It’s time for November’s Signature Style and this month Cindy and I are covering outerwear… I have found some of the coolest coats and jackets for fall/winter 2023.
How is it halfway through November? We are finally getting some coat weather here in Northern Cal and my street is filled with beautiful leaves…I’m sort of excited about it.
After my trip to the UK, and seeing so many stylish people in pretty coats, I was inspired for this post! I’ve said this before, but I’m sort of an outerwear addict. I love coats and jackets more than almost any garment. Maybe it’s me, but coats and jackets feel like my personal armor to the outside world!
Styling Your Coats
A great coat gives instant style! Many of us have coats that are gathering dust…I know a lot of us have puffers and parkas and I do too, but here in California people start living in them like a second robe. Get your nice coats out. Add a pair of boots or cute sneakers and you look chic! Put them on for your coffee run, grocery store or dinner out and you’ll feel instantly more pulled together. Coats are not just for an outing to the theatre! ( I feel that is the only time I see proper coats here.)
Trends in coats are all over the place, but leather belts on coats is all over the runways. Long vests and sherpa styles are in, and the classics, think wool coats in solids, are back in a big way, thanks to the ‘quiet luxe’ trend.
England and especially Scotland are a month or so ahead of us weather wise, so people were bundled up and I took away some great styling ideas for coats. As a wimpy Californian, once the cold comes, I rarely stray from pants, but I noticed women all over the UK were wearing dresses and skirts with their coats in 40 degree weather. Most all of them had black tights or leggings layered with them and it looked great. Instead of taking inspiration photos from the internet, I snapped my own in London, Edinburgh, and York…
The black tights look brought me back to the 80’s when I wore black tights and skirts all the time! It was a look, and I am going to give this look a try this winter.. What do you think?
One word of advice is to buy the nicest coats you can. You want what you choose as forever pieces and something you will continue to love year after year and be proud to own.
Classics..
A navy or black peacoat or longer wool coat always looks great..I added this navy coat from Rails to my collection this year and it’s unlined which makes it not so heavy. I have not had a navy coat in many years and I love it with white jeans, greys, tans, and the mix of black and navy is also good. ( In these pics I don’t have it belted, tied in back, but I do belt it when I’m not wearing a sweater.. It’s great over a dress too.) This coat also comes in a cream and black.
Other classic options..photos are linked too.
I love a grey wool coat and this also by Rails is simple and perfect.. All four colors are classic and 30% off now use code SHOP30 until 11/27.
The J. Crew grey with gold buttons reminds me of an I. Magnin coat I had and wore until it fell apart. It was my all time favorite coat.. The plaid coat is perfect for California in a lighter weight and sure looks cute with the hoodie layered.
This AllSaints camel coat is close to the famous MaxMara coat without the price…It’s oversized and I love that look…..so is this beautiful smoke color coat by Velvet.
Statement Coats
Sometimes you just want a coat that stands out in a pattern or a color.. Those alone will make an outfit. I have classic leopard coat that is one of my favorite things I own. Every time I wear it, I get many remarks and feel extra stylish.
Here are some statement coats I love… pretty colors, ( the blue boucle is on sale now), leopard options and a gorgeous herringbone cashmere and wool slouch coat and the prettiest puffer you could even wear for evenings out.. Links in photos.
I shared this gorgeous Emerson Fry coat on one of the weekend posts and it’s a statement and a stunner. They run large and are made in America. I have a few and they are pieces you’ll love forever.
The Casual Coat
Fun fresh looks are this darling shacket with stitching..and this plaid coat with fringe. This is the sort of light coat you may be able to try a leather belt you already own with it. I also love this chic wrap puffer coat from Aritzia ( they have the most amazing selection of puffers) and this whisper puffer from Athleta (on sale now.)
Rainy Days…
I adore this check trench from COS! I also love this sporty tech trench from Sweaty Betty.
I also am obsessed with the trench I took on my UK trip- from J Crew Factory in black and also tan.. I just bought the black as well as I love it so much. I sized down to a 6 as they run large and got regular, not petite thought I’m 5’4.
