Classic Yet Real: Styling Outerwear

For Fall/Winter 2011-12, warm, enveloping wool coats are the key items. Many collections featured snow-like set designs. The 1960s were an era when coats and dresses with forms crafted using couture techniques emerged as modern styles. These are coats that create lines through cutting, such as the magnetic line of rounded shoulders, and cocoon silhouettes with the hem tucked inward.

The defining features are prominent details that emphasize the form, such as large buttons, pockets, and trimmings. The silhouette comes alive in basic materials like double-faced cashmere, alpaca, and flannel.

Bottega Veneta, which opened with a vibrant orange coat, presented ladylike coat and skirt ensembles. The combination of a long tunic or cardigan jacket with a pleated skirt is classic yet contemporary. Flat shoes add a fresh touch.



Christophe Lemaire's debut collection as Hermès' designer was held at the newly opened boutique on the Left Bank. The interior, formerly a hotel basement pool, is a pleasant space composed of tiles and wood.



An all-ecru outfit with a long coat draped over it is beautifully complemented by camel long boots. Knit and fur hats promise to be essential accessories for enjoying winter.