When it comes to your winter wardrobe, a great coat is the trump card. It can make all the difference to an outfit. Buy the right one and it will pull your whole look together, making you look smart and considered. Take, for example, Prada’s muted leopard-print coat (shown on the previous page). This coat has real charisma. Thanks to its flattering mannish cut, daring print and the big name Prada stitched inside, it has the power to transcend everything else in your wardrobe. Wear it and you’ll get away with bitten fingernails, scuffed shoes and last season’s handbag. Nobody will notice these fashion aberrations: they won’t be able to take their eyes off your coat. A stunner like this is perfect for two very different kinds of woman: the style addict looking to make a real statement, and the woman who doesn’t want to think too hard about fashion. With this one strategically chosen item, the latter is done for the season.
If it’s trends you are after, however, then there are plenty to choose from. Last winter’s bold prints have been superseded by classic checks that work best on smart, belted coats. Wear one with wide trousers, a super-long scarf and stacked heels. Bows at the neck, shoulder and waist, or running down the front, provide dramatic decoration. For evenings, or dressy occasions, fur trims and shimmering metallic fabrics are ideal.
If you are going for a style like this, don’t clutter your look with shoulder or across-the-body bags. Instead, choose a structured top-handle bag that will complement the ladylike look of your coat.
The princess-line coat has also been resurrected, and its high-waisted proportions, which elongate the silhouette, make it a great look for shorter women. Princess coats are also more versatile than you might think. You can wear them in a retro way over a mini shift dress (make sure your hem doesn’t hang below the coat), opaque tights and flat patent pumps. If you want to give it a modern spin, then team it with skinny trousers and sleek heels. With their full skirts, princesses are also ideal for wearing over winter’s bubble-hemmed silhouettes.
If practicality is a priority, then rejoice in the fact that the duffel coat has had a stylish makeover. I love a duffel when it’s worn in a Left Bank way, with a black polo neck and tailored drainpipes. Duffels also look great with jeans and work with casual winter shorts or over miniskirts and flat boots. Look for one that’s not too long, with sturdy leather toggles and a well-cut hood. Prada, Mulberry and Burberry have all produced great ones.