The Car Coat is Fashion’s Favorite Transitional Coat for Spring!

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Photo: Courtesy of Alessandro Bremec

Say hello to your new transitional coat, the style that proves simplicity is the ultimate form of elegance. Stripped of the extra buttons, buckles, and belts that define a classic trench, the car coat is all about restraint and minimalism. The coat is distinguished by a single row of buttons and a slightly loose fit that offers ease and movement and an effortlessly polished finish.

Originally created in the 1900s to protect drivers and passengers in open-top cars, the coat was designed to shield against the elements for everyday ease. What was once purely practical has since evolved into a true sartorial staple, now available in gabardine, nylon, satin, and taffeta fabrics, the latter reserved for eveningwear. Burberry, in particular, has long perfected the classic car coat, delivering a timeless version that remains relevant season after season.

Vogue’s Favorite Car Coats:

The Under $100 Find
H&M twill car coat
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The Reversible Find
Banana Republic reversible cotton car coat
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The Pale Yellow Pick
Massimo Dutti cotton trench coat
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The Classic Choice
Burberry mid-length camden heritage car coat
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The All Black Moment
Toteme car coat
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The Pop of Color
Dries Van Noten cotton-blend satin coat
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The Animal Print Effect
Callas Milano Alaine coat
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Today, the car coat has become a fashion favorite on and off the runway. The coat has been spotted in street style and on celebrities, most notably Kendall Jenner, who wore her Burberry car coat during Milan Fashion Week, styled with white denim and a knit cardigan styled around the shoulder, and Zoë Kravitz, who gave the style a cool city spin by pairing it with a baseball cap, khaki trousers, and a flat glove.

Let's say, the car coat may be the chicest piece of transitional outerwear. Minimal yet sharp, it carries quiet sophistication. A true versatile hero piece that can be worn with dresses, tailoring, or off-duty essentials. Shop for a new car coat to add to your wardrobe for that in-between weather.

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Burberry

mid-length Camden Heritage car coat

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Banana Republic

reversible cotton car coat

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Cos

checked waxed-cotton car coat

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The Row

Dayton coat

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Matteau

long macintosh gabardine coat

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Zara

ZW Collection oversized trench

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Prada

single-breasted gabardine coat

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Gwyn

Mathilde coat

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GU

Balmacaan A-line half coat

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Callas Milano

Alaine coat

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Leset

Yuki car coat

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Donni.

satin car coat

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Barbour

Gabby car coat

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Toteme

car coat

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H&M

twill car coat

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Varley

Robyn car coat

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Nili Lotan

Watson Prince of Wales cotton trench coat

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Agolde

x Maria Mcmanus denim trench coat

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Massimo Dutti

cotton trench coat

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Róhe

suede-trimmed checked wool coat

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Auralee

wool-gabardine trench coat

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Dries Van Noten

cotton-blend satin coat