Fall 2008 Coat Trends

October 8th, 2008 by crystal

I have to admit to being very unstylish when it comes to coats. Living in Texas, there are only about 3 months when I really need a heavy coat. So, I’ve worn the same peacoat for the last 3 winters. Boring!
This Fall, it’s time to get a little more creative than the old trusty peacoat.
Trends for Fall 2008 Coats are much more diverse than in previous years. Whether your style is feminine, edgy, sophisticated or conservative, there’s an archetypal coat especially for you. Some of the trends are actual types of coats. Some concern specific fabrics, details or patterns.
Which one is right for you?

Leather

Fall 2008 Coat

Leather Jackets are always fun (and warm)! Go for Faux Leather and get pretty much the same result for a fraction of the price.
Leather Bomber jackets are the perfect accessory for a Skinny Jeans outfit.
Brown Leather Belted jackets work well with a Western Style outfit.

Shown: Cynthia Steffe (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Bomber Jacket ($29.99), Leather Ladies’ Jacket ($34.99), Leather Motorcycle Jacket ($298)

Trench Coat

The Classic Trench Coat, created and made popular by Burberry, is definitely the biggest coat trend this season. If you have just one coat this season, it should be this one. You can wear it with almost any style. Pair it with a slightly longer dress for a feminine look.

Shown: Tommy Hilfiger (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Safari Trench Coat ($39.99), Polka Dot Trench Coat ($32.99), Mike & Chris Trench Coat ($311)

Plaid

Plaid Coat

Plaid is a very trendy pattern this Fall. Plaid blazers, trenches, capes and swing coats are all easy to find this season. Because of the pattern, this shouldn’t be your only coat. Plaid can’t be paired with everything!

Shown: Ralph Lauren (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Plaid Jacket ($26.99), Plaid Trench ($84), Baby Phat Plaid Coat ($111.75)

Cape

Fall 2008 Coats

I was surprised to see this style on the runways this season. Capes are very classic and have been previously worn mostly by older women. It’s a very sophisticated style that can be a great choice for a dressy event. Just remember that the Cape is not always super warm because it’s so drapey.

Shown: Ralph Lauren (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Nordstrom Cape ($378), Wool Cape ($198), Wool Cape Coat with Belt ($122.50)

3/4 sleeves

3/4 sleeve coat

Coats with cropped sleeves are a nice way to show off what you’re wearing underneath. Paired with a scarf, skinny jeans and tall boots to attain an edgy look.

Shown: Cynthia Steffe (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Sunner Mayfair ($124.79), Belted Coat ($128), Cropped Peplum Jacket ($78)

Cropped

Cropped Jacket

Like the 3/4 sleeves, this look is a little bit edgier than traditional coats or trenches. The Cropped Coat looks great paired with High-Waisted pants or skirts. Or, if your outfit is centered around a really great belt, wear a Cropped Coat to leave your waist exposed.

Shown: Diesel (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Cropped Jacket ($34.99), Mike & Chris Cropped Trench ($319), Guess Cropped Wool ($89.50)

Feminine

Feminine Coat

Adding ruffles, bows, pleats or dress-like cuts to coats makes them look very feminine. Just as the edgy look is in this Fall, the feminine, girly look is popular as well. Wear with dresses, tights, peep-toe heels and skinny jeans.

Shown: DKNY (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), A-Line Button Coat ($32.99), Button Ruffle Coat ($78), Pleated Collar Coat ($28.99)

Swing Coat

Swing Jacket

Swing Coats generally have empire waists and flare out a bit below the breasts. This is great if you are looking for something less constricting around your mid-section.

Shown: Cynthia Steffe (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Double-Breasted Swing Jacket ($26.99), Swing Jacket ($24.99), Swing Coat ($57.99)

Fur

Okay, so I totally think you need to go faux with this trend for obvious reasons. LOTS of designers used this as an accent in their Fall 2008 collections. Only a couple, however, showed full fur coats.

Shown: Carlos Miele (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Red Fox Jacket ($299), Fur Trimmed Jacket ($199), Juicy Couture ($415.80)

Military

Military Jackets

This is definitely my favorite Fall 2008 coat style. Military-inspired coats are usually detailed with brass buttons and are cut very slimly to remain feminine. Wear these coats with skirts, tights and tall boots.

Diane von Furstenberg Smarty Jones Trench Coat

Shown: Moschino (Style.com), Leather Military Jacket ($79), Diane von Furstenberg ($425), Military Trench ($36.99)

What Do You Think?

Are you going to be creative with your outerwear this season? Or, will you stick with the good ‘ole peacoat? Which of these styles are must-haves and which are dispensable?
Leave your comments!

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2 Responses

Discount Fashion | SSaSy Chic Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 10:40 am
[...] And, it’s great with Skinny Jeans! This sweater is a more versatile version of the Swing Coat. And, it’s only [...]
Fashion Discounts, Coupons and Sales | SSaSy Chic Says:
October 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
[...] Medium This basic cardigan is a classic piece that every wardrobe needs. Dress it up or down and add it to whatever your signature style is and it will fit perfectly. This cardigan is on sale for $32.99. For more cardigans, read Top 10 Classic Fashion Essentials. I am in love with yellow coats this Fall! This one is super stylish. A mix between a peacoat and a swing coat, it’s the perfect wear to work coat. It’s been discounted from $69.95 to $41.97. For more coats, read Fall 2008 Coat Trends. [...]