5 Coats To Cover Every Situation
At Vestiaire Collective, we don’t begrudge the cold because it means we get to bring out some of our most beloved wardrobe items: coats. There are obviously a tonne of options when it comes to coats. High fashion to technical performance, fur to faux leather, long vs cropped— the choices never end.
But we’ve narrowed down 5 types of coats that we think are essential for every closet. With these pieces, you’re covered for any situation. Think 5 is too many? Don’t worry, we don’t encourage buying just to buy. Building a wardrobe takes time but it can be a lot of fun. Vestiaire can help with that. We are a collective of sustainably minded Fashion Activists who buy and sell pre-loved pieces so you can curate a style that is uniquely yours, that looks good and does good for the planet, too.
The Trench Coat
The trenchcoat is one of the most enduring and timeless pieces. Ever since the golden age of Hollywood, when leading actors and actresses popularised the look, trench coats have been a symbol of refinement.
Just like those old Hollywood stars, you can find a trench coat in the classic camel gabardine and enjoy effortless elegance. But designers also love to give this staple item a refresh. Today, there are many colour, material and even cut options for trench coats. Think: red patent leather for a special night out.
Trench coat outfits are easy to put together since the trench is one of the most adaptable pieces of outerwear. It is interesting that a trench coat has the ability to both dress down and dress up an outfit. A trench coat can be paired with heels just as well as with sneakers. The versatility is one of the reasons why we adore the trench coat and why it will never go out of style.
Trench coats were designed for military use, so they are also extremely functional. It can protect a wearer from wind and rain which you know is coming in autumn and winter. Protecting your clothes from the elements is an environmentally important move, too, so that they can enjoy a long life span. Since the trench coat is a great layering piece, it can be worn almost every month.
The trench is truly a piece you’ll be grateful to have around whenever the temperature drops or the rain begins to fall. When you buy yours pre-loved, you know you’re investing in a wardrobe classic that will always be relevant, which is all the more reason to find your next trench on Vestiaire.
The Leather Bomber
The leather bomber is our second pick for a must-have coat style. A perfectly fitted bomber exudes cool. A bomber jacket that is made of superior quality and craftsmanship is the type of durable piece that will last you years, even decades. The durability of leather makes this type of coat a good candidate for second-hand shopping. It’s totally cool to find a biker jacket from decades ago with vintage patches that tell its own story. Or a history buff might seek out the original MA-1 bomber with orange lining to own a piece of the military past. The sturdy construction and timeless fashion means it’s still in circulation if you browse on the Vestiaire app.
You might be surprised to learn that the bomber jacket doesn’t only come in leather. Bombers come in nylon, cotton, faux leather and many other materials, which is good news if you’re not a fan of leather.
The bomber is a great layering piece, but can also be very warm on its own. It was designed to keep pilots warm in the cockpit, after all. It is a versatile piece for creating outfits from casually refined, to rock’n’roll, to glam. The jacket can really be considered a canvas for personal expression, as patterns, patches and prints all appear on this style.
The leather bomber not only gets softer with use, but it also builds character over time. Since it is a durable material, it is a good long-term investment if you ever want to sell it in the future on Vestiaire Collective. But that day may never come because this is a piece you’re going to wear again and again.
The Denim Jacket
Oh the effortless denim jacket. The always casual, laid back style is simply refreshing and comforting. Especially during difficult periods, we love how denim gives a nostalgic throwback to simpler times and evokes a distinct Americana aesthetic. The first denim jacket was created by Levi Straus in 1880, so anyone who says denim is a trend is dreaming. Denim is a firmly entrenched tradition.
From the 1950s when denim was the material of choice for rebels and rock’n’rollers to the denim-on-denim craze of the 1960s and into the bedazzled denim heyday of the ‘80s and ‘90s and beyond, denim jackets have never gone out of style.
Jeans are the most popular type of trousers worn around the world, so it makes sense that a jacket made of the same material would also be beloved. Denim is soft, strong and warm. Just like your favourite pair of jeans, the denim jacket is perfect for day-to-day wear and will become even more cosy the longer it’s worn.
