Memorable coats and the people who made them famous, from Rihanna to Queen Elizabeth

When it comes to iconic fashion moments, the coat has had more than its fair share of time in the spotlight. How else to explain the enduring appeal of the Burberry trench coat, which traces its roots back to 1879, the year gentleman’s outfitter Thomas Burberry created the breathable, waterproof fabric gabardine? Or any of the Michael Kors for Celine coats in The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), or Kate Hudson’s shearling coat in Almost Famous (2000)? The look remains eternal inspiration for wannabe Penny Lanes. Think too of Queen Elizabeth in waxed Barbour, the requisite uniform of the aristo country and the Glasto set. The coat is central to many brands’ DNA – an idea as relevant to Max Mara’s camel-toned wool and cashmere 101801 coat, first debuted in 1981 and reimagined each season, as it is to the sculptural cocoons of Cristóbal Balenciaga. The latter case is a shape that Demna referenced in his final couture show for the house in July. As he said at the time: “This collection is the perfect way for me to finish my decade at Balenciaga. I have come as close as possible to being satisfied in this endless pursuit of impossible perfection – the defining ethos of Cristóbal Balenciaga.” Ah yes, the quest for the perfect coat, one many of us perennially find ourselves on. For Kay Barron, fashion director at Net-a-Porter, when it comes to finding such a coat, it’s hard to surpass the aforementioned Burberry trench. “There are countless iconic coats, but the Burberry trench is of course the stand-out. It’s even more iconic now than when it launched over 100 years ago, and over the years, it’s been reimagined in leather, faux fur and cashmere,” she says. “It has been worn by everyone from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s [1961] to Rihanna – solidifying its status as a cultural symbol.” When it comes to famous coats, though, Barron says Gwyneth Paltrow’s as Margot Tenenbaum in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) remains a favourite. “Even though the film is nearly 25 years old, the outfit still feels relevant, and this is down to the abundance of faux fur coats on the autumn/winter 2025 runways, with major designers like Fendi, Gucci, Prada and Rabanne all embracing the trend,” she says. New classic coats abounded on recent runways too, notes Barron, pointing to the likes of Saint Laurent and The Row for leather jackets – a look she says is always relevant – and elegant silhouettes that you could wear for a lifetime. Julia McCarthy, founder and creative director of Australian label Friends with Frank, says another much-loved coat style is the shearling sherpa jacket. “It has become synonymous with rugged elegance, while the camel coat remains a timeless symbol of understated luxury,” she says. As an example of the latter, she adds, “One of my favourite coat moments in pop culture is Diane Keaton’s wardrobe in the film Annie Hall (1977). Her layered, oversized coats and structured tailoring really captured the essence of androgynous dressing in such a chic and effortless way. That look felt so fresh and still resonates today. It stands as a reminder that great style doesn’t shout – it just feels right, and it lasts.” Iconic coats have had a role in shaping history too, says Lauren Tapper, one half of New Zealand fashion brand Harris Tapper. “Jackie Kennedy wore some of the most beautiful coats. One that’s not particularly a favourite, due to the circumstances, but definitely stands out in one’s mind is the little pink coat she wore on the day of JFK’s assassination. It’s imprinted on history,” she says. As for coat silhouettes that will live on forever, Tapper is another to point to Balenciaga’s cocoon coat: “Imaginative and sculptural, it’s like a piece of art before its time.” Choosing a coat Fabric is everything, advises Lauren Tapper. “Look for fabrics that suit your environment and lean less into trends. Wool and cashmere blends for cold climates, and lightweight, single layers for warmer temperatures. Consider longevity and how it fits into your existing wardrobe,” she says. Harris Tapper’s long Egon coat is a bestseller, with proportions that mean it can be thrown over anything to pull a look together. Friends with Frank’s McCarthy says to focus on fit too. “Opt for a cut that complements your body shape – double-breasted styles offer structure, while single-breasted designs provide a sleeker look.” Fabric is essential too, wool for warmth and durability and blends with cashmere for a luxurious feel. Ultimately, McCarthy says, you should be investing in a coat that’s been made to last: “Choosing a coat that clearly reflects quality craftsmanship ensures it will be a piece that will remain a mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come.” 3 iconic coat styles Pea coat With its origins in the military, the pea coat has been around since the 1800s. Its double-breasted and wide-lapelled style has been worn by Robert Redford in political thriller Three Days of the Condor (1975), by Jackie Kennedy and also countless adorable primary schoolers. Today it can be found at brands such as Ralph Lauren and Chloé. Trench coat Originally worn by British officers in the First World War, the trench coat is now famously associated with British heritage brand Burberry. Its most classic iteration is crafted from gabardine, a waterproof twill. The trench coat has been worn by everyone from Sophia Loren to Audrey Hepburn, and who can forget Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca wearing a trench coat while uttering that famous line, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Teddy coat Cosy and swaddling, the teddy coat was first worn by wealthy Brits when out motoring in the 1920s, and in the bitter winters in some states in the US by Ivy League students. It’s since become a bestseller for Italian brand Max Mara. Meanwhile, according to an article in The New York Times, faux furs had become a “phenomenon on Seventh Avenue” by the mid-60s.

Memorable coats and the people who made them famous, from Rihanna to Queen Elizabeth

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Audrey Hepburn’s Burberry trench look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is iconic, while Gwyneth Paltrow’s Royal Tenenbaums faux fur remains relevant

Audrey Hepburn’s Burberry trench look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is iconic, while Gwyneth Paltrow’s Royal Tenenbaums faux fur remains relevant