Culture

The Best Spring Coats For Outdoor Networking

With al fresco meetings back on the menu we found the chicest outerwear to beat the spring chill

By Rhea Cartwright

29 April 2021
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s our favourite food and beverage establishments reopen, our diaries are filling up with coffee mornings, lunch meetings and client dinners with one key difference - they have to take place outside. With British spring weather being the reason that the majority of us have trust issues, an insulating coat is vital for your professional and personal al fresco forays.

After months of restaurants closures and living in loungewear, the opportunity to woo potential investors inevitably now takes place outdoors until indoor dining resumes on 17 May. Walk and talks have also replaced meetings in stuffy boardrooms and the trend is likely to continue given that studies suggest that the act of walking leads to an increase in creative thinking.

A crucial part of any outfit - whether smartening up or camouflaging whatever is underneath - your choice of outerwear is a clear nod to both fashion and function. A longline puffer jacket may have sufficed for supermarket saunters but this new breed of outdoor networking requires something smarter. We curated our favourite edit of the best spring coats that will become a hard-working addition to any wardrobe.

We only include products that have been independently selected by The Stack editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Kassl Editions, Coated Trench Coat £225

Buttercup yellow and built to last a lifetime, this coated trench is both waterproof and water-repellent. With a longline, boxy fit it's a modern take on an evergreen classic

Relaxed Wool Blend Trench Coat, £175 - & Other Stories

Wool is a great option for chilly spring jaunts. Due to it's warmth, you can opt for something lighter underneath and the relaxed fit looks smart but not stuffy.

Collarless Belted Jacket, £300 - Frankie Shop

In a khaki but verging on cardamom colour, this collarless offering is a timeless wardrobe classic. Cinch in the waist to create shape and pair with neutral nudes or vibrant hues of pink and orange.

Faux-fur Leopard Coat, £300 - Free People

Perhaps only in London would a faux-fur coat be on a spring shopping list. With the popular print now a style staple, the tonal coat injects some life and will ensure you won't be forgotten after your meetings.

Short Trench Coat, £135 - Arket

Consider a short trench coat for an updated take on a perennial classic. With vast slanted pockets to hold your mask, keys and phone, it deploys all the functional details of a full-length trench but in a more concentrated size.

Navy Wool Teddy Fleece Coat, £225 - Cos

Black gets all the praise but take a chance on navy. It's softer, suits more skin tones and pairs beautifully, if not better, with spring colour palettes. With a slight cocoon fit, this cosy coat will be a cold-weather essential to keep you looking smart.

Waterproof Parka with Topstiching, £155 - Uterque

When sporting bolder shades, it's always best to stick to classic cuts to keep the overall look smart. This electric royal blue is a nod to the minimalist trend, with a detachable hood if your walk and talks gets met with any rain.

Wool Blend Coat, £129 - Zara

The oversized shape of this lilac coat help keep it modern. It's warm but lightweight for unexpected bursts of sunshine and looks equally sharp when worn over a red suit or a grey tracksuit on your days off.

Thermal Vest, £9.90 - Uniqlo

If you have yet to try Uniqlo's Heat Tech thermal range, let this be your awakening. Coming in a plethora of styles and sleeve lengths, they regulate your body heat without adding any bulk to your outfit.

Reusable Coffee Cup, £11.95 - Circular&Co.

If you're trying to charm a potential investor on a walk through Holland Park, ensure your hot beverage is in this 100% leakproof vessel. Made from single-use paper cups, it's the most sustainable option on the market and should last for 10 years.

Clear Canopy Umbrella, £20 - Hay

With April showers materialising in any month of the year, having a brolly is a must. The transparent canopy innocuously pairs with any outfit colour and the sturdy design won't embarrass you by turning inside-out with a gust of wind.

5-Pack of Tonal Face Masks, £40 - Kaze

Although nobody is enamoured with wearing a face masks, matching them to your outfit is a tiny slice of solace. Having been sported on Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa, the protective masks from Kaze come in tonal collections to become an accessory rather than just an essential.

The Short Stack

Forgo flinging on a tired winter coat and sharpen up your wardrobe with a seasonal upgrade.

By Rhea Cartwright

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