There's a moment every fall when you grab a long coat on the way out the door and instantly feel put together. That's the magic of long coats for women: they cover everything, they go over everything, and they make jeans and a sweater look like a real outfit.
Here are seven long coats we love right now, from a cozy wrap coat to a classic car coat, each styled as a full outfit you can copy. Every one is under $130 and on our racks in Brentwood today.
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How Long Should a Long Coat Be?
A long coat usually falls anywhere from mid-thigh to mid-calf. Mid-thigh is the easiest length to wear every day. Knee length and below feels more dramatic and keeps you warmer on cold mornings.
The best length is the one that covers whatever you wear most. If you live in jeans, any length works. If you wear midi dresses and skirts, pick a coat that's at least as long as your hem.
7 Long Coats for Women We Love This Fall
1. The Wrap Coat
A wrap coat feels like wearing your favorite blanket, but it looks polished. The big shawl collar frames your face, and the tie belt gives you a waist.
Get the look: The Elizabeth Shawl Collar Long Coat in Oatmeal ($89) tied over a cream top with dark wide-leg jeans and black boots. It also comes in Camel, Olive, and Burgandy.
Styling tip: Tie the belt at your natural waist, not your hips. It keeps all that soft fabric from looking boxy.
2. The Plaid Coat
Plaid is the easiest way to add pattern without thinking about it. A long plaid coat over solid basics does all the work for you.
Get the look: The Brushed Plaid Long Coat in Midnight Blue ($98) with a cream turtleneck, dark wide-leg jeans, and black boots. Want something a shade lighter? Try the Wine/Ivory plaid ($95).
Styling tip: Pull one color out of the plaid for your top. A cream or navy sweater makes the whole outfit look planned.
3. The Teddy Coat
A teddy coat is pure cozy. It's the one you'll reach for on the coldest mornings, and camel makes it feel classic instead of trendy.
Get the look: The Double-Breasted Teddy Faux Fur Coat in Camel ($105) with a cream sweater and dark wide-leg jeans. It also comes in Burgundy.
Styling tip: Keep everything underneath slim and simple. A fitted knit balances the volume of the fur.
4. The Car Coat
The car coat is the classic every closet needs. It's tailored without being stiff, and it goes with literally everything.
Get the look: The Tailored Car Coat in Brown ($64) with a cream turtleneck, full-length wide-leg jeans, and black ankle boots. It also comes in Burgundy. For more ways to wear the jeans, see our wide-leg jeans style guide.
Styling tip: Wear it open. A long, unbroken line from shoulder to hem makes you look taller.
5. The Maxi Trench
A maxi trench is the long coat for in-between days. It's lighter than wool, so it's perfect for a mild Brentwood afternoon that turns chilly after sunset.
Get the look: The Notch Collar Maxi Suede-Look Trench Coat in Olive ($68), belted, with a cream turtleneck, dark wide-leg jeans, and a navy studded bag. It also comes in Dk. Brown.
Styling tip: Belt it closed for a dressier look, or leave it open and let the belt hang for an easy weekend feel.
6. The Hooded Coat
This one is a long coat and a hoodie in one, so you get the warmth of a coat with the comfort of a sweatshirt. The hood is built in, so there's nothing extra to layer.
Get the look: The Twofer Hoodie Coat in Sunset ($95) over a bright striped sweater, dark wide-leg jeans, and burgundy suede boots.
Styling tip: Let a fun knit show. A colorful stripe under a rust coat feels happy on a gray day.
7. The Long Coat Over a Dress
A long coat is the easiest way to dress up for an evening out. Choose one that covers most of your skirt or dress so the outfit looks like one long line.
Get the look: The Blythe Ultra Soft Long Sweater Jacket in Oatmeal ($129). Wear it over just about anything. A dress, jeans, leggings. It's the coat to grab for a cool evening at a winery. See more ideas in our wine tasting outfit guide.
Styling tip: Light over dark always works. An oatmeal coat over black or brown looks expensive and pulled together.
How to Wear a Long Coat
A few simple rules keep a long coat looking sleek instead of overwhelming.
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Show your shape. Tie the belt, or wear the coat open over a fitted top.
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Pick the right pants. Wide-leg jeans and straight pants look best under a long coat because they continue the line all the way down.
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Check the shoulders. The seam should sit right at your shoulder, or just past it for a relaxed fit.
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Try it over a sweater. If you can't move your arms comfortably with a knit underneath, size up.
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Watch your shoes. Boots, pointed flats, or a little heel keep a long coat from looking heavy.
Still need the right jeans? Our wide-leg jeans style guide has seven outfits and the hemming trick that makes every pair look right. Or come try a few coats on with us. We'll help you find the one you'll wear all winter.
Long Coats FAQ
How long should a long coat be? Anywhere from mid-thigh to mid-calf. Mid-thigh is the easiest to wear every day, and knee length or longer is warmest. Over a dress, pick a coat that's at least as long as your hem.
Are long coats flattering on petite women? Yes. Choose one that ends at or just above the knee, wear it open, and keep your outfit in one color family to look taller.
What is the most flattering long coat for women over 50? A wrap coat or a tailored car coat. A belted wrap coat defines your waist, and a straight car coat worn open creates a long, clean line.
What do you wear under a long coat? A fitted sweater or turtleneck with wide-leg or straight jeans, or a midi dress or skirt. Keep the layers underneath slim so the coat can do the work.
What long coat goes with everything? A camel or brown coat. It goes with denim, black, cream, and every shade of brown.
The Bottom Line
The best long coats for women are the ones that make getting dressed easier. Start with one classic, like a brown car coat or a camel teddy, then add a wrap or plaid coat when you want something with a little more personality.
Stop by ALLUV Place Boutique at 306 Oak Street in Brentwood, or shop our full coats, jackets and shackets collection online. Free shipping on orders over $150, and new subscribers get 10% off their first purchase.
Alluv the Love,
Randi
