- Trends are fleeting and perhaps even irrelevant. But every season has its defining items and this winter is all about coats.
- Leading coat styles right now include the maxi coat, plaid overcoats, versatile trenches and parkas, and statement faux fur outerwear.
- We give you 14 coats to add to your carts this payday weekend from your favourite retailers including Zara, Witchery, Mr Price, and The Fix.
Okay, let's be honest; May is a tricky time to shop for coats.
It's a time that might even have you asking yourself if groceries for the month are really that important. I mean, do you need food when drip can keep you hydrated?
Kidding.
But if you have the financial muscle, there are plenty of options for you shop right now. And if all else fails, you can always go thrifting. The best coats were first worn in the '50s - '90s anyway.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE | Knits, checks, puff sleeves have withstood the pandemic, according to womenswear experts
Leading coat styles right now include the maxi coat, plaid overcoats, versatile trenches and parkas, and statement faux fur outerwear. (Don't worry, puffer coats will have their own dedicated spread.)
Why are coats this season's It pieces?
Well, it became clear on the day of the Biden-Harris inauguration that 2021 would be the year for coats, and we've had coat envy since then.
This is why we've gathered street style inspo from around the world to inform our local purchases. Plus, 14 coats to add to your carts from your favourite retailers including Zara, Witchery, Mr Price, and The Fix.
And if you're just window shopping for now, here's a tip for next season: Summer is the most wallet-friendly time to shop for winter merch.
Transitional trenches
We haven't hit single-digit daytime weather just yet, so a standout trench coat for the nip in the air should be enough. We especially love them in vinyl.
Paris, France: Emilie Joseph wears a Vinyl double breasted trench coat from Burberry in dark blue.
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
New York City: Stylist Jada Adkins, is seen wearing a green ASOS trench.
Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Hamburg, Germany: Bibata Kone wearing grey Asos trenchcoat.
Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Shop:
Panelled trench coat, R2899 at Country Road
Levi's Miko trench coat, R2499 at Levi's
Tye landscape printed parka jacket, R1999 at Poetry
Plaids are never played out
Ever since their eager return circa 2017 (with the exception of Burberry whose never opted out of it for obvious reasons), plaids have been the mainstay of winter dressing.
Berlin, Germany: Karla Jenders wears a brown Ivy & Oak coat.
Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Hamburg, Germany: Emily Liptow in a black and white plaid coat.
Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Paris, France: Emy Venturini wears a brown checked oversized wool coat with large lapels and flare sleeves from Burberry.
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Shop:
Check coat, R3199 at Witchery
Longline check overshirt, R1399 at Zara
Milk & Check oversized shacket, R499.99 at The Fix
READ MORE: The coordinated coats worn at the Biden inauguration were sentimental displays of fashion 'politics'
Maxi coats for Long-evity
The longer the coat, the longer the money. No seriously, a maxi coat will cost you a pretty penny.
But it's worth the investment, because this cut will never be knocked out of trends cycles (visit your parents' trunk for proof). That's why there's 'long' in longevity.
Hamburg, Germany: Milena Karl wearing a beige Anine Bing coat.
Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Paris, France: Emy Venturini in a grey long wool coat from Dress to Drama.
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Hamburg, Germany: Yuanyuan Gau wearing a beige Max Mara coat.
Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Shop:
Grey maxi coat, R1299 at Factorie
Coat fruita - light grey, R2499 from Mango on Superbalist
Captain wool coat, R6599 at G-Star Raw
It's not maxi, but the colour alone is worth the purchase. Melton coat, R369.99 at Mr Price
Make fauxs your friends
They're PETA approved, and if you don't have a Peter of your own for cuddles, you could always let a faux fur coat embrace you instead.
And although faux fur isn't as eco-friendly as we'd like to believe (or have been made to believe, rather), it's still a statement dressing cheat code we like to see hanging in our wardrobes.
Evidently, so do the Parisians.
READ MORE: California bans the sale of fur - here are all the fashion houses that have done the same
Paris, France: Jaime Xie, wearing a black leather coat with white fur collar.
Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Paris, France: Carrole Sagba wears a neon pink faux fur fluffy winter long coat.
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Paris, France: Sharon Alexie in a teddy coat.
Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Shop:
Faux fur trim biker jacket, R999 by Edition at Woolworths
Solid open front coat, R1067 on SHEIN
Faux fur coat, R329.99 at Mr Price
Lory faux fur coat, R2999 at GUESS
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