Ethical Style » Proportion Control

Proportion Control

Kara Cook | October 2009

Winter is around the corner, and that only means one thing: coats. (Also boots, but let’s just ignore that for a minute.)

While there are so many beautiful coats out there, a lot of them — including several I own — can be rather dull. Just because a coat is made using low-impact dye, recycled wool, and organic cotton doesn’t mean it can’t have exaggerated proportions and a gorgeous design.

We picked the best-looking ethical versions of the perfect winter coat in the hopes of bringing some sunshine to the darkest days of winter.

Click on any image below to launch the slideshow.

: Bomono Coat: This oversize coat kills. By Vaute Couture, the coat is 100 percent recycled and comes in multiple colors. Even the buttons are vintage. Maybe that’s why its on backorder! (Courtesy of VauteCouture.com)

: Carolyn Coat: A big swinging skirt, available in multiple colors. Vaguely military-influenced large buttons, wide sleeves, organic fibers, and large lapels make this Carolyn Coat by Julia Burnbaum on-trend for winter. Her other coats are just as sassy. (Courtesy of Juleselin.com)

: Doie Tribeca Coat: The Tribeca coat isn’t for the depth of winter, but the single vintage button and the loose bodice give this coat a super chic and comfortable vibe. It’s made from organic merino wool and silk. (Courtesy of Nimli.com)

: Komodo Cocoon Tweed Coat: Cocoon sweaters may be all the rage, but who says you can’t have a cocoon coat too. Gathered in at the base, this coat also has a giant collar and a thick waist band. Oh, and it’s handmade from organic fiber. (Courtesy of Bochica.co.uk)

: Komodo Lysa Coat: On top a traditional military coat, this coat transforms on the way down into a huge swinging skirt. And it’s also handmade with low-impact dyes and organic materials.

: Madeleine Drape jJacket: Made from heavy handwoven cotton, perhaps this coat isn’t for a ski trip, but it is beautiful. Drapey and sexy, this coat is a must-have. Look closely: It has the same lines as a tux jacket. (Courtesy of Peopletree.co.uk.)

: Rebe Maryanne Coat: This adorable coat features oversize box pleats, a swinging skirt, a generous hood, and one big button. It also happens to be 74 percent recycled cotton, 24 percent recycled acrylic, and 2 percent “other recycled fiber.”

: Shetland Empire Coat: Coming from the U.K., Izzy Lane makes “ethical fashion reared in Britain.” This coat had a very wide long skirt, high necked, large buckles, and enough class to last anyone through the long winter. The wool comes from a rare breed of Shetland wool. (Courtesy of IzzyLane.com)

: Shetland Trapeze Coat: This coat also comes from Izzy Lane. Made from undyed local wool, it has an adorable A-line silhouette, off-center buckles, and a big houndstooth print. (Courtesy of IzzyLane.com)

Issue 25

Proportion Control