by With party season in full swing but the nights getting cooler, you may be wondering how to tackle evening wear without getting frostbite.
If you really want to stave off the winter chill, a “going out” coat is the party piece you need to know about.
Think glamorous cover-ups that support rather than hinder your after-dark look, and are a far cry from everyday puffer jackets and the wax jacket you walk the dog in.
“An evening coat adds structure and interest to your outfit. “I have a statement floral coat from Emilia Wickstead that I can wear with a simple black dress and it gives the whole outfit a special look,” says Petro Stofberg, stylist and co-founder of Wardrobe Icons.
Cocktail-ready outerwear not only ensures you stay toasty warm, but also ups the style factor of your party pieces.
This week’s Fashion Awards were a case in point. The highly charged red carpet was awash with chic cover-ups as the famous and fabulous opted to cover up. Alexa Chung wore vintage-style faux fur by Miu Miu; Venus Williams cut a fine figure in a Thom Browne tuxedo coat; Prepared for arctic conditions, Ellie Goulding wore a floor-length ivory Moncler puffer coat with a sweetheart neckline and cinched waist.
Whatever your personal style, it’s worth going a step further and opting for something opulent. “An evening coat really needs to make a statement and be just as delicious as the dress underneath,” says Wiggy Hindmarch. The designer excels at glamorous outerwear; This season her party collection includes a statement leopard print duster coat (£795) and a velvet cocoon coat with subtle quilting for extra insulation (£795, both wiggykit.com).
Luxurious fabrics stand out clearly from your everyday coats. Silk, satin and velvet ensure party glamour.
If you prefer a more subtle look, take a cue from the Princess of Wales’ style and opt for a beautiful wool coat. The royal wore a burgundy custom-made Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen number during her recent state visit to Qatar. Paired with a matching Sahar Millinery headpiece and a diamond choker, she was the epitome of event-ready elegance.
In addition to the fabric, it’s also worth thinking about the cut and silhouette: “A really important factor is that the armhole and sleeves are wide enough so that the sleeves you wear under the coat don’t get squashed or constricted,” advises Hindmarch.
For maximum versatility, a longer style pairs well with any hem length so you can wear it with both mini, midi and maxi pants.
Also consider the collar style. A style that closes all the way to the top means there are no annoying cutouts. It also acts as a stylish hiding place, so your outfit underneath will be great to show off when you put it away at the coat rack.
While outerwear is often an afterthought when getting ready for a night out, investing in a glamorous layer will pay dividends. The right coat not only banishes the midnight shower, but also leaves a lasting impression. “Outerwear is the first thing people see when you enter an event and it is the last thing they see when you leave the event,” says Hindmarch.
From fluffy faux fur to entrance-proof trench coats, these are the five evening coats that will add fashionable sparkle—and keep you warm.
The animal print
A splash of animal print always adds extra drama. If you choose simple evening wear, this is also an easy way to add pattern to your look. The above-mentioned Mercer coat from Wiggy Kit (£795) has a 1950s-inspired A-line silhouette – perfect for wearing full skirts underneath.
For chicer leopard spots, check out Wyse London’s Dora Coat (£395, wyselondon.com), which comes in a tactile brushed texture. Dress up your old black midi dress with French Connection’s zebra stripes (£180, Frenchconnection.com).
The Cocktail Ditch
Considering that a classic trench coat is one of the most versatile everyday coats, going with everything from jeans to office suits, it follows that a dressed-up version is an equally useful style for evening wear.
Jigsaw’s silk trench (£495, jigsaw-online.com) has a flattering trapeze shape and a knee-length hem that will look particularly good with your evening minis and flowy palazzo trousers. The trendy chocolate brown hue pairs beautifully with festive jewel tones. In addition, the water-repellent coating ensures that no water stains occur when it rains.
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn in the Hazel trench from Sister Jane (£165, sisterjane.com) and give it an extra Holly Golightly touch with the detachable leopard collar.
The faux fur
When it’s cold enough that you want to abandon your plans in favor of a blanket on the sofa, a faux fur coat is just the thing to get you out of the house. You’ll find plenty of luxe versions on the high street, like Marks & Spencer’s long collared coat (£89, marksandspencer.com), which comes in a bold shade that goes with everything.
Monsoon’s midnight blue Camille coat (£180, monsoon.co.uk) instantly brightens up a velvet shirt and jeans. For something with even more wow factor, try Boden’s brown and navy spot coat (£220, boden.com).
The velvet
Wrapped in elegant velvet, you are guaranteed to exude festive glamor. Furthermore, it also has wonderfully offensive properties. Aspiga’s opera coat (£295, aspiga.com) features a detachable faux fur collar, so you can go all out or wear a pair depending on your dress code.
East’s burgundy quilted jacket (£119, Gatherandsee.com) brightens up jeans and ankle boots for a Christmas drink at the pub.
The tuxedo coat
An elegant tuxedo coat takes up Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic “Le Smoking” look and impresses with its timeless charisma. It’s just the thing to wear over your evening suit and be a stylish complement to feminine dresses.
The Forever Tux Coat from Me + Em (£575, meandem.com) has a versatile mid-calf length and satin buttons for added evening flair.
Thanks to the crystal embellishment, Karen Miller’s double-breasted tailored maxi dress (was £679, now £340, karenmillen.com) has all the sparkle you need. You don’t even have to worry about adding jewelry – just throw on a little black dress and your party outfit is ready. What could be easier than that?
