Jackets and coats are winter fashion staples and here is a low-down on the essential cuts, styles, colours and fabrics that will not only keep you warm, but also make you look fabulous.
Fall winter is knocking on our doors with frosty air, dreary skies and general chill. To stay on top of the fashion charts, dress classy and not frumpy. This chilly winter season spice up your wardrobe and add some eccentricity to your monotonous and dictatorial wardrobe and embrace the cold in style. It is time to unveil the colourful long capes, warm pullovers and comfy jackets to lift your dull spirits when it is freezing outside. Jackets and coats are winter fashion staples and here is a low-down on the essential cuts, styles, colours and fabrics that will not only keep you warm, but also make you look fabulous.
The general look
Coats and jackets are getting longer, larger and cozier. Oversized, sometimes exaggeratedly, yet the coats are most of all soft and wrapping, extremely long and blanket-like. Through the runways, we saw a number of different coat trends emerge here and there, including nipped-waist coats, oversized coats, cape coats, and bomber jackets, while collarless coats continually popped up on the catwalks, promising a more retro style for the new season’s trends.
When it comes to investing in a new outfit topper for fall and winter, look no further for inspiration than your boyfriend’s closet. Oversized coats prove that when it comes to menswear, women can do it better. Though it’s been trending for a year now, the most recent revamp of the jacket style takes a slightly more fitted approach, with streamlined silhouettes, cleaner lines, and lengths that vary from mid-thigh to below the knee. No matter what your shape and size, when styled correctly, this type of coat looks good on everyone. It’s just a matter of balancing out your proportions to make an oversized coat work for you. Stick to coats that are designed to be oversized rather than something a few sizes too big. An oversized coat should look like a deliberate fashion choice, not something you found in your closet and threw on. Wear body-skimming pieces underneath to help balance the bountiful coat. Skinny jeans or leggings are great casual pairings, while a pencil skirt or cigarette pants are dressier options.
One of the most prominent trends for winter was the comfortingly soft, full look in wool, as seen at Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and Céline. This trend works best in neutral tones. Reinterpreted at Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Chloé, Pucci and Versace, this indispensable winter classic became extraordinary: wild influences, patchwork effect and flashes of vibrant red updated the rules of the classic and eternal fur coat.
From Fendi to Miu Miu, the athletic esthetic continued to inspire designers this season, seen both in fleece and mesh fabrics in a red, blue and black palette, each item brought a cool, dynamic sportswear vibe to the runway.
The colour & feel
From elegant vibe in pastels to vibrant hues full of prints and details, many brands and designers offer us classy coats in bright colors, geometric, jacquard, animal prints, fitted and shapeless silhouettes. They come in so many shapes and colors, making this decision even harder; but that’s why we’re here – to help you make the best choice. With clean lines, cocoon silhouettes and androgynous looks in fur, capes, feathers and shearling, this season’s collections are all about wrapping up against the cold. Celebs all over the world are stepping out in all of their shearling, plaid and leather glory – so those are the fabrics that make the cut this winter. The truly wintery trend was shown in cuddly, soft silhouettes, with an ethnic vibe at Burberry or pop feel at Prada.
Pretty pastel palettes, sixties prints and flashes of shining gold will help up the glam quotient. Making audiences want to hit the dance floor, the gold rush trend was seen at SaintLaurent, Prada, Chloé and Moschino.
Quilting is no longer just a feature on bags and leather goods. Worn as a coat, upholstery-style fabric enveloped feminine silhouettes in a cozy cocoon, fashionable protection against sub 32°F temperatures. Corneliani, the luxury Italian men’s wear brand by OSL Luxury Collections Private Limited, has unveiled the ‘Winter Shield’ collection including sophisticated quilted jackets with intelligently designed detailing. The fusion between formal and luxury casual has been crafted to capture the classic sophistication.
Denim is also a cool hot favourite. Designer Anuradha Ramam says, “90’s denim jacket is having a comeback. It’s classic, timeless and goes with everything. It’s the ultimate layering piece. Colours are all bright. Electric blues and greens to luxurious nudes and browns are trending this season.”
Back home, fashion pundits and retailers are batting for the timelessness of leather. Sahil Malik, Managing Director, Da Milano says, “Leather is big this season. We at Da Milano have worked hard to introduce authentic heritage detailing into retro styled leather biker and bomber jackets. The leather finishes are also updated with an antiqued, aged feel that conjures up the glamour and adventurous spirit of the age.”
In the same vein, ace Bollywood stylist and co-founder, The VIPsale.com, Teena Ahuja Kapoor says, “Leather is bringing edgy back. The classic leather jackets have been all-time hits on global runways. The biker jackets give you a stunning cool quotient and can be paired with any attire. They look complete and ooze confidence paired with ray ban sun glasses as well.”
These are the winter trends that will rule the roost this season. Jack them up with jackets.
Designer Anuradha Ramam’s pointers for jacking up your style quotient with jackets
- Leopard print glamorous print is back on the runway. It’s the easiest way to get a little extra oomph.
- Ponchos and capes – The shape adds all the drama you need to any outfit. Add the cape to your skinny jeans and thigh high boots.
- Blanket ponchos and coats as well as robes and wraps give a flowy silhouette and are great for skinny people as well as those trying to cover up a little chubbiness.
- Safari jackets in brown, khaki, light green, very light fabric, with a hidden adjustable belt is a chic day time choice
- Trench coat is an evergreen favourite
- The bomber jacket is a rage now. It’s sporty, glam style, more playful. More casual without being too polished.
- Suede jacket – It is a 70s revival. Fringes on the suede jacket make it hi-fashion.
- The belted blazer – Makes the blazer more fun.
- The best way to style jackets are with black pants or a favourite little black dress.
Essential winter jacket guide by TheVIPsale.com’s Co-Founder, Teena Ahuja Kapoor
Fur jackets: This season the luxurious fur has set runways on fire. With a variety of fur coats in all shapes and sizes is sure to add the sophistication to your look. Oversized coats or trendy waistcoats give you a playful yet chic look. Maybe even a simple jacket with fur collars or fur gilets work brilliantly for a casual yet chic look and are sure selling as a hot commodity to keep you warm without feeling odd.
Blazers: Designers are transitioning into winter in style with light coloured blazers. Neutral coloured lightweight blazers work best for your formal office wear attire. The tweed blazer is back with a vengeance paired with a ceremonial white blouse will be suitable for any occasion. A biker blazer or a Victorian style inspired blazer will make you look splendid enhancing the retro well-groomed look.
Coats: The woollen coats, overcoats and trench coats in classic colours like beige, grey or black with an embellished belt or clinched waist will offer you a smart delicate look. The coat keeps you warm so as to you can pair it up with a crop top inside and flaunt the peppy style and break free from the old traditions of winter wear.
Parka: The parka is the most flexible and fun winter wear. It can be teamed up with just about anything be it leggings or a scarf or black boots. The trendy leather pants with a military parka or a dark coloured parka can jazz up your winter attire giving you a bohemian look.
Capes: The comfy capes are a frenzy amongst the teenagers. They are adapting them to suit their own style, usually in subtle colours over crop tops and blingy sinlets. It gives a feminine touch when paired up with high waist jeans or a long skirt. It can also be worn over a maxi to keep your style quotient in check. The elegance is enhanced by the varied lengths they come in even the floor hugging long capes.
