A “sensible” coat, much like a car, used to come in two colours: black and black. But, just as our vehicles now come in shades of graphite, ruby and emerald (probably to Mr Ford’s posthumous dismay), so too is outerwear having a flirtation with the flamboyant. No longer does your biggest investment piece need to be the safest bet in your wardrobe.
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At last month’s Australian Fashion Week, one of the most talked about coats on the runway was a belted trench in mustard leather by Melbourne-based menswear designer Christian Kimber, proof that masculine tailoring is having
a real moment in womenswear.
As is texture, with the teddy coats of a few seasons ago giving way to bouclé,
as seen on the runway in Sydney at Anna Quan’s show; her blazers are designed to be worn oversized, giving them almost coat-like proportions. (That is, they can be layered over shirts and knitwear.) Faux fur and shearling also create a snug cocoon around necks and wrists, protecting against buffeting breezes on winter’s coldest mornings.
Outerwear trends at AAFW 2023: Quilting at Albus Lumen, oversized blazers at Anna Quan, and the leather trench at Christian Kimber.Credit: Getty Images
If you have to commute, make it luxe. When it comes to length, try to
balance practicality with panache.
Floor-length wool coats, while a favourite among fashion stylists, may
not be the most suitable for taking the dog for a walk. Instead, opt for a calf-grazing, belted style to allow for more movement, or experiment with a quilted bed jacket style, as exhibited by resort brand Albus Lumen on the catwalk.
A word on colour: try to identify a shade that will work with the rest of your wardrobe. If you wear a lot of red, try powder blue; if your wardrobe is mainly browns and camels, consider red or burnt orange. And if you’re a bit of a fashion chameleon, there’s a fabulously contemporary solution: a blanket coat in a check. Easy as ABC.
Joseph coat, Sonya Hopkins scarf, $275.Credit: Jedd Cooney
Viktoria & Woods “Paloma” coat, $890, “Morningstar” blazer, $750, and “Lawrence” trousers, $390. Sonya Hopkins “Daisy” cashmere sweater, $396.Credit: Jedd Cooney
Joseph coat, $3278. Sonya Hopkins “Daisy” cashmere sweater, $396. Celine boots, $2800 (worn throughout).Credit: Jedd Cooney
Max Mara “Manuela Icon” coat, $5210. Anna Quan “Carmen” vest, $420, and “Joan” pants, $495. Oroton shirt, $199. Sonya Hopkins “Daisy” cashmere sweater, $396. Credit: Jedd Cooney
Fashion editor, Penny McCarthy; Hair, Darren Summors for Oribe; Make-up, Aimie Fiebig for Sisley Paris; Model, Zak at Chic Management
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