This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

For me, one the best things about winter is going into my wardrobe and bringing out some of my favourite coats! It also allows me to hit the shops and buy that new coat I wanted (but probably don’t need, especially when I look at my poor bank account).

There are so many styles of coats to choose from, and fashions have changed so much over the years. So what have been the most popular trends over the years?

Coats in the 40’s

A popular style in the 1940s (we’re going way back here) was the wool trench coat, with pointed collars, buttons down the front and a belt to tie the whole thing together. It was a sophisticated style that suited both men and women, and it is a style that remains popular today.

The polo or box coat is one of the most iconic coats of the 40s and 50s; with a straight, wide, oversized shape. They were great light coats to wear, and if it was feeling a bit chilly you could always opt for the longer swagger coat.

Coats in the 50’s

Coats in this time often had a full style, with swingy and fitted coats also being popular. Like the 40’s, the box and swagger coats were often worn. These full coats had a triangular shape, large cuffs and collars, and wide sleeves. To match the silhouettes seen in the 50’s, coats often had belts to exaggerate the waist with a flared bottom. Royal blue, dusty rose, and dark red were some of the colours of choice.

Coats in the 60’s

The 60’s saw the rising popularity of the cocoon style, with the coat flaring out from the shoulders, and the sleeves cut as part of the body of the coat. Plaid and tweed were very popular, and these were often paired with styles such as the pea coat. This was a short double breasted coat formerly worn by sailors whereas the other popular style, the empire coat, had an A- line fit, giving a flattering high waisted appearance. The cape coat, however, was great for movement. Many of these styles had fur collars to finish off their look…

Coats in the 70’s

The wrap coat was the coat for the 70’s, and could be seen in all types of materials – wool, tweed, cashmere; and the cinched in belt flattered all figures. With clothing becoming less formal and more casual, there was a rise in denim jackets and leather coats. These were often shorter jackets due to more and more women wearing trousers. By the end of the 70’s, straighter silhouettes were chosen in favour over the belted styles, and larger shoulder pads started to arise.

Coats in the 80’s

Denim jackets were for men and women and seen regularly throughout the 80’s, and with many influenced by heavy metal bands, the acid wash jean jacket was particularly popular. Leather bomber jackets, originally designed for pilots in WW1, became a fashion statement during the 80’s, helped by the movie Top Gun where Tom Cruise famously wears the leather bomber jacket. This was not the only time during the 80’s when movies influenced fashion, with Michael Fox donning the letterman jacket during the movie Teen Wolf which led to the rise in their popularity.

Coats in the 90’s

Puffa coats and jackets were the popular style in the 90’s. They were nice big snugly coats, perfect for winter and a great addition to the grungy style that was so popular. Bright coloured windbreakers were also all the range, often decorated with patterns and block colours.

What to wear this winter?

So after that quick history lesson, what should be your staple coats this winter? Well, shearling is the material for this season – no matter what the style, this fluffy material is a great way to keep warm this winter. A great way to brighten up your outfit is with light bright shades you’d except to see in the height of summer; think pinks, oranges, and baby blues. Toggle coats have been given a grownup revamp as well, and camel is the perfect colour for these coats this winter. Last, but not least, is the oversized coat, with sloping shoulders – this is a great coat for all figures and should fall to your shins.

With so many different styles out there, which coat will you be wearing this winter?

Edited by: Sarah Holmes

Sources:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/try-this-easy-af-trick-for-saving-money-while-buying?utm_term=.tmxZGwqBx#.abPkmGXDO

http://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-coats-women/

http://vintagedancer.com/1950s/1950s-style-swing-coats/

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/1960s-Pauline-Trigere-Elegant-Slim-Dres…

https://wanelo.co/shop/wrap-coat-sewing-pattern

https://www.pinterest.com/myeileen_15/fall-winter-fashion-inspiration/

http://www.instyle.com/awards-events/fashion-week/new-york-fashion-week/…