The Fall Coat Edit: What to Wear with Every Kind of Outfit
Photo courtesy of Anouk Yve
Choose an outfit. Change your top. Internally debate which shoe goes best. Change your top again. It’s not until the final mirror check that you realize you forgot to factor a coat into this whole situation—which, in some cases (parkas, puffers, peacoats), will ruin the look you just spent the last 10 minutes on.
We know the struggle. So this fall, we decided to assemble an outerwear cheat sheet. These are the best options to zip, fasten, layer, or drape, depending on what you’ve got on underneath.
BEST FOR:
Wide-Leg Pants
You want something that either hits high on the hip (the impossibly cool sherpa-collar leather jacket from our September G. Label drop comes to mind) or falls around your shins, like this chic wool coat. What you don’t want is something that hovers awkwardly in the middle—it’ll interrupt the elongating A-line silhouette of the pants.
FROM LEFT:
MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG, goop, $495;
G. LABEL SHIELDS WORKWEAR JACKET, goop, $625
BEST FOR:
Suiting
If you’re in a suit or even just a blazer and jeans, reach for an overcoat that’s equally tailored. Ideally, it’s done in a substantial fabric like heavyweight wool or felt, which will give the relaxed cut some structure. As for the color? You’ll never go wrong with a neutral (what that means, exactly, is for you to decide).
-
Max Mara
coat
Max Mara, $1,675SHOP NOW -
Alex Mill
blazer
goop, $395SHOP NOW -
Mara Hoffman
Vest
goop, $325SHOP NOW -
Totême
Denim
Totême, $330SHOP NOW -
Mansur Gavriel
BAG
goop, $495SHOP NOW -
Aeyde
flats
goop, $275SHOP NOW
If You Own Too Many Camel Coats…
BEST FOR:
A Miniskirt
Every fall, we’re reminded that the mini—worn with socks and loafers or bare-legged with knee-high boots—is truly a moment. Up the ante with a double-breasted peacoat that hits right at the hem of the skirt or a strong-shouldered plaid number that plays with proportion.
NILI LOTAN COAT, goop, $1,595;
MATIN MINISKIRT, goop, $470
BEST FOR:
Black Tie
Lean into the elegance of an evening gown with a cropped jacket that can be draped over your shoulders like a cape. (The cascading collar and silver hardware on Totême’s has landed it on multiple editors’ wish lists.) Other solid options: a satin-crepe topper or a burgundy stole draped gently around your shoulders.
-
Westman Atelier
Mascara
goop, $58SHOP NOW -
Bondeye Jewelry
Earrings
goop, $775SHOP NOW -
Mason and Books
ring
goop, $4,750SHOP NOW -
Lee Mathews
dress
goop, $830SHOP NOW -
Cult Gaia
clutch
goop, $428SHOP NOW -
Neous
slingbacks
goop, $535SHOP NOW
Because Dress Codes and Puffer Jackets Don’t Mix
BEST FOR:
A Midlength Hem
While there’s no one-size-fits-all advice for how to stay warm while in a skirt or dress, we will say this: A curved-sleeve silhouette complements an elegant LBD, a quilted shell offsets a whimsical skirt nicely, and a short shearling jacket and a cozy tartan coat are two pieces you’ll tap all season long.
FROM LEFT:
MARA HOFFMAN DRESS, goop, $395;
AEYDE FLATS, goop, $275;
GANNI JACKET,
goop, $395;
CARA CARA SKIRT, goop, $395
More Styles to Choose From
Diamond quilting, interesting collars, sharp patterns and color combos to pique your interest—any of these eight cold-weather picks would be a worthy investment.
Related Reading
5 Fall Boots Worthy of Your Collection (and How to Style Them)
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