October 25th, 2007
Red made a huge comeback last season but red coats were few and far between. Despite the fact that jewel tones are all the rage right now, gorgeous red coats started gushing into stores a few weeks ago. And it’s about time. I haven’t been enthused by colourful coats all season. A superb coat is always a statement, and a perfect red one even more so.
Not all red coats are created equally. The wrong red coat can look cheap (just like bad patent). Apart from watching cut and fit, you’ll need to be extra discerning about fabrication, button choice and the actual shade of red. Red coats tend to look best in rich luxurious shades and better-end wools. I personally prefer the look of contrasting buttons on red coats, but buttons that are dyed to match will also work.
I am constantly surprised at how many people actually love the colour red (I’m one of them). And you have to love red if you’re going to commit to an entire coat in the colour. Remember that although red is bright, it is a basic colour and will therefore date less than many fashion colours. Red coats are classy when mixed with items in the conventional black, grey and winter white palette. But I’m liking my red coat best mixed with warm winter yellow, ink blue and cobalt this season. The combinations are fresh, new and exciting.
If it fits your shopping plan and budget, now is a good time to add a red coat to your wardrobe. There’s nothing like a bright coat to brighten up a cold Winters day.
A few red coat favourites in stores at the moment (Guess and Mango). There are also some fab styles at Banana Republic, Tulle, Benetton and J Crew.
This entry is filed under Autumn 2007, Colour, Winter 2007/2008.
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12 Replies
Posted on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 at 7:45 am
I am so excited – I have been bored with grey and black winter coats and can’t wait to try on an array of red ones to find *the* one 
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Red is one of my favorite colors, especially since traditional basic colors tend to wash me out. I recently purchased a raspberry-colored coat from Ann Taylor Loft. I love it and I was surprised how well it goes with the other colors in my wardrobe.
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Yay for red! I love red and I have a red rain coat which has seen better days now. One thing I liked about my red coat was that when my kids or husband were looking for me in a busy area, or shopping they could spot me right away. I will have to run out and look at the winter coats!
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I love red even though I didn’t when I was young. What changed, I don’t know, but I’m glad I came around to it.
Did you see the hooded jacket I posted @
http://fashion.thebargainqueen.....t-us15999/ ?
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Oooooh, I’m so in love with the first coat from left!
My eyes and hair are dark, so i can’t wear black unless my hair is really short or I have it in a ponytail or bun. But red is always a must, and I’ve had garments in that color since I was a teenager.
What I’ve just discovered is how to mix red with very pale and soft pink. It’s even better than the classic red + white.
Have a great weekend!
Posted on October 26th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Yay! I love red in tops, dresses, accessories and coats! I’m not brave enough to wear a red suit yet, but maybe one day…
I was able to grab a red wool coat with hood by Marc Jacobs from Nordstrom Rack a few years back for only $80, it’s still cute as all heck but the pretty lining got all bunched up and ripped from me wearing “embellished” tops. I’ve heard that it’s expensive to replace linings. Has anyone here tried to replace coat linings before and know how much it costs? My coat is mid-thigh length.
Posted on October 27th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
That’s such a shame Lulu. Replacing a coat lining is expensive and will probably set you back between $60-$90…which is virtually what you paid for the coat. You’ll need to weigh up the cost of the repair with the cost of a new coat on sale and see where you stand.
Hope that you find that new red eye-catching coat Yvonne and I love the way you are thinking out of the box with your colour palette Julia. Red and the right pink is a fab combination…very Japanese I think.
Posted on October 27th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
LOVE red coats, haven’t owned one in a while so I just may have to get one this season…I also adore red and pink, it’s a match made in heaven.
Posted on October 30th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I have an electric red coat I found at a vintage shop years ago that I just started wearing regularly. It has the added advantage of making cars see me more easily (my commute includes a bunch of walking). The only question I have: Since my coat is more of a bright red than a muted red, can it be worn as an every day coat? Or just once in awhile?
Posted on November 3rd, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Your “new” red coat sounds wonderful and practical Stephanie. I see no problem with wearing your bright red coat during the day and everyday of you adore the colour and it makes you happy.
Posted on November 3rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Hi I was wondering what colours can be matched with the red coat? besides black?
Posted on November 15th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I just bought a double breasted red coat from Guess for under $200! It’s beautiful and red is my favorite color. I’m still on the lookout for a nice black one, but I think every strong female should own at least one red coat. Thanks for writing this.
Posted on January 19th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
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