Q With autumn on its way, I’m on the hunt for a new coat but I’d like something that will last more than one season. Can you suggest a classic style that will stand the test of time?
A The trick that the front-row fashion editors have been using for years is to spend all your money on a high quality coat and stock up with anonymous, cheap, High Street buys to wear underneath.
Click here to view our classic coasts gallery.
All the major fashion magazines have been predicting the demise of fast fashion recently, saying that longer-term investments are what we are looking for now. This winter, they've shunned disposable fashion and re-embraced quality, long-lasting clothing that will last for seasons to come.
And what better investment to make than a winter coat?
A coat is the most significant item in your wardrobe when it comes to first impressions. This winter, it should be not only convenient and functional - it also needs to be a fashion statement in its own right. So it's goodbye boring trench and farewell flimsy Mac.
Forget those short windcheaters - the classically cut coat is back in the limelight. As the economic downturn bites, designers understand that you might not be hankering after glitz and glamour – at least not all the time – and are going back to basics.
Just as the credit crunch is forcing us to tighten our belts, our coats are following suit - with waist-cinching de rigueur. Tweed and embellished styles are popular at House of Frazer, and there are lots of traditional, camel coats, as at Hobbs.
The belted wrap coat will be loved by many women who like to show off their waistlines and hated by just as many who have no waist! Warm honey hues works with everything and such is the camel coat’s versatility; it looks just as good worn with jeans as with a little black dress.
It’s being touted as the understated investment buy of the winter 2009 season, so it would be a good choice if you want a classic style that will last a few years. My favourite is to be found at Tommy Hilfiger - but if you are on a tight budget you can also pick up a designer brand on eBay for a fraction of the cost.
Indeed, for most women, buying a winter coat is the biggest fashion investment of the year. However, finding one that will suit all occasions, blend seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe and still look good next autumn is a tall order.
To complicate matters, there is a different style of coat for every trend - all of which are very diverse. Ornate or heavily patterned coats are a brave choice, but there’s a plethora of other styles to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites.
The exaggerated shoulder
In the autumn of 2009 you can see the change in the shoulder line in both coats and jackets. The new focus on a well-defined shoulder represents the season’s biggest shift in silhouette. Structured pieces, such as coats and jackets, come with sharp shoulder pads; exaggerated puffs and pagodas emphasize the look on a variety of styles.
Purple coasts
If you do one thing to jump start your fall and winter wardrobe, invest in a brightly colored coat. Purple, violet, puce, purple heart, aubergine, damson all make for statement coats in striking vivid colours. A brightly colored coat can add new life to neutral and monochromatic clothing. It's a piece that'll make you feel good every time you put it on.
The classic coat
If you buy one coat this winter then make it camel. Even better, make it cashmere. According to Elle magazine’s 'Runway Edit for Autumn Winter 2009,' (August 2009) classic discreet luxury is the wisest buy during a recession with perfectly cut pieces which never go out of style.
Military might
This trend started several seasons ago but it's still going strong. There's something about wearing a military inspired coat that adds an air of cool authority. A military coat is the perfect masculine cover up to pair with softer more feminine styles. Look for military coats in winter white with brass buttons which is another hot trend for 2009. Feeling thrifty? Buy a military coat in an army surplus store and have it tailored to fit.
Patterned coats
Tweeds, checks and hound’s-tooth designs look good in the simple cocoon silhouette too because it shows the fabric pattern to full effect, without destroying the pattern of. Cocoon coats are wearable and fit many body shapes - another reason to love them.
