Luxury Fashion
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A coat is the piece people see most in the colder months, often the only piece. That makes it the best place in a wardrobe to spend. Two shapes have stayed in style for decades: the camel wool coat and the trench. Between them they cover nearly every day from October to April.
The camel coat
Camel is a neutral that looks warm rather than severe. It flatters most skin tones and sits well with black, grey, navy, cream and denim. The classic shapes are a single-breasted coat that falls just below the knee and a belted wrap coat that you tie at the waist.
What to look for
Wool with some cashmere drapes and keeps its color best; a high wool content matters more than a blend's softness in the store. Check that the shoulder seam sits at your own shoulder, and that you can wear a sweater underneath without the coat pulling across the back.
The trench coat
The trench is the coat for in-between weather: rain, wind and those mild days when wool is too much. Stone and beige are the classics; black looks sharper and more urban. A belted, double-breasted trench that falls to mid-calf is the shape to start with.
How to wear it
Wear it open over a black turtleneck and leather trousers, belted over a dress, or tied loosely at the back with jeans and loafers. Push the sleeves up slightly and turn the collar up for a more relaxed look.
What to wear underneath
The coat is the headline, but the layers beneath decide whether you are comfortable. Fine cashmere and merino knits add warmth without bulk, so the coat still closes and hangs as it should. Choose crew and turtleneck shapes in oatmeal, grey, cream and black, and they work under both coats.
Which one first?
If your winters are cold, buy the camel coat first. If they are mild and wet, start with the trench. Either way, buy the best quality you can and look after it. Brush wool after wearing, hang coats on broad wooden hangers, and have them cleaned once at the end of the season rather than often.
See more on our board
Our board collects the winter outfits people are saving this season.
Winter Outfits for Women
Long camel and ivory coats, turtlenecks under tweed blazers, and knee-high leather boots over dark denim. The palette stays quiet, oatmeal, chocolate, grey and black, so one beautiful coat does most of the work.
We pin new coat outfits every week. Follow along on Pinterest and Instagram.