How to Style a Red Coat (with Pictures)

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Red coats are an iconic look, and can really add a lot of depth and style to your outfit. However, this loud garment might feel a little bit out of your stylistic comfort zone, especially if you prefer softer or neutral-toned outfits. There’s no need to fear—there are plenty of fun combinations you can create with your red coat, whether looking to dress up or down.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Casual Outfits

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Put together an easy outfit with a pair of jeans and a red coat. Red coats may seem like an intimidating garment, but they can work with just about any outfit. Search through your closet for your favorite pair of jeans, whether they are distressed or in pristine condition. Any color or style of jeans works well with this outfit, so feel free to play around!^{[1]
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- For instance, you can pair a simple tee with a pair of distressed jeans for an easy look.
- On a cold day, match a puffy red coat with a pair of blue jeans, along with a pair of gray ankle boots.^{[2]
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- You can dress your oversized red coat in any occasion. The benefit is that you could get a classy or sporty outfit, whether you pair your oversized coat with high heel or sneakers.
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Create a casual look with a graphic tee and a red coat. Don’t worry about looking too casual—the tee will provide a cool contrast to your red jacket. Finish off the look with a pair of jeans or some other casual bottoms, along with a laid-back pair of shoes.^{[3]
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- For example, you can pair a black and grey graphic tee with a pair of black jeans and a white pair of sneakers. Slip on a long red coat as a dramatic touch!
- You can play around with a hip-length red leather coat, along with a pair of capri jeans and a black graphic tee.
- Even if the weather is cool, lightweight layers can still help keep you warm, because the space between each layer is going to provide some insulation.^{[4]
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  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 19 March 2020.}
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3
Pair a dress shirt and nice jeans with a red pea coat for a business casual look. A red coat can help you tow the line between casual and formal, no matter what the occasion is. Pick out a nice dress shirt or vest to give your outfit a formal edge, before rounding it out with a pair of relaxed pants or jeans. Finish things off with a red coat!^{[5]
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- For example, slip a brightly colored vest over a white dress shirt, then finish things off with a pair of jeans and some nice shoes. Add a splash of color with your red jacket to really complete the look.
- For instance, pair a white top with blue jeans, then layer a fuzzy, hip-length red coat overtop.^{[6]
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Wear a red coat with shorts to look playful when warm weather arrives. Slip into a nice blouse or top, pairing it with some nice shorts. Slide a hip-length red jacket on over top to finish off the outfit.^{[7]
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- For instance, you can wear a light blue top with some jean shorts, along with a red jacket layered on top.
- Play around with a zippered red jacket to create a sportier look.^{[8]
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Dial down a red coat with a pair of casual shoes. A red coat doesn’t have to define the attitude of your outfit! While dress shoes and pumps work well with a red coat, so do sneakers and hiking boots. Look through your closet and see what kinds of shoes you have lying around.^{[9]
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- Finish off a long red coat with a pair of casual black boots for a sleek look.
- For instance, you can wear a puffy red jacket with a pair of black sneakers for a comfortable look.^{[10]
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Wear a matching beanie as a comfortable accessory with your red coat. Dress up for cooler weather with a beanie, which blends both style and warmth. Pick out a beanie that matches your coat, or go with a neutral-toned hat to complete your look. Play around with what you have on hand and see what you can come up with!^{[11]
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- For instance, you can wear a puffy red jacket and match it with a red beanie.
- You can also contrast a fuzzy red jacket with a white beanie or winter hat.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Formal Looks

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Create a classy outfit with a short dress and an elegant red coat. Flip through your closet and look for a short, knee-length dress. Shorter dresses are complemented well by your red coat, along with classy accessories, like stockings. Play around with what you have lying around, and see what kind of ensemble you can create.^{[12]
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- For example, you can slip into a light blue dress, complemented with black, knee-high stockings. Get dressed up in a long red coat so you’re ready to go out and about!
- You can also dress up in a short, neutral-toned dress and layer a short red jacket over top.^{[13]
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Design a bold, fancy look with a monochromatic outfit. A red coat is a bold enough choice on its own, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop there! Take your outfit to the next level with a red pair of pants, along with a red top and red shoes. This outfit is a great way to make heads turn at any formal event.^{[14]
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- For instance, you can pair a red top with red skinny pants and a long red coat for an eye-catching look.
- Slip into a red sweater, red slacks, and red leather jacket for a dynamic, unforgettably red outfit.^{[15]
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3
Slip on a red trench coat over a black top and pants for a night out. Search through your wardrobe for any black garments you have hanging around. Pick out a black top as well as some black pants, which will add some nice contrast to your red coat. Complete your look by slipping into your red coat.^{[16]
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- For instance, you can slip into a black jumpsuit and pair of neutral-toned heels to complement a long red coat.
- If you don’t have a jumpsuit on hand, a black top with black skinny jeans also works really well with a red coat.
4
Complement a dress shirt and skirt with a red jacket. Create a simple base for your outfit with a nice dress shirt, along with a knee-length pencil skirt. Play around with neutral tones, which allows your red jacket to really add some pizzazz to your outfit.^{[17]
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- For instance, pair a white blouse and grey pencil skirt with a hip-length red jacket.
- Create a schoolgirl-style look by pairing a white turtleneck with a plaid skirt, then layering a hip-length red jacket overtop.
5
Pair a stylish hat with your red coat to accent your look. Red coats are a fun accessory on their own, but a hat can really take your garment to the next level. Look through your wardrobe or closet to see what kinds of hats you have lying around, whether they’re berets, wide-brimmed hats, or something else altogether.^{[18]
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- For example, you can wear a black shirt with a pair of blue jeans, along with a red coat. A wide-brimmed black hat is a great option to accent the outfit!
- You can also pair a stylish, black-rimmed hat with a hip-length fuzzy jacket for a comfortable but stylish look.^{[19]
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Dress up your red coat with a pair of classy shoes. There are no right or wrong shoes when it comes to styling a red coat. Sort through your shoes to see what kinds of dressy options you have, whether it’s a pair of loafers, pumps, fancy boots, or something else. Mix and match until you find something that fits your own personal aesthetic!^{[20]
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- For instance, you can create a bolder look with printed pumps.
- For a sleek, classy look, slide into a pair of traditional black high heels.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I layer my outfit without feeling bulky?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Wear lightweight layers instead of heavy ones. You'll stay warm even in cold weather, because the space between the layers will help add warmth.