A well-made statement coat does all the work for you.
Volume seems to be the overriding message when it comes to this season's key coats as designers highlight boxy shapes, wide lapels and ankle-grazing trench coat options for winter. Designers have also focused on warmth without the bulk, giving plenty of opportunity to play around with light layering appropriate for the workplace.
Local favourites Lonely Hearts have one of this season key coats, a double-breasted black and white check coat with a tie belt (#1). It's the sort of enveloping coat that works well with a pair of classic knee-high boots with thick tights or a pair of jeans for the weekend.
The drama of a full-length coat provides plenty of inspiration and Kate Sylvester's stunning "Francis" trench coat is a key piece, available in caramel (#2) or black. When the coat appeared on the runway at Fashion Week last year, it made a big impact. Styled perfectly with a pair of nonchalant wide-leg pants and a pair of those ubiquitous Adidas Stan Smith trainers, it was perfect outfit blueprint for those who struggle with making wardrobe decisions.
Elsewhere, Huffer takes temperamental weather patterns into consideration, with cushy down vests and jackets and some of the best raincoats, including a surprisingly chic trench (#5) in an easy-to-wear grey. Thrown over a workwear skirt or pant suit, it takes the idea of power dressing to the next level.
1 Lonely Hearts coat, $565. Juliette Hogan silk shirt, $399. Mi Piaci boots, $740. Lewis Fredericks "The Foster" sunglasses, $435.
2 Kate Sylvester trench coat, $1195. Juliette Hogan silk shirt, $399. Twenty-seven Names jeans, $350. Mi Piaci loafers, $250. Louis Vuitton monogram belt, $645. Deadly Ponies bag, $330.
3 Camilla & Marc coat, $930, and top, $196. Zambesi pants, $495. Skin pumps, $179.90.
4 Karen Walker coat, $1105. Icebreaker turtleneck sweater, $270. Kate Sylvester skirt, $345. Mi Piaci boots, $740.
5 Huffer coat, $289. Obi jacket, $599 and skirt, $299. Kathryn Wilson shoes, $329.
6 Harman Grubisa coat, $729. Juliette Hogan silk shirt, $399. Aim pants, $199. Beau Coops for Karen Walker brogues, $395.
Stockists
• Camilla & Marc
• Deadly Ponies
• Icebreaker
• Juliette Hogan (09) 360 9347
• Karen Walker
• Kate Sylvester
• Kathryn Wilson
• Lewis Fredericks
• Lonely Hearts
• Louis Vuitton 0800 586 966
• Obi
• Mi Piaci
• Saben
• Twenty-seven Names (09) 360 6127
• Zambesi (09) 308 0364
- Canvas