A Fresh Coat

YOU KNOW how every September, even though we haven’t been in school like forever, we still think of it as the beginning of a new year. Likewise, I’ve been conditioned from years, maybe decades, of shopping with my mother, that mid-October to mid-November was the time of year you looked for a new winter coat. In the old days Columbus Day and Veterans Day sales provided the impetus.

Although the retail landscape may have changed dramatically, cold weather is still coming. And in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions on socializing, this winter may be challenging.

Bundling up will be a key strategy—for outdoor dining, getting together with friends around fire pits or on porches with heat lamps, as well as going for walks in the park. While black down coats and jackets have been the staple of the past couple of years, this season designers have upped their game with more faux fur styles, houndstooth and plaid patterns, quilted looks, padded leather and vibrant colors, along with neutrals like army green and khaki. There’s also a greater emphasis on using recycled materials. Many of these new coats are oversized, allowing ample room for layers of long underwear and sweaters.

In short it’s a good time to browse for coats and jackets that stand out and make a bit of a fashion statement. Not only this year but for a post-Covid world. No one is likely to notice what you have on underneath.

Below, some ones we have our eye on:

—Janet Kelly

LEFT: J. Crew’s Quilted Cocoon Puffer ($188) is only available in petite; if you’re not, though, you can still snap up this slim-fitting jacket in navy, ochre and olive (reduced to $104.50 in this color). It’s made from recycled poly and filled with PrimaLoft®, an eco-friendly down alternative to keeping the chill away. RIGHT: We’re seeing shades of green, khaki and other neutrals this season—like this Long Quilted Down Anorak ($299, Mango). Attractively accented with chocolate brown trim around the collar and the pockets, it looks exceedingly warm (the fill is 90 percent duck down). Tackle the voluminous look by wrapping up with the matching belt and present a united front by coordinating with similar neutrals as shown above.

LEFT: Baffle-box quilting locks in the down-hybrid insulation of Cole Haan’s Hooded Down & Feather Jacket (reduced to $149.90 from $225, Nordstrom), fitted at the waist and inset with a vest. The graphite color sets it apart from ubiquitous black puffers. CENTER: Minimalist lines and vibrant prints are the DNA of the Chloé Stora brand. This wool-blend, double-breasted Oversized Checked Coat ($501, Farfetch) looks elegant and also as toasty warm as a blanket.  RIGHT: French Connection’s Carmen Faux Fur Trimmed Parka ($278), constructed from recycled plastic bottles, is a utilitarian go-to for cozying up to a bonfire and/or for a weekend hiking expedition. Cinch in the waist drawstring for the most flattering silhouette.

LEFT: For quality and style, Massimo Dutti jackets are hard to beat. Take this Moto Jacket ($399), which ups the ante on the classic look with quilted leather, high neck and a drawstring hem.  RIGHT: We couldn’t resist this Iren Faux-Shearling Cropped Jacket ($198, limited availability, Nordstrom). So fluffy. Got leather or faux leather pants? Wear them with this.

LEFT: Not your everyday puffer, Ganni’s double-breasted Ripstop Quilted Coat ($425, Shopbop), made from recycled polyester, is a highly styled long coat with hidden snaps, duffel-inspired tortoiseshell acetate toggles, an exaggerated back pleat and elasticized cuffs for warmth. CENTER: Stand Studio’s Oversized Herringbone Coat reminded us of a Perry Ellis coat a friend once owned and loved for its cocoon feel. It’s unfortunately sold out. E-mail Farfetch to see if and when it comes back in stock. RIGHT: Who needs real? And, you don’t need an occasion to throw on this Celina Faux Fur Coat in dark green (along with five other colors) from Apparis ($275, Farfetch). And it has a hood!

LEFT: Despite the Paris in Les Coyotes de Paris, the brand is an Amsterdam-based design studio; it focuses on tailoring and custom fabrics. A re-imagined trench coat with statement voluminous sleeves made in an Italian wool-blend twill, the label’s Ruby Wool Coat ($975, Neiman Marcus) has that wear-it-forever look. RIGHT: Mango’s Straight-Cut Wool Coat ($299) with faux-leather piping says relaxed elegance. When you tie the bow (it’s removable) at the neckline, a reminder of the great sportswear designer Bonnie Cashin.

LEFT: Take your pick of how you want to wear this Long Reversible Faux Shearling Coat ($649, Nordstrom) with belt (not shown). Show off the faux fur side or wear it on the smooth, velvety black side, keeping the shearling all to yourself. CENTER: Cuddle up in Stand Studio’s generously proportioned Camille Cocoon Coat ($450, Shopbop). We love the nubby texture.  RIGHT: Go for timeless. In recycled Italian herringbone (a wool, polyester and cashmere blend), Tibi’s Cocoon Shape Maxi Coat ($995, Shopbop) in loden gray telegraphs a vintage menswear vibe.