What coat to wear with a long dress?

Wearing a long dress in winter is definitely possible. Whether it's in wool, sweater style, patterned, or fancy, long dresses are very on-trend. To wear them comfortably in any situation without feeling the chill, it's important to choose the right coat to go with it. Here are a few tips.

Basic Rules

Balancing the Volumes

The golden rule for wearing a coat with your long dress is to pay close attention to proportions. Puffer jackets or oversized coats can overwhelm your silhouette, so it's best to avoid them.

Your coat should be fitted and tailored to your body.

In terms of the collar, you can opt for a shirt collar, a V-neck adorned with fur, or a round collar. You can accessorise it with a scarf or a shawl. A hooded coat is also practical and stylish. If the hood is detachable, make sure there's a flap to hide the zip when you take it off.

Choosing the Right Accessories

In winter, certain accessories are essential with a long dress. To combat the cold, tights are undoubtedly a must-have. Alongside your coat, a scarf can enhance your look while keeping you warm. Whether oversized, classic, or patterned, use it to add some colour to your outfit. Don't forget about the bohemian hat. This trendy accessory not only keeps you warm but also elongates your silhouette.

For footwear, high-heeled boots are a reliable choice. You could also consider 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 no longer look balanced.
Opt for a shorter coat that sits just below the hips, or longer depending on your body shape and the look you want to achieve.

The Short Coat

Falling at the waist, it’s particularly well-suited for slim and petite figures. You can wear it every day in a casual style.

The Mid-Length Coat

The only suitable mid-length for your long dress is one that falls just below the hips. The three-quarter coat, on the other hand, should be avoided.

You can wear it for everyday situations or professional settings with a casual vibe.

It can be worn belted or straight, depending on your body shape. For an H-shaped silhouette, a straight cut is ideal as it adds a less formal touch. Conversely, a belted cut will accentuate the curves of other body shapes.

The Long Coat

It's more suitable for larger sizes. It falls down to the lower calves or ankles and may even brush against your heels.
The long coat is worn fitted and belted. This highlights your waist and hips for a very chic look.
You'll want to wear it for special occasions like weddings, dinners, and receptions...

Materials and Colours

Heat Above All

The fabrics that make up your coat need to be warm and durable, while also retaining enough flexibility to ensure the garment remains comfortable.

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

The Wool Coat

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

It can be made from wool or cashmere, often 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 from thick yarn. It is 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, so as not to let the cold in.

The Sheepskin Coat

It's a suede coat, with the leather side facing out and the wool side on the inside. It's a warm, soft, and comfortable material that offers a relaxed and timeless style.

Colours and Patterns

If you choose patterns, there are various looks you can go for: embrace ethnic designs for a bohemian style, or opt for checks for a Scottish look.

If you prefer to wear a plain coat, neutral tones are always a safe bet, no matter what outfit you're wearing. However, be sure to select your solid colour based on your hair colour to avoid a tone-on-tone effect.

In neutral colours, black, grey, navy, beige, cream, and taupe are the most common. However, you can also choose pastel shades, or denim, emerald, and burgundy colours, which also remain classic options.

If you're looking for a coat to wear on casual occasions, 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. While it can be tricky to maintain, it's a trendy colour that brightens your face and elevates your outfit.