Not only did the groundhog see his shadow, but NY Fashion Week and Fashion Month F/W 25 is upon us — a new coat (or two) is just what is in order. A brilliant thought — why not make it one coat but in a two-faced affair, otherwise known as reversible?
Since you are doubling your chances of wearing it, a reversible coat is not only economical but also versatile and great for travel. One side may be more practical for inclement weather or it’s great in case one side gets dirty — just flip it over to the reverse. It’s also fun to be a “quick change artist” and with no effort at all be able to change up your look.
Reversible coats come in all weights, lengths, colors, and patterns, offering a wide array of styles to suit your unique fashion preferences. For this article, I’ve focused on coats with two distinct vibes while a few reverse to solid black.
Here in NYC, we’ve got a good (or bad, depending on how you like cold weather) six weeks (thanks, Punxsutawney Phil) of winter left to go. A “twofer” could be just the doubleheader you are looking for to help lift you out of the post-holiday winter doldrums, and several are now on sale.
There are also a couple of lighter-weight options that can be layered under for now and later worn as is into spring. I’ve mixed current and vintage, real fur (shearling) with faux or other textiles.
Reversible La Double J St. Moritz
First up, appropriately enough due to its brand name being La DoubleJ, is the St. Moritz Winter Sun Reversible puffer. The Italian company launched in 2015 with “creative Commander & Chief Spiritual Officer J.J. Martin,” who prefers a “maximalist, magnetic energy.”
This jacket features padded jacquard fabric with a stand-up collar and extended ribbed wool cuffs. The printed inside lining is perhaps more casual/graphic, while the jacquard could be dressed up with black satin pants for an evening out. The puffer is $1,590 and available at Farfetch.com or ladoublej.com
Reversible Maje farfetch.com
The Maje Reversible Shearling mid-length jacket features a mottled “cow” or pony print pattern on one side and plain ecru lambskin leather on the reverse. This round-neck jacket with button closure and patch pockets can take you from glamorous to casual chic while keeping you toasty warm. It is currently on sale for 40% off at $1,707 at Maje and Bloomingdales.
Gorski Reversible Coat
Gorski Reversible Lamb Shearling Belted Short Coat reverses from solid metallic to spotted dyed South African lamb shearling. In a trench style, the lapels on the metallic side feature spotted shearling, while the other side is entirely shearling. The belt also reverses from metallic to spotted fur, which makes it interesting, along with slit pockets. It is currently 30% off for $2,730 at Neiman Marcus.
Gucci Reversible Coat
I like the surprise of this Gucci 70’s trapeze style meets trench detailing with a monogram pattern on one side and a red plaid on the other. Camel and brown original GG canvas with a back storm flap and leather trim reverses to this unexpected red and blue tartan. Both sides feature gold buttons and a pointed collar. It is $2,739 at Baltini.com.
Koos Van Den Akker Reversible Coat
Now to something 1980s vintage—the Koos Van Den Akker Reversible Patchwork Coat, owned by our own EIC Marilyn Kirschner. IYKYK Koos was unmatched in his mixed quilted patchwork wearable art, and this is a great example.
It reverses to black chenille fabric, which is super cozy. This one has roomy hip pockets and a single button closure at the neck and is in “very good vintage condition” for $548 at Arcadeshops.com.
Reversible Vintage Hermes
Another collectible piece is this Hermes Le Carnevale de Venise reversible scarf-print jacket from 1st Dibs. As the name suggests, the print depicts the Venetian Carnevale in golden tones. There are patch pockets on the black side and slash pockets on the print side with “subtle wadding” for warmth, and one button closure at the neck. The price is $1,999, but you can always try bargaining on this site.
Veronica Beard Anya Reversible Shearling Coat
If you’re looking for something a bit less precious and more current, the Veronica Beard Anya Reversible Shearling Coat is on sale for $749. This 100% lambskin coat has all the feels—supple black leather on one side and soft white shearling with black leather piping on the other.
Shoreditch Ski Club Reversible Amity Bomber Jacket
Another “cool girl” choice is the Shoreditch Ski Club Amity Reversible Bomber jacket. This jacket is taupe faux fur on one side and silver grey nylon on the other. It has a classic oversized bomber jacket styling with a hidden zipper up the front and is a great option whether you are dressed casually or trying to give a longer knit dress a little downtown flair. This jacket is available at FWRD.com for $745.
JC de Castelbajac Reversible Coat
Should you be a “bright color girlie,” check out this Jean Charles de Castelbajac magenta to red wrap pre-owned 100% wool number. The magenta belt cinches it in with the contrasting collar framing whichever side you have it on. It is in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear, and offered for $2,370 on Farfetch.com.
Karl Lagerfeld Reversible Wool Coat
Are you more of a softer color fan? Try the Karl Lagerfeld reversible wool coat, which features a powder blue side and an ivory side. Made of a wool blend and also in a wrap design with a self-belt, it has the added feature of qualifying as a “scoat” or scarf coat, which is so popular right now.
It features a double-sided belt, so you can either contrast or match. It also has a “signature FF Karligraphy logo plaque” to remind you of “The Kaiser” should you forget. It is also available at Farfetch in various sizes for $629.
Etro Jacquard Reversible Parka Fall 2016, resee.com
Lastly, from the more recent past is the Etro Reversible Jacquard Parka from the F/W 2016 runway collection on ReSee.com This coat has quite a lot of bells and whistles: besides the khaki brown double-breasted side reversing to the jacquard motif embellished with beaded embroidered floral trim, there is also a removable Mongolian shearling collar that can be attached and worn on either side.
This jacket is primarily cotton and in “excellent” condition and can be yours for $1,561.08. I guarantee you won’t see another one coming down the street.
Latest Comments:
My fave is the Gorski. Best look and function to me!
A Marvelous Tribute to IRIS, a one-of-a-kind work of art!
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!
My fave is the Gorski. Best look and function to me!