Here are eight block colour coats to boost your mood and bolster your wardrobe as winter fast approaches
- These are eight block colour coats that are sure to brighten up your every day
- Look no further as winter approaches and you find yourself in need of warmth
- Bright coats are bold fashion moves but a way to simplify your winter wardrobe
There’s one reason to be cheerful about the colder weather — the imminent arrival of coat season. Along with red wine and Strictly on the telly, wrapping up in snug layers is one of autumn’s great comforts.
I’ve spent years extolling the timeless benefits of classic navy, black and camel cover-ups. This year, however, it’s all about bold colour.
On the autumn/winter catwalks, brights reigned supreme with designers showcasing collections in every colour of the rainbow. Valentino kicked off the trend with a fuchsia parade, featuring belted overcoats with matching shoes and bags. At Erdem, they came in zesty orange, Elie Saab did maxi coats in forest green and London-based designer Eudon Choi went for double-breasted styles in pillar-box red.
A bright coat is certainly a bold fashion move. But it’s also a way to simplify your winter wardrobe — throw on a statement layer, and whatever you’ve got on instantly feels more current.
Left: Coat, £150, John Lewis; jumper, £150, Boden; trousers, £78, and loafers, £250, ME+EM. Centre: Coat, £325, and dress, £199, M&S; boots, £429, LK Bennett. Right: Coat, £49.99, H&M; knit, £89, Phase Eight; boots, £150, River Island
Left: Coat, £275, Jaeger at M&S; shirt, £130, Jigsaw; trousers, £40, Warehouse; shoes, £259, LK Bennett; bag, £160, C.Nicol. Right: Coat, £365, jacket, £129, and trousers, £120, Jigsaw; knit, £112.50, ME+EM; trainers, £65, Schuh; bag, £110, Jasper Conran
You don’t need a designer budget to get the look, as the High Street is awash with tutti-frutti warmers. Jaeger (at M&S) leads the way; its green wool car coat and purple boyfriend coat are among this season’s best. John Lewis’s autumn/winter collection is also one of its strongest to date.
The fluffy-textured pink coat will lift autumnal grey, khaki and beige. The best way to wear your bright coat is in a head-to-toe tonal look. Wearing block colour might sound overwhelming but coordinating your palette is simpler than trying to mix and match. It also has a flattering, streamlining effect and never fails to look elegant.
Left: Coat, £325, Jaeger at M&S; blouse, £29.99, TK Maxx; skirt, £88, Jigsaw; boots, £250, Duo Boots. Centre: Coat, £49.99, H&M; knit, £89, Phase Eight; boots, £150, River Island. Right: Coat, £349, Hobbs; knit, £90, Boden; blazer, £395, and trousers, £225, Brora; trainers, £110, Jigsaw
Layer a blue trouser suit underneath Jigsaw’s cornflower coat for a modern take on workwear. Or team Jaeger’s purple number with smart berry-toned separates and sleek boots. If you would rather ease into a colourful mood, use bright outerwear to give autumn staples a new-season spin. Layer over your favourite jeans and jumpers at the weekend; add to tailored trousers and shirts for the office; wear over a black dress for the evening.
Alternatively, go for a subtler shade. Hobbs’ brown overcoat is effortlessly elegant, while Phase Eight’s cream trench will freshen up whatever outfit you wear it over. Just make sure to avoid that glass of red.