Do you feel that? It’s that cool-winter front coming on. For many, the end of fall marks the beginning of embracing one all-important staple, ahem, outerwear. For anyone that lives in non-tropical climates, having at least one great coat is non-negotiable. Of course, how you discern which type of coat to buy is as unbearable as being cold. Do you go with a classic puffer coat? Or a more trend-forward fuzzy fold-over collar coat? There are so many options that it sometimes makes the prospect of not buying anything alluring. If you’re in that camp as of late, we suggest relying on that one piece you probably already own: a shearling jacket. Ok, so maybe you don’t own it (or perhaps it’s buried in the back of your closet), but we know that many fashion sets own this coat. So, it makes the ideal of foregoing buying a new jacket in lieu of re-wearing this one this season something most people can do. If the idea of digging through your storage or buying into this jacket style does not sound alluring, keep reading. We’ve rounded up 22 shearling coat outfit ideas to make even the most apathetic excited about this jacket again. Whether you’re just wondering how to wear a shearling jacket in a modern way or searching for the best one to buy right now, we’ve got you covered.
No matter how many trends have come in and out of style over the past few decades, shearling coats have remained in style throughout. And while they’re still “trendy” now, there’s no harm in tapping a little nostalgia when you wear this piece. Channel ’70s energy by pairing your shearling coat with a double-denim look (it can de a denim top and skirts like the above or jeans and a button-down) and finish it off with a pair of platform boots.
The simplest way to make your shearling jacket feel brand-new is by styling it with items trending right now—i.e., a pleated skirt and suede knee-high boots.
Spice up this staple outerwear by pairing it with one of fall’s biggest print trends: tartan. The key to not doing too much is to pick a print that has a similar tint to your coat and then finish off the look with matching a matching sweater and boots.
The beauty of shearling coats is that they can add visual intrigue to our winter outfits if done right. Case in point: the look above. An all-black outfit is suddenly a sight for sore eyes when styled with a two-tone shearling coat.
Shearling coats are a chic alternative for those who dread having to put on a puffer jacket. The key to making this coat cold-weather friendly is to follow the golden rule: layer. Style this jacket over a thick crewneck sweater, and then finish off the look with a wool skirt, tights, and loafers for a cool look (except when it comes to temperatures, of course).
All those fall outfits you’re not ready to stop wearing yet? Well, you don’t have to if you pair them with a shearling coat. This jacket can make the onset of cold weather more welcoming, as all you have to do is throw it over a tank, cardigan, and trousers. Do this, and you’ll be covered no matter the temperature.
Once winter rolls around, a lot of us may want to avoid color entirely, but there is still a way to give off the illusion of vibrancy without straying from neutrals. The key is to use your shearling coat to play with color blocking. Try a beige, tan, or light-yellow maxi-shearling jacket styled over a black sweater and white jeans to create a subtle pop.
Shearling coats can transition “fall” pieces into the winter—see the above look. Thanks to this coat, a simple pair of trousers, suede loafers, and a shoulder bag suddenly become a little more cold weather–friendly.
Just because colder weather is on the horizon (or already here, depending upon where you live) doesn’t mean you have to give up your beloved skirts. In fact, you can take a leather skirt and pair it with a turtleneck, platform boots, and a shearling jacket in a contrasting hue for a look that will bring the heat.
While most might assume that shearling jackets are a fall thing and can’t be worn in the winter, the outfit above proves otherwise. Investing in a puffer jacket with shearling lapels and trim ensures you can not only wear this style in the cold but also make wearing other non-traditional winter pieces (like a printed maxi dress) possible.
When you have to roll out in the dead of winter in search of some hot chocolate and want to be as cozy as possible, the outfit above is what you should defer to. Suddenly a T-shirt, flannel, cargo pants, and Ugg boots can go from casual to chic, thanks to the mere addition of a long-line shearling coat.
Consider this outfit another example of how this coat lends itself to being something you can wear through the winter. All you have to do is pair it with a chunky cable-knit sweater, baggy jeans, and Chelsea boots, and you’ll have the perfect winter outfit.
Instead of parting ways with that oversizd shearling jacket, lean into the fit and style it as a dress. Simply add a turtleneck dress underneath and tights for added warmth, and finish off the look with contrasting Chelsea boots.
You don’t need to overdo it when making this jacket feel brand-new. If you pair a cropped shearling coat with skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots and finish off the look with oversize sunglasses, you’ll feel fresher than ever.
Let’s be honest: We’re all wild for an all-black outfit, especially in the dead of winter. But if you want to make this look something you can be even giddier about, then you’ll want to invest in a shearling coat with a contrasting collar. Trust us when we say throwing this jacket over a black sweater, jeans, and cowboy boots will make you want to say, “Yeehaw!”
While most find comfort in an all-black outfit, the sweaterdress should not be overlooked—especially when it’s styled with a long shearling coat and matching shoes. It’s the perfect outfit to snuggle up in if we may say so ourselves.
While this coat is a staple worth adding to any wardrobe, it’s worth noting that this style can also be considered a statement piece. The key to transferring this piece from basic to bold lies in the details. You’ll want to opt for iterations of the coat with fun colors (like opting for a yellow version like the outfit above) and style it with neutral staples (see the simple pants and sneakers) to make it stand out.
Not into the idea of buying a shearling coat with vibrant trimmings? We get it, and there’s still a way to make a statement without wearing an “out there” color. Simply opt for a shearling coat in a richer neutral hue (like forest green) and pair it with a matching turtleneck, jeans, and snakeskin boots. The subtle mixing of neutrals will ensure this look is unique without overdoing it.
Not to sound like a broken record, but shearling coats in earth tones can add a little color to any winter look. A simple black turtleneck paired with white trousers and ballet flats is taken from simple to stunning when styled with a full-shearling gray coat.
With winter weather comes the influx of invites to holiday parties. And for those of us living in cold climates, choosing what coat to wear with our going-out look was a challenge until now. Put a brightly hued shearling jacket on for the evening (over a minidress, suit, or blouse and skirt), and you’ll be set.
Searching for a cozy yet chic look that will work for upcoming holiday travel or gatherings? A shearling coat is a solution. Pair it with a matching knit set and ankle boots in the same tone for an outfit you won’t want to take off for the rest of the year.
The best way to showcase what makes your shearling coat special is to keep your styling simple and pair it with trousers, a T-shirt, and sneakers. It may seem like a “basic” look, but trust us when we say that it will allow the smaller details of your coat (like the cut, the hardware, or the color) to stand out and will further prove the power of owning this coat.
