Why The Printed Coat Is Your Smartest Style Investment

Sure, the trench and camel coat are reliable cover-ups, but life's too short to play it safe when it comes to fashion. The printed coat - whether in eye-catching abstract prints or bold graphic detail - is a clever alternative. It'll keep you warm when during a winter holiday, and it definitely won't make you look boring. These streetstyle stars at New York Fashion Week school us in how to make a lasting impression with it.

By ISABEL ONG, 22 Feb 2018

The graphic way

The look: Grid-like patterns in bright, bold colours - like the forest green and candy pink coats worn by these style stars above.

Why it's in: Apart from being instant mood-lifters, a graphic coat that's paired with neutral shades like navy or beige makes it stand out immediately. For folks who typically only favour monochrome colours, this is a good styling trick to pull out of the closet.

This season's interpretations: Marni's blue-and-red striped coat gave off a preppy air (left), and Miu Miu's boxy, grid-patterned coat came studded with little red flowers, which gave it a playful, schoolgirl feel (right).

The floral way

The look: A floral-printed coat is a sure-fire way to lend a feminine touch to any outfit, whether it's palm leaf-inspired or covered with colourful lilies. And it provides added texture to an otherwise simple look too.

Why it's in: Who can say no to Spring influences amidst a bleak winter? The floral-printed coat is a great way to add a fun spin to your outfit - even when the weather dictates otherwise.

This season's interpretations: Michael Kors' tropicana-ready piece gave us visions of a beach holiday (left). Over at Gucci, an oversized Hawaiian shirt-inspired cover-up was splashed with orange and pink hibiscus flowers (right).

The abstract way

The look: From a collage-esque design full of women's faces to one that looks like it has a child's drawings on them, the abstract coat is equal parts edgy and sophisticated.

Why it's in: Why wouldn't it be? It's the kind of coat you would reach for if you didn't want to seem too flamboyant, but still want to push the envelope a little further. So yes, you'll definitely score extra sartorial points for even daring to try wearing one out.

This season's interpretations: Prada showcased coats bearing prints by female cartoonists, making them reminiscent of a comic strip (left). Meanwhile, Calvin Klein churned out solid-coloured coats with a spray-paint effect (right).

The bohemian way

The look: Free-spirited and often with intricate patterns or embroidery, these coats are full of flair. These show-goers upped their style game by pairing it with other clashing prints, like stripes and tartan plaid.

Why it's in: The folksy vibe never goes out of style (just think Coachella).

This season's interpretations: Louis Vuitton's breathtakingly intricate embroidered coats came with flared cuffs and Mandarin collars. Celine, too, did a luxurious trench that came kitted out in blue and white floral embroidery.

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