The all-weather coat dress

No matter the weather outside, coats are making their way into closets as more than fashionable outerwear. Dresses this season are inspired by thick belts, large buttons and sleek lapels. The coat dress, sometimes referred to as the trench, is splashing into many collections this season. Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane, who has done collaborations with trendy boutiques like London’s TopShop, created a plunge v-neck wool coatdress. The neutral sleeveless piece features two rows of silver buttons, similar to other traditional British coats outerwear. Burberry, one of England’s most classic brands established in 1856, yet again does brilliantly to intertwine the traditional with the modern. The navy coat dress looks similar to a classic Burberry trench: two rows of shiny navy buttons down the bodice, a large navy wrap tie, and a high collar. The sleeves end just before the elbow, also with tightening straps typically seen on outerwear coats. Celebrity fashion stylist Rachel Zoe started her own clothing line in 2011, and has incorporated many different styles into her coatdress. The khaki coloured piece features auburn leather appliques on the shoulders and high back. There is a fitted bodice with a high collar and a large circle skirt separated by a circle studded thick, flat belt. Lastly, Italian fashion house Dolce &Gabbana created a stunning feminine coatdress. The high collared piece features crystal buttons from the high neckline to the base of the hem. The pale blue brocade piece is very proper, and would be fit for the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, on any occasion. Celebrities are brining this style to the streets with class and grace. British socialite Alexa Chung wore a white tweed coatdress to a recent event. The high half collar and the jeweled buttons made it look both feminine and modern. She paired with a black classic Chancel purse and blue and white striped satin shoes. Model and former Project Runway judge Heidi Klum wore a leather Jitrois coat dress to the Sports Illustrated 50th anniversary. The long sleeved red leather dress was perfect for the occasion. She paired it with matching red pumps and sleek bangs and hair. Model Diane Kruger took a look directly off the runway with an Emilia Wickstead dress. Diane paired with a red clutch and red satin shoes. The stunning American actress Leelee Sobieski, who first came to fame in the film Deep Impact, can’t get enough of her Christian Dior coat dresses. She wore the black version with slick back hair and black ankle strap satin shoes for a night out. To a film event, she wore the red version with a metallic belt and nude pointed toe pumps. Coat dresses have a lot of versatility for style. If you like the classic approach: think Alexa Chung or Diane Kruger with satins and tweeds as fabric. If you like the more seductive approach, go with Heidi Klum’s style with leather. If you like the feminine approach, go for a trench dress with a large skirt. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way to fashion@newtimes.co.rw.