The man coat is a wool coat that is shaped like a modern classic menswear coat. Its silhouette is often knee-length, with a narrow revere collar, angular lapels, low stance and horizontal welted pockets. It can be single or double breasted, and with no more than two rows of buttons. It is cut straight through the torso with a slightly sharp shoulder. There is little waist definition, and it hangs as beautifully open as it does buttoned up. It’s a very masculine looking coat that is the opposite of playful, feminine, whimsical, arty, avant-garde and flirty. 

The man coat is one of the “new” coat looks for this season and seasons to follow. It’s pretty fringe at the moment, but might gain popularity over the years. Yes, it looks like a classic coat that has been around for ages. And it has — in the menswear department. But that ultra low stance, straight roomy fit on the waist, and sculptured shoulder make it a pretty different version to what’s been on offer in ladies wear. And 20 years ago, a similar silhouette had sky-high shoulder pads and side entry pockets. It’s as if you bought the man coat in the menswear department this year. To my eye it is a fresh wool coat shape. 

The style does come with warning bells. First, if you like coats that define the waist, bypass this style. It will not give you a tailored shape around the torso. It’s not as deliberately sack-like and voluminous as a cocoon coat, but it’s pretty shapeless, and especially unstructured at the back. That’s the point of the style. Second, you will need a scarf to stay warm in this coat when it’s really cold (but not cold enough for a puffer coat). The low stance is not as insulating as a high stance of a large collared coat. 

I want my next coat to be a man coat because I’m in love with the silhouette. It’s deliciously plain, crisp and strict. I adore the simplicity and unstructured structure of the design. Beautifully tailored on the shoulders and hips, but not on the torso. The low stance is fashion forward and very current. It drapes like a dream in a quality fabric. And since all my wool coats are tailored, I welcome this silhouette as a fun change. 

I pinned some street style shots of the man coat in stylish action and the pictures illustrate the versatility:  

• With jeans, sweater and sneakers
• Dressed up over a layered sheath dress
• With shirt, blazer, tapered pants and pumps
• Over a sleek column of colour
• Easy turtleneck, jeans and flat booties

Over to you. Do you like the new man coat?

You are on Team Colour Block if you prefer wearing colour blocked items to patterned items. And vice versa if you prefer patterns. Colour blocking does not have to mean high contrast combinations. It can be subtle, like black sleeves and collar on a dark blue jacket. Or a black tuxedo stripe down the leg of charcoal pants. 

On the pattern team, absolutely any type of pattern counts. Florals, conversational prints, stripes, photographic digital patterns, animal print, polka dots, checks and paisley.

As much as I adore a solid statement of brights and neutrals, I enjoy the punchy effect of a pattern and the interest created by pattern mixing. I prefer classic geometric patterns like stripes, dots and checks. I also love a romantic and happy floral and animal print on footwear.

On the other hand, my love for graphic black and white outfits means that colour blocking is also close to my heart. And I enjoy wearing both low and high contrast colour blocked items. 

I can’t choose a side so I’m sitting this one out on the bench with fish tacos, guacamole and jalapeno lemonade. Over to you. Do you bat for Team Pattern or Team Colour Block? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

In the midst of international fashion-week madness, Telegraph journalist Lisa Armstrong offers her take on which ones matter and how she sees them going forward.

While tens of millions of people are following fashion week reportage on social media, prominent consumer brands are turning to the industry’s social media stars to advertise their wares.

According to Fashionista,”Industry insiders agree that in the age of near-instantaneous runway images and livestreams, fashion week needs to be rethought“. 

Fab Links from Our Members

Laurinda informs us that Pantone’s Spring 2014 colour forecast for women’s and men’s fashion is out. She is happy to see some pretty blues and oranges for both men and women. Which colours are speaking to you the most?

Diana was really touched by this story about how a thrifted coat brought together a group of women in their battle against cancer.

Angie voted the Moschino Spring 2014 show at Milan Fashion Week the most fun. Teddy bear hats, astronomical bows, the largest cow print you’ve seen in your life, bunny ears and aircraft headgear. All amidst a romantic and graphic collection of black, white, red and pink. 

Vildy liked this demonstration of using the shape and placement of your facial features, as well as visual weight of your hair, in selecting prints.

And last but not least, Annagybe loves these ballet costumes designed by Prabal Gurung, Iris Van Herpen and Olivier Theyskens for the New York City Ballet.

This is one of my favourite ways to wear dressy bootcut trousers at the moment. Not with a blouse, shirt, or knitted top, but with a luxurious fluid pullover, or upscale sweatshirt. Something about the combination feels more modern and current. Wear the top untucked, or semi and faux tucked, with or without a belt. Add pretty shoes, a trench or wool coat, and you’re sorted. Easy, relaxed, polished and very comfortable. I’m even loving leaving off the jacket, which is unusual for me because I love jackets. But when it’s colder, I will add in the jacket as a layer under my coat. 

There are two ways to approach the top part of the outfit formula: 

1. Wear a pullover with sparkle or embellishment which creates enough visual interest to leave off the belt and eye-catching shoes. In some instances a patterned pullover or upscale sweatshirt will work as well.  
2. Wear a solid pullover, but add in a belt and statement shoes to compensate for the lack of jewellery and embellishment. 

Choose any colour palette. I’ve chosen black and grey bottoms because they are mainstream. I’m inspired by the colours of Spring 2014 on the runways of fashion week, so I’ve added blush, citron, gold and black into the mix.

Here are the components:

• Bootcut Trousers: Fabulous fit is key. You’re after great drape and long pant lengths in a wool or wool blend. Neutrals like black, grey, taupe, navy, brown or a pinstripe are versatile. Throw in a pair of bootcut tuxedo trousers too. 
• Pullover: You can go the embellished, patterned and bling-y route. Or the solid and plainer route by adding in the bells and whistles with statement shoes and belt. Choose luxe fabrications and a slightly roomy fit with a neckline of your choice. A welt on the hem creates structure so I’m all for that when matching this style of pullover with fluid bootcuts. High-low hemlines are another option. Leave the top untucked, or casually tucked. Scrunch the sleeves for structure. 
• Shoes: I vote pointy or almond toe heeled booties or pumps because pointy toes are a perfect match for wider hems. But round toes will also work, so don’t worry if you can’t wear or don’t like pointy toe footwear. I like to add an eye-catching shoe to the version with the solid plain pullover because it makes the outfit pop. I’d also add a belt to faux tuck the pullover, but that’s not essential. 
• Topper: Choose a trench coat, wool coat, or a dressy leather jacket if you need an extra layer. 
• Accessories: A structured bag adds a dressy touch to the outfit. An angular clutch will do the trick too. Incorporate jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

It’s a simple outfit where the individual pieces need to be strong and hold their own because you aren’t masking any imperfections with extra layers and scarves. 

Here’s a street style example of the formula in action. Lots of fabulous swagger and movement in that outfit. It’s one way to wear a more casual business casual outfit, or simply at times when you don’t want to dress up jeans.