An expert guide to coat styles in fall 2020

Winter is traditionally the time to invest in a great winter coat, be it a classic cashmere or a fashionable furry “Chubby”. With so many coat styles to choose from it is good to know your Princess from your Parka or your Wrap from your Cape.

Boyfriend Blazer in Fall Winter 2020

The boyfriend blazer is the one piece that truly represents the move towards masculine trends in women’s fashion. It is a boxy oversized blazer, which is worn loosely over tunic tops, leggings and mini dresses. It is a timeless piece and flatters any age and most figures.

The Cape in Fall Winter 2020

The cape is the hottest coat style for Fall Winter 2020, as it has been reinvented in fashionable lengths and shapes. From traditional-shaped capes in bright colors to a coat with cape sleeves, this roomy cut is great for wearing over chunky knitwear or voluminous outfits underneath. They are also a best friend to omen who want to hide figure flaws such as a large stomach or bust. The modern way to wear a cape is over slim pants or leggings. Team it with black for a dramatic effect.

The Chubby in Fall Winter 2020

The chubby is the latest moniker or a short, shaggy fur jacket, seen on the runways for Fall Winter 2020. Yeti-like in shape and style, these are fun, high fashion coats, reminiscent of the ’70s, which can be found in the brightest of colors.

The Classic Coat in Fall Winter 2020

What is dubbed as a “classic” coat is usually one that is a straight cut, or semi-fitted (nipped in at the waist) sitting just below the knee. The narrow, simple style means that it will work for any occasion and go with almost anything. Classic coats are best in neutral, enduring colors such as camel, black or gray. They are best in good quality wool or chic, lightweight cashmere. A camel cashmere coat is the classic coat of the fall-winter 2020 season.

The Military Coat in Fall Winter 2020

The Military trend was the darling of the runways in 2019, but a military-style coat is a style a fashion staple. “Anything with epaulets looks instantly tailored,” according to Jenny Levin, author of Harpers Bazaar Great Style (Aurum press 2007). Shiny buttons and other military hardware give a coat a tailored, classy feel and make a stylish workwear coat.

The Parka in Fall Winter 2020

This sporty jacket is the workhorse of coats. A parka is usually a three-quarter/thigh length jacket with padding (down or synthetic) to keep the wearer warm and dry. These jackets are designed to be fast drying and often have a warm lining. They can also have a hood.

The Pea Coat

This is based on a sailor cut, with rows of (often) double-breasted buttons, usually three-quarters in length. The peacock coat is a wardrobe staple due to its versatility. It is multifunctional as it is structured enough to be refined as well as casual and therefore looks just as good worn over dresses or jeans.

The Princess

A princess coat (A-line) is the equivalent of an empire line dress and is a particularly flattering style for those women with petite frames and short legs, as it gives the illusion of longer pins. It is a high-waisted, slightly flared coat, which skims over the figure from below the bustline. It sits smoothly over fuller skirts and dresses and is an ideal evening coat.

The Trench

The traditional and ever-popular trench coat is usually made of good quality gabardine and then treated to make it waterproof, although nowadays there are many fashionable versions in various fabrics and cuts. The classic trench is belted, often with epaulets, a back vent, and cuff straps that can be adjusted to help seal off inner sleeves from the rain and cold. A trench may also have a “storm flap” which is designed to give shoulders extra protection and insulation.

The Wrap

A wrap coat (the equivalent of the wrap dress) is particularly flattering for larger ladies (Oprah Winfrey looks great in hers) as they can hide a round stomach. They are ideal evening coats, especially in floor-sweeping lengths. A wrap coat should be well cinched around the waist so a woman’s figure is not swamped in the fabric.

No matter what type of coat, a woman should ensure that it fits well and flatters her body shape. Choosing the right coat can be a minefield but it pays to be patient to find the perfect style and fit.