THE JOURNAL
The inexorable passage of time can produce an emotional conundrum: are we sad to see the summer go, or thrilled to purchase an amazing new winter coat? At MR PORTER, after surveying the coats available this season, we’re leaning towards the latter. Sure, we’re heading in the direction of a collective vitamin D deficiency, but have you seen Dries Van Noten’s puffers? Or Saman Amel’s raincoats? The oily fish that you have to eat is worth it just to have these new staples in your life.
Even if you have an old faithful that has seen you through cold weather from year to year, allow us to convince you to add a couple of beautiful new jackets to your collection. You can never have too many coats, after all. And we would argue that every man should have at least one of each of the below in their arsenal.
01.
The shearling coat
Let’s start with shearling. Year after year, shearling coats have returned as the cosy-yet-super stylish outerwear staple. This new iteration, from LOEWE, is one for the books. Though it eschews the classic bomber shape of the original pilot style, it maintains some of the trappings – a wide collar and buckles at the neck – as well as the dark brown/clean cream colour scheme. The simple silhouette ensures that it will not fall prey to trends as easily as a more directional shape will. In other words: you will be able to wear this for years to come.
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02.
The down jacket
When the mercury drops below [insert temperature at which your lips start to turn blue], it’s imperative that you have a puffer on the peg. But this year, instead of grabbing a technical piece with so many bells and whistles and reflector strips you could work in Antarctica, why not go for a more, ahem, fashion option. Dries Van Noten (the king of coats) has created just the thing. Wrought in a calming oatmeal shade, it’s a far cry from high-vis performance wear, but it will still keep you nice and toasty. Its simplicity also means that it goes with just about anything – though we like it with elegant jeans and classic loafers.
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03.
The bomber jacket
True, this is a jacket not a coat – a more transitional layer for liminal seasons. But because of its lightweight nature and slim silhouette, the bomber jacket is incredibly versatile, sporty and elegant in equal measure. Brunello Cucinelli’s take lends the piece an extra luxe quality that goes well with classic wool trousers and Chelsea boots. A bomber like this isn’t a show piece and that’s OK (maybe even preferable) because it allows you to keep your whole look low-key.
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04.
The rain coat
It can feel a little frivolous to keep a coat in your closet that serves only one purpose. So, get yourself a raincoat that you can wear even when the sun is out. Enter the Stallina parka from Stone Island. Made from wind and waterproof nylon, this understated shell coat will keep you warm and dry – while also cutting an impressive figure. Layer it over a padded vest or cosy sweater and accessorise with an off-duty cap, or pull it on over a suit for work. This raincoat is a staple you won’t regret buying.
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05.
The overcoat
Finally, an overcoat. Perfect for suit days or jeans days or a trip to the countryside or an evening out. An overcoat lends just about any outfit a clean, grown-up, put-together energy that’s worth its weight in gold. The modern tailors at Saman Amel crafted this investment piece from 100 per cent cashmere (so grab some moth deterrent while you’re at it) and cast it in a lovely chocolate hue. We love it over creams and blues – a luxurious palette that will stand out in its simplicity and elegance.