Monday, June 27, 2011

WHICH COAT? An overview of the seasons best Coats for Men and Women.

Hi People,

I hope you had a fantastic weekend, wherever you are....

COATS! They make so many outfits look fantastic and best of all, they keep us warm.  Funnily enough the classic styles are generally in fashion for men and women at the same time eg. men's and women's trench coats. 

I have put together a list of my favourite styles, that are very fashionable this season.  Maybe one will be exactly right for you? FYI, I have included a little bit of history on the more classic styles.  I love a bit of history.

It's a great time to buy yourself a coat with all the sales on.  Obviously, some coats are just too heavy for some parts of Australia but there are definitely light weight styles and versions available to make up for it.  So, please read on and enjoy....

THE CHUBBY

This is a personal favourite of mine at the moment.  I  just love they way chubby's can be worn during the day with chunky boots or stacked heels.  Then can be popped on at night for a much more glam look.

Strictly for the Chicks, sometimes all you need is a fantastic faux fur jacket.  Which is best balanced out by minimal volume on the bottom with leggings, tights or skinny jeans.  This is not the best style if you have broad shoulders, big boobs, tummy, bottom and thighs.  It will tend to make you look bigger.

This is hot..
fur coat street style

Tres chic....



THE TRENCH COAT

History - taken from Wikipedia
The Trench Coat was designed as alternative to the heavy coats worn by the British and French soldiers in the first world war.  The invention of the trench coat is claimed by both Burberry and Aquascutum, with Aquascutum's claim dating back to the 1850s.  Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, submitted a design for an army officer's raincoat to the UK war office in 1901.

Since then everyone from Humphrey Bogart and Victoria Beckham to HRH the Queen, have worn the Trench Coat!

Today
This classic coat is not going anywhere.  Burberry and Aquascutum are the kings of the Trench for both men and woman.  As you can see by the photographs below it is such a gorgeous coat, but needs to be worn by the person.  You cannot let the coat wear you!  If you feel restricted or your look is not classic, then this baby is not necessarily for you.  I have tryed it a number of times and it does not suit me.

Men and women, this style is fantastic for business life, dinners or smart functions.  If styled right, it looks sensational with jeans and boots. Then loafers or dress shoes with a slim pant/jean for the guys . The Trench has a gorgeous British/French feel about it.  You will look very polished in this style.  Trench coats can come with silk and fur linings, beautiful button detail and are now in everything from tartan to faux leopard skin.  I bet you know which one I like the best.........yes, the classic bone colour.

Note:  Spend a bit of money on a trench coat as the cheap versions are exactly that - CHEAP! This coat is a keeper.  It will last you for years and years. It will be a wardrobe fave and a great transeasonal piece.

Charleze working her Trench Coat....


Nicole Fahri for the boys......NICE!


I love Alexa in hers..... she looks so relaxed...is it Burberry???




THE PEA COAT

Pea coat history - taken from Wikipedia
"Originally worn by American and European sailors.  Pea coats have broad lapels and double breasted fronts, with large buttons and vertical slash pockets.  The references for the pea coat appear in American newspapers as far back as the 1720s.  The term "PEA COAT" refers back to the Dutch word pijekker, in which pij referred to the type of cloth used, a coarse kind of twilled blue cloth with a fuzzy side."

Pea Coats have been traditionally made in a wool melton.  I love they have kept the same appearance over the years and are still cool! 

Today
For both men and women this look is cool look.  You'll probably have noticed there are quite a number of takes on the pea coat in other fabrics this season.  Including: large checks, leopard, tweed and brights. 
This coat is not usually for the office but definitely wear it on the train to work.  It's for day wear, the weekend, the country, a casual dinner, the footy and walking by the sea.  Think of the gorgeous Patrick Dempsey a.k.a Dr Derrick Shepherd in Greys Anatomy.  I can definitely see him in one of these.

The pea coat is a good style if you are on the short side.  As it won't take you over like the classic overcoat. It's a very flattering coat, the way it trapezes out over the hips and has that lovely double breasted buttoning, which you can wear open or closed.  I love the military styling of the pea coat this season - with brass or silver buttons. 

This style is another keeper and will last you for years if you invest in a good one.  Again, it's the perfect time to buy a pea coat.  Make sure it's wool or has a high wool content.

Here with leather button holes....

So yummy and easy! I love this and can see her with a gorgeous chunky, flat boot too...


I have seen loads of this around and I love it.  Mostly it's more soft muted, larger checks in a slightly fluffier wool pile.  This one is definitely casual..... but HOT, just the same!


THE ANORAK

Anorak history
The anorak was originally invented by the Caribou Inuit (Eskimo) of the Artic region, who needed clothing that would protect them from wind chill and wetness. Originally made from caribou or seal.  Certain types of the Inuit anoraks had to be regularly coated with fish oil to keep their water resistance.  The anorak has a large hood and the garment was often lined with fur, to protect the face from a combination of freezing temperatures and wind.

The anorak was a big look for punks, mods and trainspotters in the UK and was copied all over the world.

Today
The Anorak is a casual coat to keep you warm, but this season it is also a fashion item. 

There are many different weights for anoraks.  You would have seen them in heavy cotton drill in khaki colours throughout our summer and autumn.  They can be made in anything from silk to wool.  But I want to concentrate on the classic waterproof/water resistant anorak, which is lined and stuffed with down or synthetic fibre to keep you lovely and warm.  This is the coat you take to the snow!  The coat that has the most warmth out of anything in your wardrobe.  It's your mobile doona!  You can wear it over denim for for day and then pop it over evening wear for night - tres chic at the moment.  Although, you need to be confident to carry the evening look off - see below for ideas.

The best colours are usually military - mostly khaki, brown, blue, black and mushroom, with great faux fur trimmed hoods.  They look especially good with a slim bottom half i.e. skinny jeans, tights or leggings.

I love this for evening...

and this one...


For the boys....


THE OVERCOAT

The history of the overcoat - taken from Wikipedia
In many countries, coats and gowns reaching below the knee have been worn for centuries, often for formal uses, establishing either social status or as part of a professional or military uniform. In the 17th century, the overcoat became widely stylised and available to the different classes.

Today
The overcoat is the most classic of all the coats - in my opinion.  The classic overcoat is usually made in wool or a wool mix.  The ultimate is a cashmere or cashmere mix overcoat - stunning and stunningly expensive!  Overcoats as I am sure you know are available in many different colours and prints.  I have seen them in the muted checks with buckles and military epaulets for both men and women.

This style is classic and is worth spending money on.  Especially as it may well be the coat you wear to work, out for dinner, evening wear and even to the football.  Your one coat for the season.  It can look extremely posh and stylish on both sexes.  Especially if you find one in a lovely wool with a great cut.  Ensure it fits you in the shoulders and you can fit a blazer underneath.  You don't want to be restricted.

Gucci Men Winter 2012...


More Gucci Men....


From Aquascutum Winter 2012 collection...


and this one.....


So.....that's my coat wrap up.  Remember a coat is not a jacket.  A coat is supposed to go over your jacket, knit or outfit in general to give you that extra warmth, whilst still looking cool!

For any further info please contact me at www.styleincorporated.com.au

Until next time, stay warm.

Love
Jo
x

2 comments:

  1. Very interesting Joey - and I'm glad to see that the huge-collared pea coat is back! Does that mean I can wear my leather double-breasted trench again?! Kini xox

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  2. Done.... today I will shop for the missing link in my coat collection, the pea! I will, however, on your advice steer clear of the chubby!!! Thanks Jo, B

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