First spotted during the Fall/Winter 2014 Burberry finale, the aptly titled ‘blankoat’ trend seems to be the “it” look this winter season, with female and male fashion icons around the world wholly embracing it. Burberry director Christopher Bailey and the Burberry Heritage archives have stated the outerwear capes brought to the runway actually date back to the late 1880s, when they were originally created for outdoor activities including shooting, motoring, cycling. The piece proved to be extremely popular due to their warmth, protective qualities, and ease of wear.
While many of us are familiar with lightweight shawls often draped over our shoulders to keep us warm in the office or at church, this trend takes this concept to the next level by creating the shawl in a heavier wool, cashmere, and acrylic fabrics often reserved for blankets. This outerwear piece will ensure you are cool, cozy, and comfortable all season long. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to walk around wrapped in their favorite blanket all winter? I know I definitely would.
Check out the list of our 16 favorite “blankoats” to add to your wardrobe this winter season. Will you dare?
3. Elsa Contrast Boarder Tassel Blanket Knit 4. Stripe Blanket Cape 5. Pieces Blanket Cape Wrap Scarf 6. Colour Block Check Blanket Poncho 7. Poncho Coat
Remember, oversized and super long blanket coats give you the ability to play with texture and mix prints and patterns to create that nomadic bohemian feel. When styling, one suggestion would be to pair them with minimalistic colors and cuts to balance out the silhouette of the coat. Follow top model Malaika Firth’s off duty look (pictured above) by pairing the blankoat with your favorite parka, black crop top, black denim, and chunky black booties. You can wear it with an all-black ensemble like Vanessa. Or take a page from the book of Danielle Prescod from Elle.com and wear it with thigh-high boots, midrise denim, and a white oxford shirt. Stella McCartney styled her houndstooth blanket coat perfectly with a nude face, middle part, black dress and black booties. Marsha’s white turtleneck pencil dress, silver heels, and fedora was another classic and chic way to style the blankoat.
One thing is sure: be creative and the possibilities are practically endless!
4. Double-Faced Wool Malorie Coat 5. Personalized Wool and Cashmere-blend Poncho 6. Freya Aztec Knit Blanket Wrap 7. Jigsaw Multi-Block Poncho 8. Mia Waterfall Blanket Coat 9. Catherine Blanket Cape
We’d love to see how you steal the scene in the blankoat trend!
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Happy blanket coat fashion-ing!
Jana-Lynn is a fashion and style blogger, personal stylist, and public health guru. Follow her at @BasedJane and http://thejanetales.blogspot.com for conversations on fashion, style, pop culture, love, and life.
