There were several key outerwear styles shown on the runways for the SS25 season. The trench coat and novel variations of this classic style dominated; a sign that the ‘quiet luxury’ trend will continue to check next year. The car coat, with its tailored minimalism, was another silhouette that looked refined.
Many designers continue to make liberal use of the latest developments in faux leather and faux fur, although some still use the real thing.
For casualwear the parka continues to be a popular style with several designers showing its versatility by styling them over formalwear and evening looks.
The use of sheer and semi-sheer fabrics have been ubiquitous in recent seasons and have now stretched to include outerwear, often given a sporty aspect.
The Broad-Shouldered Trench
Many SS25 collections included the classic belted raincoat known as the trench coat. It is so-called as it was developed for British Army officers before the First World War, and became popular while used in the trenches. This season’s version has a much broader shoulder line than of late, reminiscent of the styles of the ‘eighties.
The trench has become such a key spring style that several designers found innovative ways to refresh and update the classic silhouette with alternative details and material other than cotton canvas.
Garments rendered in leather and faux leather have become consumer must-have items, even in the spring season. Designers used a wide variety of styles and colours.
The fashion industry has made huge strides in the development of faux fur, going beyond synthetics to include plant-based solutions. Although fur is associated with the fall and winter seasons, spring collections can drop in-store as early as February and like leather, is a perennial consumer favorite. This season, designers kept things sleek and fairly minimal.
The parka is thought to have been originally designed by an indigenous Canadian people, specifically for use in extreme temperatures. It has since evolved into a popular outerwear item rendered in a variety of weights and fabrics. Several designers showed sporty looking parkas and then juxtaposed them with evening looks underneath.
Car coats were made popular in the 1960s when they would have been a key item in any ‘mod’ wardrobe. They resonate with consumers today due to their versatility of use. They can be worn with casual separates underneath or with something dressier.