Fuzzy Things..
I’m crazy about all the options in faux fur, sherpa and fluffy coats. These run the gamut from casual to fancy, but they do give a lot of warmth and are fun to wear! I saw a lot of these faux furs out and about in the UK, so they are warm!
Some have are reversible like this Grainger jacket. ( 30% sale) …and this polar bear jacket from Alex Mill.
A few others that caught my eye from Mango, COS, Varley and J.Crew ( that one 70% off.)
Now let’s pop over to Cindy’s blog where she always has some beautiful pieces and stylish ideas..
Thanks for being here!
Kim
you missed last month’s Signature Style- Fall Handbag Edit, you can find it here.
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Kim
You are always up on the hottest trends and best looks. I am on the hunt for a midi-length wool coat that I can wear over skirts and dresses as well. You have given me some great options. I think that All Saints version is fabulous. I really like that brand. The short blanket stitch from Rails is super fun. I knew you would get me into trouble!
You would love that camel All Saints! They also have a black one with leather sleeves that I can see you in! The blanket stitch jacket is selling fast so you should grab it. I had to link to NM for it as Rails is mostly out ! There things are small batch and so if you love something you should get it! xo
I never stopped wearing black tights! I guess it’s because I cannot go with bare legs in the winter. My spots and veins are just too heinous with no tan.
I have SO. MANY. COATS. And most of them I have had for years. I LOVE that one you linked to from Emerson Fry. The big check…I had been eyeing it. Ka ching!! $$$$ Maybe a Christmas present!!
Gray I think that looks so chic! I am not surprised you wear them.. They aren’t even easy to find anymore.
Love that you keep your coats too! The Emerson Fry coat is gorgeous isn’t it? I have four of their coats and each is made so well.. It would be a good investment! Great xmas present.
Kim, this post is speaking my love language. I also LOVE coats and outwear. I have so many coats that I had to stop myself from collecting more. I buy coats like I live in a charming New England village and am going to wear them all the time. When in reality it feels like it’s never cold enough here in our area to justify a heavy, long coat! I like that your new Rails coat is unlined. That works so much better for our weather. Maybe I need to add a navy blue? My husband would say I need another coat like our bed needs more throw pillows. 🙂
Rhonda we are alike!! Ha your hubs and mine sound similar! ( Also have pillow issues.)
Ha are you a California gal too? I know I can’t justify all my coats, but I still love them. I do give occasionally to One Warm Coat.:D
Yes for sure the Rails coats are better for California weather.. and not deadly heavy like some lined wool coats. ( They can be a bear.)
Here’s to more coat weather! xo
What a great variety of coats. I live in Wisconsin so I definitely need all types of coats and do have them! Wanted to let you know I enjoyed reading about your mom who grew up in Milwaukee. I was born there and spent my whole childhood there. I now live about 30 miles north of there. Haven’t strayed far. On another note, I am considering the slade blazer during Rag and Bone’s sale. For some reason I thought you recently purchased that and was wondering your thoughts if you did. On the fence between black and army green. Wondering if it pills and does it retain its shape well. It’s so pricey even on sale. Thank you.
Hi Linda! So nice to connect with a Wisconsin gal! Yes mom grew up there and went to West Milwaukee High! She was one one of 8 kids.. She came her when she was 22 I think and got a job at Stanford.. I wish I knew more about Wisconsin sometimes! We only visited a few times when I was young. I have aunts and uncles who live there still.
You need coats in Wisconsin! Yes I bought the Rag & Bone blazer. At first I bought the brown, but to be honest, the material was stiff so I too it back. Then just before the trip, I saw it at the store in the Japanese wool in black and it’s totally different in that.. Loved it as it was comfy and warm and I wore it in London as aa jacket even with a scarf. It fits the body, but doesn’t feel tight at all. I went with an 8 and I’m 138ish and 5’4.. By the way, just examined my jacket and not one pill on it!
