What coat should you wear with a long dress?

Wearing a long dress in winter is definitely possible. Whether it’s made of wool, styled like a sweatshirt, patterned, or something more playful, long dresses are very much in fashion. To wear one comfortably in any situation without feeling the chill, it’s important to choose the right coat to pair it with. Here are a few tips.

The Basic Rules

Balancing the Volumes

The golden rule when wearing a coat with a long dress is to pay special attention to proportions. Bulky puffer jackets or oversized coats can overwhelm your silhouette and should be avoided.

Your coat should fit closely to your body and be tailored.

As for the collar, you can choose from a shirt collar, a V-neck with a fur trim, or a round collar. You can enhance your look with a scarf or shawl. A hooded coat is also practical and stylish. If the hood is detachable, make sure there’s a flap to cover the zipper when you take it off.

Choosing the Right Accessories

In winter, certain accessories are essential to pair with a long dress. To ward off the cold, tights are a must-have. Alongside your coat, a scarf can add warmth and elevate your look. Whether oversized, classic, or patterned, use it to inject some colour into your outfit. Don't forget to consider a bohemian hat. It's a trendy accessory that not only keeps you warm but also enhances your silhouette.

When it comes to footwear, high-heeled boots are a reliable choice. You might also want to opt for block-heeled ankle boots.

The Right Length

With a long dress, you shouldn't wear a coat that falls to mid-thigh or knee length. The proportions of your silhouette would not look balanced anymore.
Opt for a short coat, just below the hips, or a long one depending on your body shape and the style you want to achieve.

The Short Coat

Hitting at the waist, it's particularly suited to slim and petite figures. You can wear it daily in a casual style.

The Mid-Length Coat

The only mid-length suitable for your long dress is one that falls just below the hips. Avoid three-quarter coats.

You can wear it in casual daily situations or professional settings.

It can be worn belted or straight, depending on your body shape. For an H-shaped figure, a straight cut is ideal and adds a less formal touch. In contrast, a belted cut will enhance the curves of other body shapes.

The Long Coat

It's more suited for larger sizes. It falls down to the lower calves or to the ankles, and may even brush the heels.
The long coat is fitted and belted. This highlights your waist and hips for a very chic look.
This is what you’ll need to wear for special occasions like weddings, dinners, and receptions…

Materials and Colours

Heat Above All

The fabrics that make up your coat should be warm and durable, but also maintain enough flexibility so that the garment remains comfortable.

Although it's not the most common material, you can opt for fur on a long coat, as long as the cut of your coat is short and the volume isn't too excessive.

The Wool Coat

This is an essential piece for your winter outfits! Its classic style pairs well with all the items in your wardrobe. It’s a warm, comfortable, and easy-to-wear coat, perfect for any occasion.

It can be made from wool or cashmere blended with other synthetic materials.

The Chunky Knit Coat

It can also be referred to as a chunky knit cardigan. As the name suggests, it should be made of thick knit fabric. It's worn long and comes with pockets. You can use it to complete a relaxed bohemian look. However, be careful that the knit isn't too loose, as you don’t want to let the cold in.

The Shearling Coat

It's a suede coat, with the leather side on the outside and the wool side on the inside. This material is warm, soft, and comfortable, providing a casual and timeless style.

Colours and Patterns

If you choose to go for patterns, there are several looks you can achieve: opt for ethnic prints for a bohemian style, or check patterns for a classic Scottish vibe.

If you prefer to wear a solid-coloured coat, neutral tones are always a safe bet, regardless of what outfit you're wearing. However, be sure to select your solid colour based on your hair colour to avoid a tone-on-tone look.

In neutral colours, black, grey, navy, beige, off-white, and taupe are the most common. However, you can also choose pastel shades or classic colours like denim, emerald, and burgundy.

If you're looking for a coat to wear occasionally, you can opt for brighter shades like crimson red, fuchsia, mustard yellow, or even violet.

For an ultra-chic style, opt for a white coat. Although it's a bit tricky to maintain, it's a trendy colour that brightens up the face and complements your outfit.