Some days you just want to add a simple layer to your outfit, but on others you wish you could make your outer layer the focal point of your look.
There are many different outerwear styles, and they can make for a change in your outfit. Here are a few different ways to wear outerwear and how it can be used for different occasions.
The weekday look
On busy weekdays it’s best to keep things simple and allow your outer layer to be the only change to your normal outfit.
Keep things simple by pairing a straight-cut coat with your favorite pair of trousers and a jumper. You can wear the same coat every day of the week and change up the rest of your outfit to suit your schedule. Neutral shades such as black, brown, navy and more mean that you can mix and match your outerwear with the rest of your wardrobe.
A shirt or blouse makes for a smart alteration to your mid-week look. The coat stays the same but the rest of the outfit can be changed up.
The Saturday-in-town look
On the weekends you can experiment a lot with outerwear. A short jacket of jeans and trainers is the perfect base for a day in town, for a lunch or to meet friends for a drink.
Try wearing wider legged trousers under a shorter length jacket. The opposite also works well, i.e. wear a looser fitting jacket over a more fitted shirt or top.
Accessories are also a key part of an outfit and can completely change the whole look of a jacket and trousers. For example, a casual look with trainers and a crossbody bag, against boots and a more structured handbag for a smarter look.
The rainy-day look
British weather can change in an instant!
A trench coat is an easily built outfit on grey rainy days. Wear it open over a jumper and trousers for milder weather or button up and add a scarf for colder days.
Beige is traditional, but by using a darker color for your coat you can create completely different outfits while still easily combining them.
The cold-morning look
It’s only when it’s really cold that layering up becomes part of getting dressed.
A padded jacket looks great with winter basics, like jumpers, jeans and boots. A longer coat also looks great worn over layers, and does not have to make the outfit look too complicated.
To create a simple outfit to wear outside during the day you can stick to similar colors, but for contrast with what you wear underneath a coat with a very different color can be a great addition to your wardrobe. A dark coat over light clothing immediately makes for a more defined outfit.
The evening look
Ditch your ‘everyday’ coat when you go out.
A longer coat can also be used over evening wear such as dresses, tailored trousers or simple monochromatic outfits. Details on a long coat are evident when other parts of your outfit are simple. A belt can define a coat’s shape. A coat’s statement buttons, collar or texture can also form part of the overall outfit’s look.
Details become apparent when the rest of the outfit is simple. A belt can be used to create a definition to the coat. Interesting buttons, a special collar or a change of texture to the coat itself can all be used to make a feature of it and create a formal look.
One piece, more than one outfit
First of all: the most interesting thing about outerwear is how you can wear the same piece in completely different ways.
A long trench coat worn with jeans on Monday could look great over a dress on the following weekend. A short, sleeveless jacket worn over sports shoes during the day could transform into a smart casual outfit the following evening worn over trousers and boots.
You do not need to purchase a different coat for every occasion. The layer underneath can change to provide a complete new look.
Make it your own
So many rules are applied to jackets and their outfits. But really, there’s no reason why you can’t try the long coat with jeans and a t-shirt. Or wear the short jacket over a dress. Or mix up the colors of your shoes with the jacket you’ve chosen.
Why not pair a long coat with casual clothes, short jackets with dresses, and unusual colored outerwear with unusual colored shoes and more.
Here at Harper & George, we love getting dressed up but also appreciate the freedom to experiment with your look. Our coats and jackets can be the inspiration for your outfit and the finishing touch.