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STYLE AND CULTURE

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT OVERSIZED WOOL COATS – HERE’S HOW TO STYLE THEM

Every year there’s a new must-have coat, and the annual ‘big coat’ hunt begins with abandon. This particular wardrobe item is placed on a pedestal for two reasons: first, its propensity to make or break an outfit, and second, its quality. This year, everyone’s talking about oversized wool coats. Not to be confused with your typical tailored overcoat, these cocooning styles are heavyweight, slouchy, and provide a timeless smart/casual balance. But they also throw up plenty of questions. What size should you order for that perfect oversized fit? Can oversized wool coats be worn for formal and casual occasions? What colours are most popular? To demystify this must-have layer, we’ve collated 4 go-to looks built around how to wear an oversized wool coat. Keep scrolling for the scoop.

HOW TO STYLE A BLACK OVERSIZED WOOL COAT

Collage of men wearing ASOS clothing | ASOS Style Feed

Collage of men wearing ASOS clothing | ASOS Style Feed

Black is the safest option to invest in when considering how to style an overcoat. It pairs well with anything and is easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. This Weekday number is crafted in a heavyweight wool blend with a classic spread collar, which leaves plenty of room for a scarf on chilly days. Because black has a tendency to lean more formal, this is a great one to pair with elevated casual pieces like this charcoal co-ord. Finish with a vibrant trainer and you’ve got a failsafe look that still feels intentional.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

Weekday wool blend coat in black, £142
ASOS COLLECTIVE knitted half zip track top co-ord in charcoal, £50
ASOS COLLECTIVE knitted balloon jogger co-ord in charcoal, £45
ASOS COLLECTIVE AC-T-253 super heavyweight oversized t-shirt in white, £25
Salomon XT-6 Skyline trainers in black coffee and rouge red, £165

HOW TO STYLE A NAVY OVERSIZED WOOL COAT

Man wearing navy wool coat | ASOS Style Feed

Collage of men wearing ASOS clothing | ASOS Style Feed

Navy is another go-to for outerwear. A great neutral, it adds a touch more colour to your outfit than classic black while still complementing most of your roster. Grey and navy are a strong pairing, so layer up with this palette in mind. Cardigans add a softness to counter the sharp lines of the jacket, and finishing with jeans and a cap creates a great look for those last-minute festive shopping trips. The best part? When you inevitably peel off your oversized wool jacket in the cosy confines of the pub, your ensemble will still look thought-through.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

ARKET wool blend overcoat in blue, £279
New Balance 740 trainers in white, £100
Topman oversized fit button through cardigan in charcoal, £40
New Era NY Yankees 9twenty washed cotton cap in burgundy, £25
ASOS DESIGN straight jeans in washed black, £25

HOW TO STYLE A GREY OVERSIZED WOOL COAT

Man wearing grey wool overcoat | ASOS Style Feed

Collage of men wearing ASOS clothing | ASOS Style Feed

Grey offers a softer, lighter shade for your oversized long wool coat. This means the eye is drawn to your outer layers rather than the formula underneath, so feel free to lean into more structured and vibrant pieces for this one. A good pair of jeans will never do you wrong, and with knitted patterns like argyle and tartan ruling the autumn/winter trend inventory, there’s no harm in trying more adventurous styles.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

GANT classic two-tone wool rich coat in black, £435
Wrangler 13MWZ original cowboy straight fit jeans in light wash, £65
Topman diamond knitted jumper in ecru, £42
Vans Classic slip-on in sage, £60
Topman argyle knit crew in brown, £40

HOW TO STYLE A BROWN OVERSIZED WOOL COAT

Man wearing brown wool overcoat | ASOS Style Feed

Collage of men wearing ASOS clothing | ASOS Style Feed

Pictures: ASOS

Brown oversized wool coats have a delicious 90s vibe about them, particularly at this time of year. Think Kevin McCallister’s dad in Home Alone or Buddy’s high-powered father in Elf. If you don’t fancy the full briefcase and tie look, try balancing a smart trouser with softer silhouettes and fabrics. These oversized tapered trousers provide the same comfy slouch as your wool coat, while the green herringbone complements the earthy brown tones. Finish with a boxy sweatshirt, loafers and a soft scarf for a look that’ll take you from boardroom to bar with no tweaks necessary.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

Selected Wool-blend coat in fallen rock, £210
Pull&Bear Crossbody bag in black, £19.99
Tommy Hilfiger leather Penny patent loafers in black and white, £150
ASOS DESIGN smart oversized tapered trousers in green herringbone, £35
ASOS DESIGN co-ord short sleeve henley sweatshirt in black, £26

COAT CARE 101

Man wearing brown wool overcoat | ASOS Style Feed

WHAT TYPE OF WOOL SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

When picking a wool coat, always check the product details. These give you a breakdown of the fabric blend and the percentage of wool used. As a rule of thumb, prioritise pieces with a wool blend of 50% or more to ensure both quality and comfort – a blend means you get the benefits of two fibres, opposed to one. And different types of wool offer different benefits. For example, Merino wool is lightweight but warm, while cashmere ensures a luxurious comfort. Simply find a fibre or blend that suits your needs.
Man wearing black wool overcoat | ASOS Style Feed

Pictures: ASOS

HOW DO I CARE FOR A  WOOL COAT?

Of course, even the best wool coats still need a little TLC. Especially if you’re styling them on the daily. To care for your outerwear, minimise washing, but when you do, always follow the care label instructions as wool can shrink easily. Regular brushing with a soft wool brush will prevent bobbling, and in the instance of a spilt coffee or unexpected accident, dry cleaning is your best bet for a thorough cleanse (but try and keep these visits to once or twice a year). If your coat gets particularly wet, always dry it flat to ensure it keeps its shape.

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