This is it.. an investment, but worth it and good to get it on sale. For some reason mine has black buttons, but it’s the black wool just like this on sale.
https://rstyle.me/+DEfEyXaGuGryNQn_SpHbqQ
Hope that helps!
x Kim
Love all the shots of coats around London. I too remember the black tights and skirt days. Timely topic, it’s certainly turned into coat wearing weather … warm coats and (apparently) rain coats! That animal print coat is amazing and I’m in the market for a teddy bear style … thanks for the suggestions! xo
Thanks Juliet! Was fun looking for coats and they were everywhere.. Remember those days? My work uniform was a black skirt and black tights and some blazer usually… Same thing for going out at night, but no blazer. I love the Rails leopard coat!!
It has certainly become coat weather here on Vancouver Island…sunny days enjoying the leafy colour has turned to grey with frequent rainy days. I have been analyzing my coat and jacket collection with the plan to edit for consignment. A reversible black leather and fur jacket and a very classy Swedish red and black block pattern knit coat are gone , with hopes someone taller than me ( 5’3””) will enjoy them and I’ll make some extra cash. I have a Max Mara black wool coat ( on sale) that’s my favourite , as well as…. and this is embarrassing but I do keep good quality clothes for ages… from the early 2000’s , all in black… a long Marissa Minicucci wool coat, a Talbots classic long raincoat ( can shorten this one) , a Creenstone ( Dutch) water repellent coat for cold weather with a button- in furry lining
( I worked a cold December to purchase) for Calgary winters, and a beautiful soft black trench from my Mum’s collection that has a zip-in lining and nutria ( South American rodent) fur collar and cuffs (that can come off) that is for some evenings out. I know fur has its opponents for good reason, but I suppose back in the ‘90’s it was used as trim by designers such as Oscar de La Renta.
The Athleta whisper puffer coat I found last year because of reading these wonderful blogs! Love it in a soft copper shade, and so easy to add a colourful scarf for a walk down the road to the beach. Jackets are plentiful… L.L.BEAN being a great source for stylish but casual options. Newer wool wrap options have been from a local boutique where Sophie designs the clothes and has them made . Taupe, rust and brown worn with colourful scarves. Thanks for this great collection of coat and jacket ideas, Kim.
Thanks for some great suggestions Kim … as I’ve said in the past, I’ll have one of each please 😊
You have such great taste in coats! and you have such a beautiful selection.
I love Winter coats and scarves, hats, boots etc.
The right coat can totally transform a simple outfit.
I still wear black tights in the Winter with a maxi dress or a knitted sweater dress. I also like dark grey or navy depending on what I’m wearing them with. I’ve also noticed a few ladies wearing a midi sweater dress with a few inches of straight jeans showing below and ankle boots. They looked really stylish so I’m thinking I may try that on a really cold day!
Lovely idea to take some shots in London … some great people watching!
I always look and get ideas from people at airports as well!
Rosie xx
Hi Rosie! Oh my gosh I know I probably have too many coats! You are so right, they do transform an outfit.
I love the black tights and sweater dress look. I saw the same the longer sweater dress and jeans. Very cute look..and practical too in a cold time.
I love the airport people watching too! Heathrow was especially good.
I’m so excited we are getting rain finally! xo
That Emerson Fry coat is beautiful and so well-tailored. You’re right that it will outlive most of us. My Dads family had a high-end men’s clothing store, so I’m picky. The most amazing coat my papa had was black wool with a lambswool lining. We still have it. I think we should buy the best we can, as you say, and avoid (even pretty) coats, like the puffer, that ae made with non-sustainable fabrics and won’t last long.
Maeve I adore that coat. Wow that sounds like a incredible coat. How nice you know what the well made pieces are..I bet you learned a ton with your family in the business. Very true you are better off buying sustainable fabrics.. and they last.
Americans tend to look like scruffs. Where I live, if you care about your appearance you’re putting it on. I’ve always gotten Hell for being put together, even as a teenager
I’ve invested in my appearance, like Max Mara and have owned them for 20 years. Italian clothes are the best. I don’t even know what sweatpants are. I grew up poor.
Thanks for the words.