A high-quality statement coat is sure to see you through multiple years.Supplied
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
Uniqlo Balmacaan coat
Balmacaan coats – loose-fitting, single-breasted styles often with raglan sleeves and a turnover collar – are everywhere this season. This unisex one from Uniqlo is made with a double-face polyester and wool fabric.
Buying options
$160, buy at Uniqlo
COS leather-collar wool coat
This men’s recycled wool-and-nylon blend, double-breasted coat is well tailored with design features such as welt pockets, buttoned cuffs and a centre-back vent. It also features an eye-catching leather collar that can be removed for a more classic look.
Buying options
$390, buy at Cos
Aritzia Embrace double-faced coat
Coats with matching or built-in scarves are a mini-trend for fall, and this Canadian-designed women’s style comes with a removable scarf. Plus, it’s made with a 98-per-cent recycled wool fabric from Italy and will keep you warm to 0 C even though it’s unlined.
Buying options
$475, buy at Aritzia
Freed Kelly coat
Designed and made in Winnipeg, this hip-length faux fur and vegan leather women’s coat would look just as good with jeans as with an evening dress. It’s also temperature rated to -20 C and available in three sizes and five colours.
Buying options
$550, buy at Freed
HiSO wool and cashmere long coat
This men’s double-breasted coat is designed and made in Canada using a wool, polyamide and cashmere blend fabric. Besides the rich copper colour, what helps it stand out are the oversized collar and longer below-the-knee length.
Buying options
$895, buy at Holt Renfrew
SteMargScot Bowie coat
Put in a preorder now and by October you could be wearing this unisex duffle coat, offered in six vibrant colours. It features a felted, 100-per-cent wool fabric sourced from the U.K., wool insulation from Ontario and maple toggles handmade in Toronto.
Buying options
$1,288, buy at SteMargScot
