The chosen outerwear of fancy gentlemen, the topcoat has definitely been getting more play in recent years – both in the sense of being worn more, and being worn more, casually. The tailored shape is universally flattering, and could even give someone wearing sweatpants an air of sophistication. With the continually increasing popularity of casual clothing for everything, it’s refreshing to see a more structured, formal style move into the spotlight.
THE TOPCOAT: HARDY AMIES, $1,300
A topcoat is the perfect piece of outerwear to throw over anything to instantly elevate your look. Below, 5 ways to wear yours.
MONDAY
Suit: Suit Supply, $400 | Shirt: Strong Suit, $125 | Tie: The Tie Bar, $19
Glasses: Steven Alan, $195 | Shoes: Florsheim, $130 | Umbrella: Swims, $69
Wear it well: Keep brights around for winter by pairing them with pastels, grays and darker shades.
TUESDAY
Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger, $42 | V-neck Sweater: Banana Republic, $70 | Joggers: Scotch & Soda, $150
Puffer Vest: Abercrombie & Fitch, $80 | Socks: HUF, $12 | Sneakers: Adidas, $75
Wear it well: Tuck the shirt into the joggers, pull the sweater over the waistband, and layer the puffer vest under the topcoat for a casual cool look.
WEDNESDAY
Tee: H&M, $25 | Jeans: AG, $191 | Chelsea Boot: Johnston & Murphy, $198
Sunglasses: Raen Optics, $135 | Wallet: Jack Spade, $78 | Scarf: Grayers, $65
Wear it well: A cool striped tee and clean jeans bring the topcoat down to earth.
THURSDAY
Pullover: Saturdays, $175 |Pants: Brixton, $65 | Lace up Boots: Frye, $240
Pocket Square: Knottery, $35 | Socks: Jack Wills, $13 | Glasses: Warby Parker, $95
Wear it well: Layer a top of the same color under your topcoat for a look that feels similar indoors and out.
FRIDAY
Sweater: Brooks Brothers, $448 | OCBD: L.L. Bean, $45 | Chinos: J.Crew, $75
Weekender: Everlane, $98 | Belt: Land’s End, $50 | Duck Chukkas: Sperry, $140
Wear it well: Pair your topcoat with classic sportswear pieces for a country gentlemen vibe.
TELL ME:
WHERE DO YOU WEAR YOUR TOPCOAT?
Gabi
Meyers is a former intern, turned regular contributor at Style Girlfriend. She lives in Philadelphia and works as a personal stylist at Anthropologie. She likes to instagram dogs and other things at @gabi_meyers.
Want more wear out of other styles? See how to wear the penny loafers, a gingham shirt and black jeans 5 ways.
The second looks is trendy and something I’m on board with this fall..elegant and comfortable.
DJ | http://www.collegestyleguy.com
I like that mix, good description! I’m in the process of decorating a new apartment (okay, in the process of *getting ready* to decorate) and just landed on the idea of “comfortably chic” as the vibe I’m going for. It’s good to have an aesthetic in mind before you get started so you’re sure to nail what you’re going for!
Hit it out of the park again Gaby – love them all except Tuesday as I can’t get on board with jogging pants. I am planning to wear my topcoat much more dressed down this winter.
If you watch Doctor Who he is doing the hoody with a topcoat thing really well – I would love to see a suggestion for a nicer hoodie like he wears.
hahah, it seems like we’re just going to keep pushing joggers til everyone comes around, doesn’t it? 🙂
And Everlane makes a great cashmere hoodie for guys! https://www.everlane.com/r/5ptr6b
Agreed on the joggers. Especially wearing a dress shirt (and tucking it in!) to sweatpants. Replace the sweats with grey chinos or jeans and Tuesday would be as great as the other days.
Thanks Tod! I didn’t even think of including a hoodie- that would be a good look!
I think you have some homework then Gabi – some Tardis style would be a great addition.
I used to think that the trench was a topcoat. Now, I’m not sure why I do NOT have a topcoat after reading this. And I haven’t even watched Spectre yet. And gotta love jacket/outerwear weather, the best weather ever!
The Tuesday to Thursday outfits are right up my alley, especially that French vibe Wendnesday one.
Not to burst your bubble, but I saw Spectre this weekend and it was…not great. Bond’s style was on point, of course, but the movie itself? Ehh, it was honestly a little ho hum…
Really? I enjoyed it, but beforehand I binged on older Bond movies. It was a more old fashioned Bond movie. If you were all about Craig’s Bond, then I get being underwhelmed. Comparing it to Casino Royale or Skyfall it definitely falls short. But it fits right in with Dr. No and Goldfinger so I enjoyed myself.
I agree that the movie had more of a vintage feel to it. I didn’t love the Bond girl. Didn’t really understand her character.
But yes, James’ style was very on point. Love that they pulled out the NATO strap on his Omega that was almost identical to the one that Connery sported on his Rolex in Dr. No. I have one almost identical that I love. Unfortunately, the manufacturer went out of business. There are a lot of “Bond straps” out there, but none of them really captured the look right.
Agree wholeheartedly on a decidedly “meh” feeling about the Bond girl. Like, she loves him? Where did that come from? I remember with Vesper at least it felt like they had time to get to know eachother? But maybe I’m overthinking it…
Yeah, I totally didn’t understand how they jumped from, “I just met you and want nothing to do with my dead father or you” to “OMG, do me on a train!”
I guess gun play is an incredible aphrodisiac.
Also, I was confused as to why the two of them were traveling with a tuxedo and a gown on a train trip into the desert.
I also was confused why James chose to drive to Rome, instead of flying when he apparently only had a 48 hour window before they were going to start tracking him again.
Mainly, I was just confused. At least they kept Blofeld’s collarless jacket and gave him a cat and a scar.
Wednesday was totally French inspired – glad it translated! And jacket weather is definitely tied for first with sweater weather.
And speaking of jackets and sweaters, perhaps a “5 Days, 5 Ways” article for a sweater jacket (a “swacket,” if you will) should be in order for next time.
Ooh, good call. @gabimeyers:disqus whaddaya think?
I know I love a swacket myself, so i’ll just have to find the perfect one for you guys!
I wear a Peacoat – 10 English pounds from Uniqlo. Works with smart or casual.
I am feeling that tie though with the grey suit.
I totally built the whole outfit around that tie 😉 I only recently started wearing a pea coat, and only because it was handed down to me. I think the square shape of them looks much better on guys.
Love all the looks! Wednesday really makes me think of my need for a breton stripe shirt or sweater. And I don’t think I’ve ever put an umbrella on my Christmas wish list before, but it’s happening.
I recently bought a top coat from Banana that is a little more street – it has the look of a double breasted coat with two columns of buttons, but it’s actually single breasted with a zip, and has a straight collar rather than notch lapels. I really like it and think it lends itself very well to both buttoned up and dressed down looks. I’m definitely going to go for that Tuesday look when the weekend temps dip.
That coat from Banana sounds sweet – did you ever end up getting those brixton patterened joggers from a few posts ago? Because I could totally see those with that top coat…
I didn’t, I opted for a pair of gray-green moto joggers instead for my latest jogger purchase. I agree, though, and those patterned joggers are definitely in my Christmas wish list.
i have a camel topcoat that i wear with literally everything. i wore it with ripped up biker jeans, suede chelsea boots and a john elliott hoodie yesterday.