The Forever Coat (and I know where you can get one)
For years I’d been on the look out for a decent “all rounder” coat. I knew precisely what I wanted: long, wool, tailored but not fitted, slouchy but not too over-sized, in black or grey. But I also had a maximum budget of £250 (with no adjustments for inflation I’m proud to say?). It wasn’t exactly an active search and there had been some close contenders over the years (All Saints did a decent version two seasons ago) but the search didn’t officially end until last Winter when I saw (and immediately bagged) this one from COS (A/W 16). I’m a big fan of the COS minimalist approach to wardrobe staples and this coat doesn’t disappoint. 
It’s everything that I’ve come to expect from this brand which consistently punches above the weight of other High Street retailers. A clean silhouette with solid slack tailoring – a happy combo of style and function. Classic, fabulous on or off-duty, it is truly a forever coat. And all for the princely sum of £225. If you would like one for yourself COS has done similar versions this season in grey, burgundy and black in store now and at the same price. I remember a fashionista friend of mine once referring to COS as “the poor man’s Celine“. I guess it’s sort of a compliment but I also think that this punchy brand has earned more than enough stripes to stand on its own merits.
Addie x
For styling tips and what I’m wearing see my Tailored Coat Rules at the end!
My Tailored Coat Rules:
#1. For versatility go slack-tailored rather than fitted. You can always cinch it at the waist when you need to.
#2. Bag a clutch. If going for straps I like to wear very small bags across the body under the coat with the coat undone. Or I go supersize. In my opinion, medium-sized shoulder bags don’t quite work with long tailored coats. A clutch however takes the chic factor up a couple of notches.
#3. Keep it simple. Let the coat speak for itself. My preferred off-duty mode is unbelted, paired with a good quality knit and trousers (of any kind) or jeans. If wearing with a dress or skirt add heels and ditch the tights.
#4. Look after your coat. It can’t be a forever coat if you don’t can it? A tailored wool coat is not the coat for extreme weather conditions so leave it at home on a rainy or snowy day. And make sure to dry clean it before you pack it away for another season!
What I’m wearing:
Coat (COS)|Scarf (Acne Studios)|Leather trousers (H&M)| Sweater (pink – Matalan/black – Primark)|Clutch (patent – Sandro Paris)| Clutch (camo – Vivienne Westwood)|Trousers (H&M) | Jeans (Heaven & Earth)| Boots (patent – pied a terre)| Boots (Deichmann)| Sneakers (Isabel Marant)| Sunglasses (tortoise shell – &other stories)| Sunglasses (black – Celine)