Denim has great layering potential so you can wear it year-round. Don’t worry about it going threadbare, either. This is one of the toughest and longest lasting materials in production, which makes it a super sustainable choice. The durability of denim makes these jackets great vintage finds.
Depending on your preference, you can dress your denim up or down. An oversized jacket gives a more casual vibe while a slim-fit style pairs well with a dress for a night out. Denim is also highly customisable through distressing, embroidery, pins, paints and patches. The denim jacket is a quality unisex piece that is great for layering and will last you many years. For a wide choice in pre-loved denim pieces, check out what our global community of Fashion Activists are selling on the Vestiaire app.
The Stay-Warm Puffer Coat
The best choice for an athleisure coat in the winter is the puffer coat. It’s a practical coat made to keep you cosy and warm in everyday wear. The coat features quilted sections that are filled with down or synthetic insulating materials in between the stitching to make it the most cold-friendly coat in your arsenal. The filling makes the coat super lightweight, despite its size.
The shape of the puffer depends on your style. The still-popular bulky puffers of the ‘90s can be found in oversized versions today thanks to maxi length looks. Who doesn’t love to be covered head to toe in one cozy coat? But the modern puffer also comes in flattering silhouettes and cropped cuts that hug the body. The high-cut options don’t sacrifice warmth, either. It’s simply a matter of aesthetic preference.
Puffers were originally designed for mountaineering expeditions and big outdoor apparel brands like The North Face and Patagonia still dominate the puffer arena. These are technical pieces that are extremely functional for outdoor and casual daily needs. Patagonia is a leader in sustainable fashion, so we love their Nano Puff Hoody, which is made from 100% recycled polyester. It even stays warm when wet.
Puffers have also made the leap from the mountains to the runway. Balenciaga, Acne Studios and Burberry are just a few of the fashion houses who love the puffer. By putting upscale touches on the staple piece, these labels are turning it into a covetable fashion statement.
The beloved puffer comes in a rainbow of colours and lengths. Choose a bright or metallic hue to create a statement or opt for a colour that you can pair with everything. Retro fabrics look amazing on puffers so buying a pre-owned coat in a unique pattern on Vestiaire is not only a fun fashion find but a good move for the planet.
The Statement Coat
The puffer, trench and leather jacket were all purpose-designed for important uses. But what about when we just want some fun? At Vestiaire, we think everyone should have at least one statement coat in their wardrobe for times when you want to make an impact.
The statement coat can be considered the new going-out top for blustery nights. Even if the $15,000 Gabriela Hearst Casatt trench made of recycled Turkish rugs is a little out of your budget, we think investing in a great statement piece is a wise choice. When the big event is outdoors, your coat can sometimes be a stand-in for your entire outfit. But a statement coat is a means of self-expression even when the rest remains unseen.
Whether it’s a faux fur coat, animal print jacket or a reflective coat, choosing an outerwear piece that is conspicuous and fun will keep you warm and help you get noticed. We think a statement print jacket is the bold way to combat the winter blues.
On Vestiaire, you can find vintage statement pieces that are pre-loved for a sustainable winter coat option. Since statement coats aren’t meant to be worn on a daily basis, these pre-loved finds are often in like-new condition. Lift your spirits, and those around you, with a coat that refuses to be ordinary.
You don’t need to dread the cold weather. When you prepare yourself with these 5 essential coats, you won’t just accept the winter chill. You’ll embrace it, just like a great coat embraces you. Each of our top picks have different qualities, so you can pick the perfect coat for each occasion.
Coats are some of the most important pieces you can own. They protect you from the cold and wrap you in comfort. And, your outerwear can complement your outfit. In fact, as we’ve seen, it can even be a stand-in for your outfit in certain situations. That’s why we recommend investing in quality pieces you’ll love for the long run.
Coats are excellent candidates to shop for second-hand since they are a seasonal style. By choosing pre-loved outerwear, you build your wardrobe in a way that does not harm the planet.
When you choose great pieces that you’ll love and care for, you ensure that you’ll always stay warm in style. Thrive through the cold-weather months with a pre-loved coat that looks great, feels great and is good for the environment and for you.