Despite what some naysayers might think, the fashion world is not entirely immune to the charms of practical clothing. Albeit such items are often a fleeting trend, but there are some that have proved their worth so well that they can withstand changing tastes with impressive resilience.
One such indispensable item is the down coat, which – along with its siblings the down vest and the down jacket – is a certified winter wardrobe staple.
That status is thanks in no small part to the technical wizardry of Uniqlo. It’s hard to name a clothing category in which the Japanese brand doesn’t excel, but surely it is best loved in Britain for its revolutionary ultra light down, a super slimline padding that keeps you well and truly toasty without adding excess bulk or making movement difficult. It’s amazing as outerwear in its own right, but it’s also the style set’s secret to making a transitional piece such as a trench, a leather jacket or even a blazer work in the winter months too.
Whether traditional feathers or technically made, the comfort and warmth of down has been embraced by nearly every demographic, from tiny tots to older generations, so when it comes to achieving the look that you want, intention is everything.
First things first, you need to find the coat that’s right for you. Details such as diamond, linear or even seamless down quilting all create different looks – the Seamless down, for instance, allows for greater water resistance than traditional stitched pockets. But what’s really important is that the shape, fit and length of the coat are right for your own size and proportions, as well as how you like to dress.
Next comes the art of layering. A key rule to remember if you want to achieve a put together look rather than something more throw-on-and-go, is to let the coat take the lead, meaning using its length, style and shape to inform the other items in your ensemble.
Puffertech, for instance, looks great layered over a more relaxed outfit such as a vibrant cashmere turtleneck and jeans. Take the look to the next level with an oversized fleece cardigan, layered on top of a simple white T-shirt, and wear the jacket open, should the weather allow. A wide pair of trousers will balance the bulkiness of the top half, but if a fully relaxed fit isn’t for you, consider a barrel leg cut for a more defined shape.
A sportier style coat will, of course, work brilliantly with sleek and comfortable athleisure, but, somewhat surprisingly, sophisticated pieces create a counterbalance that feels very modern. In womenswear terms, think a tailored skirt and blouse, while men can turn to traditional tailoring to achieve the look, opting for a lightweight but warm knit instead of a classic cotton shirt for a sophisticated look.
The down vest has graduated from a useful layer to outerwear in its own right, and has benefited from a bit of a glow-up to boot. On women, a cropped, boxy shape looks great worn with a swishy skirt and chunky knit. While men can experiment with layering a vest under a jacket in order to achieve a more directional look.
Accessories are always a fun way of keeping things fresh when it comes to styling, which will really help come the seemingly interminable last stretch of winter when it feels like you’ve worn the same items forever. Bright colours or pastels will pop against a dark coat, while khaki green looks great with greys and berry tones. Keep chunkier knits for more relaxed ensembles and neat accessories for more polished looks.
If you’re a statement scarf kind of person, then choose a collarless and hoodless coat so you can create an impressive drape without getting tangled. The same principle applies to a crossbody bag, not just a convenient hands-free accessory but a piece that can pull your look together in an instant.
No matter what look you’re going for, the right coat will accentuate your outfit and make those long winter months just a little more bearable …
Shop Uniqlo’s down coat collection at uniqlo.com
