Why a Shearling Coat is a True Forever Piece

The perennial wintertime favourite gets a new season refresh.

The 1986 cult classic Top Gun holds a special place in film history. Although not always recognised as an iconic piece of fashion history, it was the image of a young Tom Cruise, clad in a shearling-collar aviator jacket, that led to flashes of early 20th century military uniforms making an appearance on contemporary designer mood boards. For proof of the enduring effect of the classic style, turn to the fall/winter 2023 high-fashion runways filled with richly textured shearling iterations of utilitarian, militaristic styles– à la Top Gun. However, for this season, the trend is updated with softened silhouettes, and supersized proportions. All-enveloping and supremely cosy, shearling coats stormed runways all over the world.

Equally as cool as it is practical, a shearling jacket can easily become the hardest working superlative in your wardrobe. Depending on the occasion, varying lengths and colourways allow for endless styling opportunities. For timeless appeal, stay neutral in colour, sticking with cream, camel, black, and navy styles. Look to Mes Demoiselles Paris for true investment styles that blend practical design with a distinctive French cool-girl attitude.

For something a bit more stripped back, tap Morrison’s iteration. The Aspen Jacket utilises clean-lined design and polished details. Note the wooden buttons that add tactile intrigue and a contemporary air to the classic shearling jacket silhouette.

For something a little more playful, look to Toast Society’s Starlette Puffer. It is lined and trimmed in soft faux shearling, details that are subtle enough to make it the epitome of a true forever piece.

When it comes to styling a shearling coat or jacket, tonality is your best friend. Allowing the texture to remain the focus of your look is the key to nailing the shearling trend. Wear Mes Demoiselles Paris’ long, reversible Mulan Coat over a colourful textured knit, with navy pants, for an easy weekend-wardrobe win, or style over a silk slip dress with boots for an updated take on elegant evening wear.