Warming up to season’s top coat styles

The top looks, the hottest styles and more, Aleesha Harris writes

You don’t have to be an avid fashion follower to know the following to be true: style trends are cyclical.

“Fashion comes in cycles,” Christina Lau, the marketing coordinator for Enda B boutique in Vancouver, confirms.

Each season, there is a trace of a trend from a bygone era that pops up — from Western-influenced denim and boots (yes, they’re back again) to disco-approved accessories (think: those show-stopping, crystal-encrusted beauties spotted at Saint Laurent).

So, what’s “new” again for this winter?

“We are seeing a lot of retro ’70s influence this season,” Lau says of the throwback inspiration for some of the hottest cold-weather styles.

That influence translates to cool denim outwear, soft shearling details, robe coats with cinched waists and more.

One thing we’ve been seeing for several seasons already (with good reason because it’s ultrachic) are coats with near floor-dusting lengths — and they’re here to stay this winter.

Lau says we can expect to see this trend still going strong through the season — and likely on into spring, as well.

So, why are the longline coats proving so popular? Aside from playing into the minimalist esthetic that continues to be ontrend, the lengthy coats also serve to create a flattering fit for most body shapes.

“A clean silhouette makes it very accommodating for most body frames,” Lau says of the styles.

Working on a budget this winter? You’re likely not alone.

While a quality wool coat is definitely worth investing in, that doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars to ensure you’re stepping out this winter in a style that’s going to last. Just consider the longevity of a coat’s cut and colour before taking the plunge and purchasing.

“A black reversible coat ... for dressing up or down,” Lau recommends of a style that will last.

If you’re petite, not a fan of the long styles or simply live in a place where it’s way too slushy to risk running a long wool coat through the muck, Lau assures there is one other must-try coat style to slip into this season.

“A coloured puffy down coat,” she say of the pillowy toppers, which have been spotted everywhere from Balenciaga to H&M.

Hoping to make a statement with your outerwear option? Lau says the easiest way to do that is to stick to the aforementioned style trends — but try one of the hot new hues.

“In line with the trends this year, choose either a luxurious doubleface wool, belted long coat, or a puffer coat in a standout colour ... such as aubergine and dusty pink,” she says.

And, we can’t talk coats without considering care. So, just how often are we supposed to be getting these workhorse wardrobe items cleaned?

“If you have at least two to three pieces of outerwear to alternate in winter — provided you do not come across any incident such as spilling wine or being splashed by a car on the sidewalk on a rainy day — a wool coat can last through the winter before sending to dry clean,” Lau says. “During the season, I like to use baby wipes to clean the inside collar or any spot, as needed.”