Outsized Coats

Stella McCartney A/W 13

I’ve switched into full-on autumn/winter mode this week. You can expect a rundown of the best boots over the next few days, but today I’m looking at coats – probably the biggest style investment you’ll make this season. Not just because they’re more expensive, but because you’ll be pulling it on pretty much every day until spring. You need to love it. Luckily there’s already a huge selection to choose from, with parkas and duffels taking the lead when it comes to easy, casual style. But why settle for easy and casual when you can have bold and dramatic? This year bigger really is better, whether you go for a long-length coat or the oversized cocoon of a boyfriend fit.

The Long Coats

This very grown up style was all over the A/W13 runways. It might seem a little less than practical for real life (who wants all those metres of fabric weighing down their arm, when they’re having to hold their coat on the stuffy Bakerloo line?) and it can be slightly daunting for those of us not blessed with supermodel height. But they’re surprisingly flattering, and give you a pulled-together look like no other.

This Ann Demeulemeester number is the dream, with its military feel and turned-up neck. The generous slit at the front means you can show off a flash of your outfit, too. But its price tag (nearly £1000) means it will have to stay just that – a dream.

In real life, I’m considering Zara’s androgynous, tailored overcoat, complete with a classic collar and breast pocket. In a shade of blue that’s not quite navy, it’ll tie together all the monochrome separates that are hanging in my wardrobe. If you prefer a lighter neutral, look to this camel overcoat from Weekend by Max Mara, while Reiss' long-line blazer puts a fresh spin on a faithful classic.

The Boyfriend Coats

These are the slouchy alternatives, also known as duster coats. Neatly combining a long length with their stolen-from-my-boyfriend fit, they’re perfect for bundling up in. They might look unflattering on the hanger, but all that volume on the top half of your body will actually give the illusion of slimmer legs.

There isn’t much I wouldn’t give for this electric, oversized coat from Gianluca Capannolo, with its furry texture and classic lapels, but luckily the high street has come up with more affordable versions. New Look has you covered in grey marl, with a lightweight jacket that could have been pinched from the men’s department, and Mango’s got the job done in leopard print.

There’s also been a lot of talk about pink coats this season. The M&S duster coat in blush, labelled a ‘must-have’ by the press, has already sold out online and in store, and this Topshop version is very quickly following it out the door. Luckily it also comes in an unexpected lime colour, which looks incredibly striking over a simple black shirt – and bares more than a passing resemblance to my Gianluca Capannolo dream coat. 

Which coats will you be wrapping up in this season?