The Outerwear Edit

POWER PLAY

Nothing spells empowerment like an 80s-inspired blazer, its double-breasted silhouette cutting a commanding figure and epitomising downtown cool all at once. For a striking take on outerwear styling, drape a longer-lined wool coat over the blazer’s structured shoulders and continue to play with proportion by teaming the look with wide-leg tailoring.

THE OUTERWEAR ICON

The camel coat is perennially in style and it captures a sense of heritage design that nonetheless feels wholly modern when cut to a cropped, thigh-skimming silhouette. The perfect counterpart to AW17’s most coveted hue, red, it’s a sartorial non-negotiable when it comes to planning your cold-weather wardrobe.

ICE COOL

A trophy top layer will add instant edge to any look… enter the faux fur jacket. Incredibly soft and imagined in a cool ice-grey hue, this season’s iteration works to offset muted metallics in a way that feels modern, contemporary and perhaps most importantly; impactful. Perfectly suited to your autumn events calendar, let it take pride of place in your outerwear line-up and make it your go-to on those inevitably crisp winter mornings.

AN ELEGANT PERSPECTIVE

When draped over the shoulders and teamed with harmonious hues arranged in an eclectic printed pattern, a pale-grey coat makes the transition from all-weather essential to ladylike wardrobe hero. Wear it between seasons – the fresh hue will suit sunnier forecasts – as well as in winter, when it works to lift a naturally darker colour palette.

WRAP IT UP

The classic wrap coat gets a contemporary re-imagining for AW17, designed in a deep khaki hue that’s at once beautifully versatile and universally flattering. Embrace the shade by layering it over tonal separates; camel, stone and oxblood make for a rich, earthy colour palette that follows the age-old rules of autumn dressing.

RED ALERT

There’s one colour that commands attention this season and it’s red. The most striking way to work the look? As outwear. When imagined in its brightest iteration, a coat becomes the focal point of any outfit as opposed to a mere necessity, and it offers stark contrast to an otherwise muted winter palette. Your shortcut to an on-trend cold-weather look, it’s the ultimate AW17 investment.

A TOUCH OF FAUX FUR

Black is, was and always will be, the new black, and part of its appeal this season is that it takes on textural elements in the most subtle manner. A faux-fur collar, for example, is understated yet elegant, and when draped around the neck of a long-length coat and worn with a cocktail dress, it takes classic outerwear into a domain that’s altogether relevant for evening.

A SENSUAL TOUCH

There’s something unquestionably timeless about a navy peacoat and it holds a place in every autumn and winter wardrobe. Flit seamlessly between the working week and off-duty escapades by layering it over a silk blouse; the fabric’s fluidity will enhance the coat’s heavier structure and add a sensual touch to your look.

STATEMENT SHEARLING

Streetwear gets a luxe update this season and it comes in the form of the cropped shearling jacket. When layered atop oversized knitwear and teamed with a micro mini-length skirt, it captures the essence of what gives autumn dressing its edge. Brave bare legs now and opt for opaques to keep the mini skirt on rotation all season long.