What to Wear With a Peacoat

With so many outerwear choices, it becomes hard to decide which coat to slip on with various outfits. With its fitted and feminine look, as well as its variety of color choices, a woman's peacoat is a staple in any wardrobe. While men have more limited peacoat color choices, this outerwear mainstay works with both casual and dressy attire, keeping men and women warm through the fall and winter months. Knowing what to wear with a peacoat helps keep one in fashion, as well as helping with the winter wardrobe shopping process.

The Origin of the Men's Peacoat
Originally worn by Navy men during frigid days on warships, the men's peacoat remains relatively the same as it did when it first saw life in the military. While colors of gray and black made their way into the male peacoat world, navy blue remains the traditional color for men. This warm, wool coat is ideal for work with a pair of casual chino pants or a pair of jeans on a dress down day or in a more casual office environment. Peacoats work well over a sweater, a long-sleeve pullover tee, or a button-down shirt. Due to its neutral shades, the male peacoat coordinates with nearly any workday outfit, as well as ensembles for nights out.

Slacks, Jeans, and Everything in Between
Women's peacoat choices include classic colors like black, gray, and navy or bright choices like blues, reds, greens, and yellows. A black peacoat matches just about any color a woman chooses to wear underneath. That fancy long, red skirt saved for the holiday season and schedule of parties gets a great outdoor look when paired with a peacoat. A pair of casual slacks and a red peacoat creates an outerwear color burst. If one has a shorter skirt in mind, a shorter peacoat does the trick, as the coat should never fall below the clothes worn underneath. Fitted peacoats hug a woman's figure, adding some feminine flair to what might otherwise be a boring coat. For a true walk on the wild side, a peacoat made with modern bold colors like bright pink, bright yellow, and lime green offers a standout look.

Fitting the Peacoat
A peacoat should never be too long or too short. Instead, it should fall just below the hip, and the clothing choice underneath should work with that length. Shirts and tops should not show below the peacoat's hem, meaning one should avoid long tunic shirts. Rather, a sweater that ends at mid-hip is an ideal winter choice. In addition, buyers should ensure the peacoat fits well in the shoulders and chest area. A peacoat that hangs loose in these areas looks awkward and takes away from the fitted, feminine look.

Accessorizing the Peacoat
A peacoat works with a number of different accessories. While bling does not always work with this type of coat, softer accessories do complement the look. A soft wool scarf adds dimension, as well as keeping the wearer warm. A long infinity scarf stays on even after losing the coat for the day or evening. A pair of knee-high boots adds to the look when wearing jeans or long skirts, while the right warm hat and pair of microfiber, suede, or leather gloves completes this entire winter fashion ensemble.

Peacoat Features
Peacoats come with a variety of features and what one chooses often depends on personal style and taste. Most peacoats close with a series of large buttons similar to the original peacoats worn by Navy men. Others use toggle button closures, while still others have a hidden zipper closure and decorative buttons over the zipper. Many women's peacoats also come with a belt to offer a more figure-flattering look. One may also find versions with or without faux fur-lined hoods that stay attached to the coat or are removable.