The big chill
Fun faux fur, classic silhouettes in classic materials, and quilted puffers top the trends for coat fashions this winter.
Fun faux fur, classic silhouettes in classic materials, and quilted puffers infused with advanced scientific technology top the trends for this winter’s coat fashion.
“Faux fur is a must-have for every woman’s closet,” said Jan Smith, owner of 200 Park For Her, 119 N. Robinson Ave. “You can add a pop of color or an animal print to your coat wardrobe with it, and it’s a way to express yourself without being too invested.”
When asked if specific color trends are in play for this season’s coats, Smith said “Coats tend to have colors that speak to their style, not necessarily a yearly adjustment.”
“The faux furs can get away with bright colors, while something in a classic trench shape will always be pretty in camel, charcoal gray and jewel tones.”
“The biggest change in coats is in the way that we wear them,” she added. “We used to reserve our fancier coats for work, dinner and church while today we are more geared toward the idea of athleisure. People are wearing what they love all the time.”
Shoppers at The Consortium, 6423 Avondale Drive, are selecting more classic coat options this season, according to owner Meghan Spears.
“Real black leather with a touch of charcoal wool houndstooth trim, a polished full-length black leather trench with a silver zipper detail belted at the waist, a salt-and-pepper wool tweed in a short peacoat style – these have a lot of appeal and can work for any shape at any age,“said Spears, describing some of the options available in her store now.
“Actually, a mix of pattern and fabrics is a modern and sophisticated look for this season,” she added.
“For instance, I’m wearing right now a wide plaid print in a three-quarter length jacket with a solid charcoal waist I purchased from Gretta Sloane. I don’t have to take it off when I go inside. It’s an edgy, city look.”
Gretta Sloane is located at 6476 Avondale Drive.
With temperatures below normal, and various deep freezes, blizzards, and frostbite warnings across the country, more practical fashionistas are investigating new technologies to stay warm in the deepest part of winter. They are looking for high performance without added bulk.
Outdoor clothing manufacturer The North Face uses a synthetic fiber called PrimaLoft in its ThermoBall line that mimics down to trap heat within small air pockets in the clusters. The result is a collection of svelte, colorful, quilted jackets and vests that offer the warmth equivalent to 600-fill goose down, according to the company.
Columbia Sportswear offers “Omni-Heat Reflective” jackets with silver-dotted linings that reflect and retain the body’s heat, in the same way NASA-developed, silver thermal blankets help stabilize marathon runners after the challenging run.
Patagonia, an outdoor clothier known for a focus on sustainability, also uses PrimaLoft in its Nano Puff line of jackets, vests and pants. Additionally, the polyester shell and lining are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
New, more strategic quilting, in narrower bands and in certain areas, helps sculpt a more flattering shape for all the high-performance puffer coats mentioned.
“I can attest to the effectiveness of my Patagonia gear,” said Andrea Reed, a member of the racing team of the local Red Coyote Running and Fitness stores. “I’m allergic to goose down, so I’ve always stayed away from the puffy-style jackets. The PrimaLoft is a gamechanger.”
Red Coyote has two locations: 5720 N. Classen Blvd. in Oklahoma City and 1300 W. Covell Road in Edmond.