My Mom recently mentioned that she was getting frustrated with her winter clothing options. She, like me, loves a good uniform for getting dressed in the morning, but now that the weather is cooling, she needs an upgrade.
She had been eyeing up some new trends lately, but many of them either didn’t flatter her petite self (she’s teeeeny tiiiny), or they just weren’t her style. As a thought experiment, I asked my mom what her favorite outfit of all time had been. At any age! From any decade! Her answer…surprised me.
“A maxi coat,” she said. “All of my favorite outfits started with this one particular maxi coat. It went over everything: little dresses and boots, flares…” She stared wistfully off in the distance. “God, I loved that coat.”
coat** (s) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
**Meets our standards for sustainability
A maxi coat has never been on my radar. I’ve always thought that I was too short, or maxi coats too fancy a vibe. But my mother is neither tall nor fancy, and when a stylish 70-something tells me her best buy of all time was a maxi coat…I listen.
4 Seriously Cute Maxi Coats I’d Happily Wear (or Gift)
Frankly, I had started my maxi coat search as a way of finding a Christmas gift for Mom. I’m not yet convinced that one of these four are for her (I think she’d prefer emerald green or navy)…but wow. As I searched and searched (and tried many on)…it turns out I realllllly like a good maxi coat.
Like mother, like daughter.
coat** (s) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
So here are four outfit-making maxi coats. Like Mom said, they really do look good over everything — jeans, dresses, trousers skirts — and they’re warm, too.
1. Ralph Lauren Maxi Reefer Coat in Camel
coat | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
This gorgeous maxi (reefer?) coat by Ralph Lauren is a classic stunner. I love the color, the drape and the cool cuffs. It has a bit of a skirted shape which gives it a vintage vibe that I’m oddly into.
coat | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Fit Notes: Most Ralph Lauren coats run big, and this is no exception. I’m wearing a size 0, and while it fit perfectly in the shoulders, I can still layer a thick sweater underneath. It’s roughly 48″ in length. This coat is also available in black.
2. Kenneth Cole Double-Breasted Maxi Coat in Camel
coat | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Kenneth Cole’s maxi coat is roughly $100 less than Ralph Lauren’s, and the biggest difference I noted was in the drape of the fabric. This coat is made from 100% wool, instead of the wool/cashmere/polyester/cotton blend of the Ralph Lauren maxi coat. That said, this coat is plenty warm, and the back detail is gorgeous.
coat | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Fit notes: The armholes are nice and high, giving this coat a really tailored fit, and looks good even when buttoned. The coat runs very TTS (I’m wearing a size 2). It’s roughly 48″ in length. This coat comes in black, also but I was also able to find it in navy, here.
coat | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
3. Reformation York Coat in Black & White Check
coat** (xs) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Reformation’s York Coat is made from a deadstock fabric (think: aging, leftover fabric from other factories) and I LOVE it. Sadly, the XS that I’m wearing is too small; I could barely button it up. Also, Ref’s coats have a more streamlined, straight shape than the other two, so they may be challenging for curvier mamas.
**Meets our standards for sustainability
coat** (xs) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
4. Reformation York Coat In Light Gray Plaid
coat** (s) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Another one of Reformation’s York coats, but in plaid. There’s no doubt that the giant plaid makes quite a statement, which, admittedly, might be a bit overwhelming on my 5’3″ frame. I don’t care, however — this coat is stunning. Like Reformation’s black/white checked coat above, this coat is also sustainably made from deadstock fabric.
coat** (s) | sweater** (s) | jeans** (26) | boots
Shop Maxi Coats
My favorite maxi coats are the four I highlighted above, but if money was no object, I’d go with this coat from Sentaler. I was invited to their showroom years ago, and never forgot the beauty and quality of their coats. I’ve yet to splurge, but am tempted.
And here are a few additional maxi coats below, just for fun.
Neutral Maxi Coats (In Camel or Black)
Navy & Green Maxi Coats
Plaid Maxi Coats
As I mentioned, I’m still trying to find the perfect coat for my mom. I may have to order that Fluerette coat in ‘midnight’ to see if it is, indeed, as good as it looks. High hopes.
xo,
S
photo credits: Redfield Photography
