For outerwear and coats this winter, colour is king

Dec 21, 2023

By Melissa Singer

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A "sensible" coat, much like a car, used to come in two colours: black and black. But, just as our vehicles now come in shades of graphite, ruby and emerald (probably to Mr Ford's posthumous dismay), so too is outerwear having a flirtation with the flamboyant. No longer does your biggest investment piece need to be the safest bet in your wardrobe.

At last month's Australian Fashion Week, one of the most talked about coats on the runway was a belted trench in mustard leather by Melbourne-based menswear designer Christian Kimber, proof that masculine tailoring is havinga real moment in womenswear.

As is texture, with the teddy coats of a few seasons ago giving way to bouclé,as seen on the runway in Sydney at Anna Quan's show; her blazers are designed to be worn oversized, giving them almost coat-like proportions. (That is, they can be layered over shirts and knitwear.) Faux fur and shearling also create a snug cocoon around necks and wrists, protecting against buffeting breezes on winter's coldest mornings.

Outerwear trends at AAFW 2023: Quilting at Albus Lumen, oversized blazers at Anna Quan, and the leather trench at Christian Kimber.Credit: Getty Images

If you have to commute, make it luxe. When it comes to length, try tobalance practicality with panache.

Floor-length wool coats, while a favourite among fashion stylists, maynot be the most suitable for taking the dog for a walk. Instead, opt for a calf-grazing, belted style to allow for more movement, or experiment with a quilted bed jacket style, as exhibited by resort brand Albus Lumen on the catwalk.

A word on colour: try to identify a shade that will work with the rest of your wardrobe. If you wear a lot of red, try powder blue; if your wardrobe is mainly browns and camels, consider red or burnt orange. And if you’re a bit of a fashion chameleon, there's a fabulously contemporary solution: a blanket coat in a check. Easy as ABC.

Joseph coat, Sonya Hopkins scarf, $275.Credit: Jedd Cooney

Viktoria & Woods "Paloma" coat, $890, "Morningstar" blazer, $750, and "Lawrence" trousers, $390. Sonya Hopkins "Daisy" cashmere sweater, $396.Credit: Jedd Cooney

Joseph coat, $3278. Sonya Hopkins "Daisy" cashmere sweater, $396. Celine boots, $2800 (worn throughout).Credit: Jedd Cooney

Max Mara "Manuela Icon" coat, $5210. Anna Quan "Carmen" vest, $420, and "Joan" pants, $495. Oroton shirt, $199. Sonya Hopkins "Daisy" cashmere sweater, $396. Credit: Jedd Cooney

Fashion editor, Penny McCarthy; Hair, Darren Summors for Oribe; Make-up, Aimie Fiebig for Sisley Paris; Model, Zak at Chic Management

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