For the winter racing season the cold weather ensures it is the outwear that is mainly on show.
Although most of the winter racedays are a more casual event, it doesn’t mean you have to forgo your fashionista sense and style. Here are a few coats and jackets that we think will turn heads for the right reasons.
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The Wax Cotton Jacket
Synonymous with outdoor country living the functional wax jacket is water repellent and windproof, ideal for those open spaces exposed to the elements. However the classic wax jacket focuses more on durability rather than style. Not so with Louise Wax Coat by Welligogs, available from Joules.
Their coat shows you don’t have to compromise on chic style. Its tapering fishtail back with adjustable straps gives a streamline look and can be pulled in snugly to accentuate the waist. The subtle check provides a contemporary alternative to the usual block colour.
Fully water repellent and windproof with a warm cotton lining, moleskin on inside of the collar, detachable hood and generous pockets. Price £285.
Wear yours with a slim polo neck, skinny jeans and a pair of knee length boots for that casual chic look.
The Aviator Jacket
The original sheepskin flight jacket was designed by stuntman Leslie Irvin and he became the main supplier to the RAF during WWII. As airplanes were uninsulated, a warm thick jacket was essential for all crew members. Originally to be worn soaring through the skies, this style of jacket still reaches to the top of the fashion heights for every winter season.
Sheepers Ltd’s Women’s Arctic White Aviator Shearling Jacket, available via Etsy rises above the clouds and away from the usual neutral black and brown colours by designing its Aviator shearling jacket in Arctic White contrasted with black leather detailing at the hips and neck. Price £550.
Look ice cool and team with a pair of white jeans and light grey knee length boots. Or go for the Snow Queen boho look with a floaty skirt, thick tights and ankle boots!
Nicola Skowronek founded Sheepers in 2015. Sheepers’ products are handmade by traditional Polish artisans.
The Tweed Jacket
The Tweed jacket has come a long way from its stuffy country sports roots and is favoured by all ages as the fabric choice for a day at the winter races. This is partly due to its durability and warmth, but also due to its rising status in the fashion world making it attractive to the younger generation. Tweed jackets also provide warmth without bulk so are ideal for layering with a loose coat, cape or shawl.
Lighten up those grey days in Great Scot’s Lossie Blue tweed jacket, available via Etsy.
With a fitted double breasted bodice and peplum tapering at the back to flatter most figures. The equestrian buttons are a great touch for a raceday outfit. Price £325.
A tweed jacket is a versatile wardrobe staple – dress down with a pair of jeans or to go for a smarter look with a dress or matching skirt.
The Lady Mary jacket also comes in other tweeds and also velvet.
GreatScotScotland specialises in tweeds and tartans with vintage inspired designs. They support small family run tweed mills, throughout the British Isles.
The Fitted Wool Jacket
If tweed is not your style,then a good alternative is wool.
The Grey Fitted Jacket by Ascendance Fashion, available via Etsy, is a wool blend with 20% cashmere.
For contrast the side panels, buttons and collar are in a darker multi toned grey cotton velvet which has a lizard skin effect for texture.
Can be worn with or without the black leather belt, but as it is adorned with snaffle bits on the sides it would be a shame not to wear it at the races… Price £275.
Ascendance Fashion is a small London based business creating quality and stylish pieces plus selling high end vintage. Zorica, the owner and designer, usually has a stand at Goodwood Revival and at Chepstow Racecourse during National Hunt season.
The Puffer Coat
Have a real ‘Duvet Day’ and choose the puffer jacket or coat. This season for the puffer it is the bigger the better in the fashion stakes. Plus this style is ideal for those really freezing days as there will be room enough to layer underneath with a jacket. Choose a duck or goose down to keep you toasty warm.
Add a blast of colour with Benetton’s bright red Long puffer jacket.
This jacket is versatile as it has removable sleeves with visible zipper to transform the piece into a maxi vest, plus inner suspenders – so when hot, remove the jacket and carry it like a rucksack, freeing your hands. The jacket is in ‘Rain Defender’ fabric with horizontal stitching, has a removable hood and a high neck.
It is padded with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified genuine down padding, guaranteeing that the feathers used come from geese and ducks raised for the purpose of food in compliance with the principles of animal welfare. Price was £199, sale now £139.30
Also available in grey, black (£199) and khaki.
The Faux Fur Teddy Coat
Snuggle up warm whilst bringing out the animal in you with Evazzi’s oversized teddy bear coat in leopard print, available via Etsy.
Handmade from faux fur and polyester wool blend. Available in grey, beige, brown, white and pink. Price £129.99.
Based in Birmingham and selling via Etsy, Evazzi has been established since 2014.
The Teddy Coat adds a touch of glamour to casual. Team with jeans or a dress.
The Tailored Coat
For those dressier racing events go for the tailored wool coat. Tailored wool coats don’t have to be in the classic beige, black and navy – let your chic style blossom by adding a colourful twist with Boden’s Constance Printed Wool Coat – French Navy, Abstract Bloom.
In 100% wool, the coat has a relaxed cut with dropped shoulders so the style is casual enough to wear with a pair of jeans whilst the double breasted shape and lapel collar give it a smart look to wear with dresses.
Karen Grace studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and is Eclipse Magazine’s Fashion & Beauty Editor.
You can read more of Karen’s fashion advice at: www.frumpytofunky.com
For personal shopping and styling services you can reach her via frumpy to funky on contact@frumpytofunky
