wear it as a cape!
Stephanie’s wearing: Coat, H&M. Hat, Urban Outfitters, Sweater and blouse, Smart Set. Jeans, Current/Elliot. Boots, Sam Edelman. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Melanie Morais, 25
Edson, AB | BornLippy
I’ve always been into structured timeless coats for the colder months but lately I’ve been gravitating towards a more oversized fit. The oversized coat is fun when paired with more feminine pieces to balance it all out. Also with the colder months come layers and the oversized coat is very forgiving in that department. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been frustrated with my structured coats and big sweaters not going together. The oversized coat works on most body types and is also super comfy and cozy! What’s not to love?
Melanie’s wearing: Coat, Jessica Simpson. Shirt, Joe Fresh. Jeans, Citizens of Humanity. Boots, Jeffrey Campbell. Bag, Philip Lim for Target.
Deanne McCrae, 22
Mississauga | Thread Bare
One of my favourite trends in coats this fall is the over-sized blazer. Not only are these wardrobe staples deceivingly warm, but they are super versatile and can fancy-up even the most drab outfit. I love to pair my oversized blazer with a button up for a super preppy fall look.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
Being a Canadian girl, you can never have too many coats in your closet! Every year I find myself adding a couple more to my collection…along with shoes, accessories, and handbags. But that’s beside the point. The point is whether you purchase a hooded parka or a moto leather jacket, you know at some point in the year you will get a lot of use out of it. The same goes for a great statement coat. These pieces are perfect to have in your wardrobe for all of those fabulous holiday parties or a glamorous trip to the grocery store. Stick to the basics for the rest of your outfit and your coat will be sure to turn some heads!
Lyndsey’s wearing: Coat and leather pants, Zara. Tee, Aritzia. Clutch, BCBG. Heels, JustFab.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
I love the trench coat and I think it’s such a terrific investment piece, especially a well-tailored and structured trench coat. It’s perfect to dress up and also unexpectedly dress down. The trench coat offers the layering ability, whereby you can add extra texture with accessories and pair multiple layers underneath to create interest. I often wear my trench coat draped over my shoulders and leave my arms out offering a loose, effortless vibe.
Becky’s wearing: Trench, scarf, pants, cardigan, blouse and hat, Jacob. Satchel, Michael Kors. Boots, Winners by BCBG.
