When selecting a new coat, it's often difficult picking just one out of the hundreds available on the market today. If it's a formal style you're looking for, a frock coat might be the perfect choice. They are ideal for wearing to work, they're stylish yet extremely classic, and will stay in your wardrobe for many years to come.
The Frock Coat Style
The frock coat gained popularity in the Victorian period and was traditionally only a man's coat. This was later adopted as a popular style of coat for women, too. Originally, the style was characterized by a slim, nipped-in waist, double-breasted button fastenings, and a full skirt which blooms out, ending just above the knee. Today, modern updates of this style often have less volume at the waist, and are more streamlined. The frock coat is usually a dressier style of coat and worn for more formal occasions as opposed to casual everyday wear.
What to Wear Them With
A frock coat lends itself well to smarter outfits. For example, an outfit like a skirt suit or shift dress. Frock coats look better with slim-lined garments on the bottom half of the body, like cigarette trousers, or a fitted skirt or dress due to the voluminous nature of the coat. This helps to balance proportions and create an overall even silhouette.
Winter accessories including scarves and gloves of all styles look great paired with frock coats. However, if deciding to wear a hat with your coat, it's important you pick a more formal style (such as a beret, a wide-brimmed wool hat, or a Russian faux-fur hat) to suit the style of the coat. When selecting a handbag, ensure that this is also on the more formal end of the spectrum by avoiding anything made from a canvas material.
Occasions to Wear
A few occasions that are appropriate for a frock coat are:
- Work
- Church
- Weddings (as a guest in colder seasons)
- Funerals
- Formal dinner events and functions
7 Stylish Frock Coats
Take a look below at some of the frock coats currently available to purchase online and in department stores today. These can be used as inspiration for updated styles and to give the you a starting point when looking to buy a frock coat.
Double-Breasted Frock Coat
This military-inspired coat by Jessica Simpson has a has a frock style with a more modern look. Done in a basket-weave fabric with button cuffs and a convertaible stand collar, it is a versatile, classy option. This coat retains a little bit of the traditional frock style volume and is the perfct option for those who want stylish details that provide interest while retaining timelesss style. It is available in sizes XS to XL for about $160 and comes in navy, grey, and pale rose.
Chenille Frock Coat
Available in three gorgeous winter shades of black, brown, and wine and available in sizes six to 16, this chenille frock coat by Sheplers Scully (priced at around $180) stands out with its two-tone paisley printed fabric. Updated with a deep V neckline, this style looks modern while retaining many of the classic elements of a traditional coat. Sitting just above the knee, this coat will keep you covered in cooler seasons, while the center back vent allows for easy movement and practicality.
Frock Coat With Skirted Trim
For those on a tight budget, Sammy Dress is a great site for picking up fashion items for less. This double breasted coat (available for under $30) maintains many of the design functions of the traditional frock design, with its double-breasted fastening, full skirt, and high neck. It comes in sizes S to XXL, and in three colors including a bright and festive red that will make any outfit pop.
Envelope Collar Coat
The Envelope Collar Double-Breasted coat from by Guess features a frock style with a high, fitted waist, a flared bottom, and exterior zipper pocket accents for a look that is a perfect combination of classic and modern. The coat has a stylish envelope collar, flattering deep pleats, and goldtone hardware to complete the look. It comes in a versatile navy color and is available in sizes Small through X-Large for approximately $160.
Single-Breasted Coat
If you're looking for a versatile version of a frock coat, the single-breated Kensie style with a removable faux fur collar is a good option. While still looking stylish, and appropriate for work attire and evening occasions, this coat has a soft and feminine appeal to it with its subtle flared style. It can be used for more formal occasions by attaching the faux fur collar. The wool-blend coat comes in sizes S through XL for approximately $150.
Feminine Style
Complete with a gorgeous fur trim collar and bow-tie waist detail, this double-breasted coat by Zeagoo is for anyone looking for something very girly and pretty. The skirt is full of volume, and the shorter length keeps this looking modern and youthful. This coat is available in sizes S to XXL and comes inboth a khaki brown color, a vibrant red shade, wine and grey for about $70.
Notch-Collar Wool Coat
This wool notch-collar coat from Larry Levine has a much looser fitting waist, and very soft volume placed around the skirt. Available in black and a dark charcoal color, this is the perfect coat to wear for the most formal occasions. The high wool content will also keep you warm in cooler seasons. This coat is yours for around $120, and comes in a wide range of sizes from a small right up to an extra large.
A Classic Staple
The frock coat is a beautifully elegant design that dates back to many centuries ago. If you're looking for a staple piece of outerwear that you can wear season after season, and something that is quite classic in its shape and detailing, then it is an ideal option for you to consider. There are numerous options online and in many stores in a range of prices to suit all budgets. If you're still unsure if it is for you, the best thing you can do is make a visit to the shops and try one on. You won't know if something truly suits you or flatters your figure until it's on.
