What coat to wear with a long dress?

Wearing a long dress in winter is definitely possible. Whether it's made of wool, in a sweatshirt style, patterned, or with a bit of flair, the long dress is very trendy. To wear it comfortably in any situation without exposing yourself to the cold, you need to pick the right coat to match it. Here are a few tips.

The Basic Rules

Harmonising the Volumes

The golden rule for wearing a coat with your maxi dress is to pay special attention to the fit. Bulky puffer jackets or oversized coats can overwhelm your silhouette, so it’s best to avoid them.

Your coat should be form-fitting and tailored.

As for the collar, you can opt for a shirt collar, a V-neck with fur trim, or a rounded one. You can accessorise it with a scarf or wrap. A hooded coat is also practical and stylish. If the hood is removable, make sure there’s a flap to cover the zipper when it's taken off.

Choosing the Right Accessories

In winter, certain accessories are a must-have to complement a long dress. To keep the chill at bay, tights are definitely essential. Alongside your coat, a scarf can add warmth and style to your outfit. Whether oversized, classic, or checked, use it to inject some colour into your look. Don’t forget about the bohemian hat. This trendy accessory has the dual benefit of keeping you warm while also elongating your silhouette.

For footwear, high-heeled boots are a reliable choice. You can also consider square-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 won't look balanced.
Opt for a shorter style, just below the hips, or a longer one depending on your body shape and the look you want to achieve.

The Short Coat

Falling at the waist, it is especially suited for slim and petite body types. You can wear it every day for a casual look.

The Mid-Length Coat

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

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

It can be worn belted or straight, depending on your body shape. For an H-shaped figure, a straight cut is perfect and adds a less formal touch. On the other hand, a belted style will accentuate the curves of other body shapes.

The Long Coat

It is more suitable for larger sizes. It falls down to the lower calves or at the ankles, and can even brush against your heels.
The long coat is worn close to the body and belted. This accentuates 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 First

The fabrics that make up your coat should be warm and durable, while also maintaining enough flexibility to keep the garment comfortable.

Even though it may not be 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 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 blended with other synthetic materials.

The chunky knit coat

It can also be called a chunky knit vest. As the name suggests, it should be made of thick knit. 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 it doesn't let the cold in.

The Shearling Coat

It’s a suede coat with the leather side on the outside and the woolly side on the inside. This is a warm, soft, and comfortable material that gives a relaxed and timeless style.

Colours and Patterns

If you decide to go for patterns, there are several looks you can achieve: embrace ethnic designs for a bohemian style, or opt for checks for a Scottish vibe.

If you prefer to wear a plain coat, neutral tones are a reliable choice, no matter what outfit you're wearing. However, be sure to select your solid colour based on your hair colour to avoid a tonal match.

In neutral colours, black, grey, navy, beige, cream, 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 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. Although it can be tricky to maintain, it's a trendy colour that brightens up your face and enhances your outfit.