Outerwear has always been more than just a seasonal necessity for me—it’s the anchor of my wardrobe, the layer that transforms everything else I wear. A great coat has the power to make an outfit feel intentional, even when the rest of the look is pared back to the simplest basics. Recently, I had the joy of shooting an outerwear story with Source Unknown, and it left me falling head over heels for two pieces that I know will be treasured staples in my closet for years to come. These are the kind of investment pieces that don’t just last a season—they become part of your style DNA.
The Suede Trench: A Study in Proportions
First, let’s talk about the suede trench. I’ve been searching endlessly for one that strikes the perfect balance: oversized enough to feel modern and fresh, yet still structured enough to flatter. This one checks every box. With its dramatic, oversized shoulders and extra-long length, it feels cinematic, like something lifted straight from an old film reel, yet completely relevant for today.
There’s something endlessly chic about suede—it has a richness, a quiet luxury, that feels timeless. To play with its proportions, I styled it with a pair of tiny gold hot pants and a soft cashmere sweater. The mix is unexpected, a blend of sleek elegance and playful energy. The trench’s drama acts as the backdrop, allowing the shorter, flashier elements to shine without ever looking over the top. It’s a reminder that the best outerwear isn’t just about warmth—it’s about contrast, movement, and storytelling.
When I put on this trench, I feel like I can conquer spring days with confidence. It’s polished yet daring, and it has quickly become that one piece I can throw on to make any outfit feel complete.
The Black Shearling: Glamour Meets Ease
Then there’s the black shearling coat—a piece that stands entirely on its own. Unlike the trench, which plays well with proportions, this coat doesn’t need anything else to make its presence known. It’s bold, glamorous, and a little mysterious—the kind of coat that transforms the act of simply walking into a room into a full-fledged entrance.
I imagine myself wearing it for a night out in the city, paired with a sleek dress and a red lip, the coat draped effortlessly over my shoulders. But what I love most is how easily it adapts to more casual looks. Picture it with oversized low-rise trousers and a classic loafer—suddenly, it’s relaxed, understated, and cool. This versatility is exactly what makes it such a worthwhile investment. It’s not a one-note piece; it’s an outerwear icon that bends to my mood.
Why Outerwear Matters
I’ve always believed that outerwear deserves more attention than it gets. It’s often the first and last thing people notice about your outfit. It frames the way you move through the world. A statement coat tells a story before you even speak. That’s why I gravitate toward pieces that don’t just shield me from the weather but also speak to my personal style—classic silhouettes with a twist, fabrics that age beautifully, and details that stand the test of time.
Both of these coats from Source Unknown embody that philosophy. The suede trench is playful yet poised, perfect for transitional spring days when layering is everything. The black shearling, on the other hand, is unapologetically bold, perfect for creating impact with minimal effort. Together, they form a duo that I’ll rely on not just this season, but every season until the city heat makes coats unbearable.
Longevity and Investment
Fashion trends move quickly, but I’ve learned to slow down when it comes to outerwear. These are the pieces you’ll wear hundreds of times, through countless seasons, and across so many versions of yourself. Choosing coats that you can see yourself reaching for year after year is not just practical—it’s a way of curating a wardrobe that feels deeply personal and enduring.
The suede trench and the black shearling are more than just purchases; they’re investments in longevity. They’re the kind of coats I’ll remember years from now, not only for how they look, but for the memories attached to them: a spring afternoon with legs bare under the trench, or a winter night out wrapped in shearling glamour.
For me, that’s the beauty of fashion—it’s not only about the clothes, but about the moments they frame and the stories they help you tell.
So until summer arrives and the city heat demands sleeveless dresses and sandals, you’ll find me living in these coats, savoring the drama, the luxury, and the simple joy of great outerwear.
