Best men's overcoats for 2024 - wear them casually as well as formally
A lot of people gave up their smart overcoats during lockdown, and until recently hadn't really returned to wearing them as much. They either weren't going into the office or were only dressing in smart casual looks which they could wear a more casual jacket with.
But just recently I've been shopping for more proper overcoats with clients. I'm encouraging them to wear them not just with tailoring but with casual jeans and jumpers as well.
I think they look really cool styled with chunky knits, hoodies, baseball caps and trainers or boots. And this way you can get full wear from them, instead of just keeping them to go over a suit.
I love how Simon Crompton from Permanent Style blog dissects all the details of this overcoat sold via his site, and shows it worn in multiple different ways. I think you need to be fairly tall or big to carry off this style, as it's quite long, double breasted and has quite a large herringbone pattern. It could overtake you if you're smaller or shorter than he is (about 6 foot).
The English tweed overcoat - Permanent Style - £1042
More of a classic style - if you always stick to plain black or navy, or you already have options for those, then this would be a great alternative. Wear it with a navy hoody and denim for weekends, a camel knitted polo and slim cut cords for going out or a pale blue Oxford shirt and navy chinos for weekdays,
Checked brushed wool blend overcoat for men - Mr P at Mr Porter - £675
This was the starting point for this blog as I loved this coat from Drakes so much. The raglan sleeves and oversized boxy shape make it look very contemporary. And when styled with these loose fit cords (which I'd roll up) and the fair isle socks, it gives it just that bit of an edge, without looking like you've tried too hard - one of those things most guys want to avoid.
If you'd prefer to stay more classic, then avoid the oversized, raglan sleeve styles, and go for a fitted shape with a set in sleeve (more like the previous one) and wear it with slim cut trousers.
It depends a lot on your 'style personality' as to which you choose and which feels more like 'you'. And if you don't know then book in with me for a Colour & Style Consultation and I'll help you fathom it out.
Herringbone wool raglan coat - Drakes - £1,395
Sand cotton and cashmere shirt - Sirplus - £150
Black cord 'Assembly' pants - Folk - £95
Fairisle socks - Beams Plus at The Hip Store - £19
'Sam' men's black suede chukka boot with crepe sole - Sanders - £255
A client pointed this one out to me (hey, did you get it if you're reading this???) as he wanted something a little quirky and slightly different from the norm, and I agreed that this was a great option.
It's got quite a few different shades in the check, so would go with lots of colours - black, navy, beige, brown and burgundy, making it very versatile. The smaller check and shorter length make it easy to wear and the double breasted fastening gives is some interest and looks modern.
I can imagine this being worn over a cord suit (or any suit for that matter) or with a cream chunky sweater, worn in jeans and boots. Or similar to how it's shown with a burgundy roll neck and smart trousers.
Wool and cashmere regular fit double breasted coat - Montedoro at Slowear - £1330
I used to have a coat very similar to this one back in the 80s! I wore it with cargo pants, a grey slouchy jumper and red boxer boots (maybe swap them for red high top Converse?) which could easily be translated into a menswear look for today.......and with a revival of the 80s trends, it'd look very 'now'.
I've always taken inspiration from menswear (maybe that's why I now work with guys) and I think it can go the other way too. For example, I recently recommended one of my clients to follow a girl on Instagram who dresses in the female version of the style he's aiming for, and I've also seen a post on the Permanent Style blog about lessons you can learn from womenswear recently too.
Devonshire Prince of Wales Harris tweed overcoat in grey - Trunk Clothiers - £895
Are you fed up with looking okay but not great? You know you could look better / more interesting / have a bit more variety in your wardrobe instead of going back to the same old places, and buying the same old things, but you just don't know where to start?
Then check out my new 2024 Style Dial-Up package and I'll help you take charge of your wardrobe and find things that feel like 'you', only better! Click the button below to find out more:
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