The perfect statement coat for fall is equal parts practical and stylish | Canada Voices

The most impactful way to upgrade your look for the fall season? A statement coat. Preferably one that isn’t black, or so minimalist that it feels like a basic. The ideal candidate should add some pop and personality to your outfit, whether you’re headed to the office or after-work drinks with friends.

The coats featured on the fall runways ranged from sleek and colourful to oversized and textured – there were faux fur, suede, duffle, trench, check and plaid styles in both the men’s and women’s collections.

To narrow down the options, start by assessing your outerwear needs and consider what features you really want, suggests Dr. Sabine Weber, a professor in the School of Fashion at Seneca Polytechnic. “How warm is it? How long is it? Can you still walk [in it]?” says Weber. Are you looking for specific details such as a detachable hood, rib knit or storm cuffs, or two-way zippers? Weber is not a fan of the latter because they have a tendency to break and then “that’s the most expensive repair you can have.”

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When it comes to fabrics, 100-per-cent wool coats are typically more expensive but also warmer and more breathable than styles made with synthetic fibres. Wool-cashmere blend coats can be even pricier but will feel even “finer and nicer,” says Weber.

“If you have an acrylic or a polyester, it is more like a plastic bag in the feeling … [although a] benefit of the synthetic materials is they’re lighter,” says Weber, adding that some polyester or nylon styles can be good for water repellency, too. Faux fur styles in particular might “look fun,” but the microfibres can shed in the wash, leading to environmental concerns such as polluted waterways. These fabrics are also “not really that warm,” she adds.

Finally, while there are stylish coats available at a range of price points − including at vintage shops and on secondhand marketplaces − Weber suggests investing in “a good one” instead of going for the cheapest available option, “because it takes a lot of space in your closet and you keep it usually for more than a few years.”

Six buys to try

This is an investment buy so be on the lookout for the best fabrics, tailoring and style within your budget