As a stylist, I look for patterns in trends. If I see something once it doesn't mean much. But if I see a trend in the stores multiple times I know it is something to pay attention to. A few weeks ago, I had this experience when I saw a bunch of furry coats that looked like muppet fur, particularly when they were in colors like bright pink and turquoise. They looked utterly ridiculous to me and I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to wear them. Sure, I like Elmo, but it doesn't mean I want to look like him.
Oftentimes with trends, it takes a little while for me to get used it. I can't tell you how many times I have called something ugly only to embrace the trend a few months later. But this one, that I have learned is called the teddy bear coat trend, I'm not so sure about. Maybe it's me but I just don't get it.
Like most trends, there are varying degrees as well as price points, and the teddy bear coat trend is no different. I have seen some bearable styles (no pun intended) and others that look like bathmats and furry costumes.
How to Style the Teddy Bear Coat
What often helps me see a trend is to try to style it, so I am putting three looks together using the teddy bear coat. Tell me what you think? Is this a trend you're into? According to the internet it is pretty popular. What am I missing?
Teddy Bear Coat Look #1
When I put this more avant garde look together I figured if this is a popular trend then let me lean into the trendy nature of it. I styled this teddy bear coat from J. Crew with a striped breton from Boden, a pair of cropped flare pants from Madewell, heeled loafers from Gucci, a navy All Saints clutch, basic hoop earrings from Argento Vivo and sunglasses from Le Specs.
Admittedly, I kind of like this outfit. I prefer it without the coat, but the kookiness is working for me. I'm still not sold on this coat as a trend, however.
Teddy Bear Coat Look #2
As a coat for going out I can see the merit of owning a teddy bear coat. Will I add one to my wardrobe for this reason? Probably not, but I can see it. I styled this Topshop coat in ivory with faux leather leggings from Lysse, a tunic sweater from L.K. Bennett, block heeled boots from Dolce Vita, grey Stella McCartney bag, black scarf from Nordstrom, silver beaded strand necklace from Stella & Dot, red gloves from Fownes Brothers and sunglasses from Sonix.
Teddy Bear Coat Look #3
It's hard to find fault anything from Max Mara. In this case, the teddy bear coat is actual camel hair and silk. It also comes with a hefty price tag. Max Mara is known for their exquisite coats and this one has its merits. The biggest one being that it doesn't look like it worked a twelve hour shift as a furry animal in Times Square.
I styled the teddy bear coat with a camel dress, also from Max Mara, and added a pair of cognac boots from Nine West, bag from Steven Alan, Fownes Brothers gloves, gold bracelet from LAUREN Ralph Lauren, earrings from Gorjana and sunglasses from Diff.
If I can be sold on a teddy bear coat it would be this outfit that does it for me. It isn't just because it is totally luxurious but because if you put anything cognac or camel in front of me it's hard for me not be on board.
Check out more teddy bear coats
These three coats are only scratching the surface in terms of what is out there in teddy bear coats. Some you might like and others may horrify you. I'll leave it up to you. When it comes to fashion there is no right or wrong answer. Don't let my confusion by them stop you from buying one.
