Warm, cosy and on-trend… in a quilted coat from Mango, boots by This Is Aeyde and Leather trousers by J Brand, from theoutnet.com
I come from a family of dedicated coat lovers. Big birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas – it’s a fair bet one of us will be asking for a coveted cosy one as a gift. It was my mother’s birthday recently (her age is a state secret) and we went shopping for – you guessed it – a coat. It’s a khaki quilted top that she describes as a duvet. She plans to wear it every Irish winter.
Coats can be a very hardworking item in your wardrobe for a lot of the year. It is an expensive purchase that can lead to a long-lasting friendship.
Because of its sleek silhouette, it is easy to pair with any outfit
I like to have a few options in my closet at all times: an on-trend cover-up to keep my wardrobe looking up-to-date, plus a couple of chic classics – currently a black Max Mara one (birthday gift last year) and a camel, wide-sleeved number from Totême (birthday gift this year) – to see me through any storm. And please tell Santa that I’m lusting after a grey cashmere coat from Joseph!
The hero coat this season has to be – drum roll – a slimline quilted one. Think lightweight but insulating and found in the sort of heritage tones that wouldn’t look out of place in the Scottish Highlands. Due to their ever-growing popularity, there’s a large selection out there to suit all budgets. But the quilted coat isn’t just for dog walking or the school run. The coat’s sleek silhouette allows it to be worn with tailored clothing, heels and dresses, as well as cosy knitwear.
Here are my tips for buying – and styling – winter coats…
1. To give your quilt more shape, add a belt with a logo to tighten at the waist. Look for special touches like a wrap front and sharp lapels to give your quilt a sophisticated look.
2. You want a coat that lasts. It should be versatile enough for you to use over jeans.
3. Due to their boxy shoulders, tailored coats can prove difficult. You can opt for oversized coats with dropped shoulders which are more casual than formal.
4. Don’t forget to browse preloved sites such as vestiairecollective.com, designerexchange.com, loop-generation.com and cudoni.com for coats made from super-luxe fabrics that feel so lovely and soft, you won’t want to take them off.
5. Look for big pockets and clever inserts to allow movement and ‘throw-on-and-go’ ability.
6. Don’t forget to look after your new pride and joy. Before putting your wardrobe back together, always air it. To protect precious wool ones from moths, keep them in cover. And treat them to a dry clean and a ‘shave’ with a wool comb every once in a while.
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Glamorous bling is instant. Bracelet, £130, Laura Lombardi, matchesfashion.com