Whether you're ready or not, fall is here! Yesterday, September 22, was the official first day of fall in the northern hemisphere. By this time of year, most of us are ready to shed our lightweight summer clothing and are looking forward to wearing sweaters, boots and even winter coats. For those of you reading our blog from the southern hemisphere, you are probably having the exact opposite reaction and are excited to pack away your winter gear until next year!
In general, outerwear either mimics or complements the fashionable silhouette. This early 1970s graphic maxi coat looks very much like a maxi dress, a length of dress and skirt which first appeared in 1969-70. Though it might have been worn over a maxi dress, this maxi coat was possibly worn over leg-baring hot pants and platform boots. When walking, the 3 center front buttons would keep the top portion of the coat securely fastened, but the rest of the coat would swing open, exposing the legs of the wearer. Made of a heavy, warm wool, an interior tag indicates that it retailed at the New York store Henri Bendel.
Maxi coat
Wool
1970-72
Gift of Anonymous Donor
2003-40-55
Since we began our blog, we've featured a number of coats and jackets from our collection. Readers favored our orange 1930s velvet evening coat and a late 19th century military-inspired jacket. We also featured two Bonnie Cashin wool Noh coats and a Balenciaga coat and dress ensemble.
Readers, do any of these resemble the fall/winter coat you'll be wearing this year? How do you balance fashion and practicality (protection from rain, snow, etc.) when selecting a coat?
I recently found a coat at a thrift store that I am hoping will serve through the fall. It’s styled nearly identically to Cashin’s Noh, though longer and quilted — silk stripe on one side and geometric floral on the other — instead of wool. Still, it has the same sort of bulk and drape, and I can’t wait to start wearing it. (It’s still in the upper 70’s, so no luck yet.)