New Trend Alert: Why You Should Start Wearing Two Coats Instead of One

Every year, mid-March introduces a tricky fashion dilemma, thanks to temps that swing wildly from cold to warm in a span of only a few hours.  Take today, for instance: It started out at a wintry 35 degrees, but by midday, it’s expected to reach a balmy 61 degrees. Here, the conundrum: Do I wear an ankle-length puffer to accommodate near-freezing mornings? Or, do I opt for a moto jacket for lunch runs outside? The answer, I’ve found, is easy: Just wear ’em both.

During Fashion Month, a coat-layering trend burgeoned. Here was yet another way for fashion’s boldest to sneak extra patterns and textures into their looks while also accommodating the tricky in-between weather of New York, London and Paris during February and March. Unlike some of the less accessible street-style trends, this one totally worked and we found ourselves dying to replicate it.  

To steal the look, simply follow this formula: Pick a main coat (this will be your top layer) that is long and structured enough to cover your base layer. Then, pick your secondary coat (this will be worn under your top layer). Your secondary coat should be a different texture, color or pattern from the top layer while remaining complementary. A spangly sequin coat becomes wearable for daytime when paired with a utilitarian coat; an otherwise loud floral coat gets a tomboy touch from denim. After all, Jenna Lyons has been doing it for years, so it must be good.

The Details: Look 1.) Cotton Parka, $129 at Zara, and Rory Long Jacket, $1,098 at Alice and Olivia; Look 2.) T by Alexander Wang Donegal Coat, $398 at The Outnet, and Leather Biker Jacket, $249 at Zara; Look 3.) Collection Noir Floral Bonded Coat, $699.99 at J.Crew, and Vintage Denim Jacket in Recycled Indigo Wash, $89.99 at J.Crew; Look 4.)Adam Lippes Satin-Trimmed Wool-Blend Coat, $2,190 at Net-a-Porter, and Caron Callahan Harbour Coat, $460 at Steven Alan.