Summer dressing is all about linen, swimwear and sandals. Autumn style mostly consists of corduroy trousers, knitwear and boots. In winter, the only part of any outfit that most people will see – ergo the only element that really matters – is the coat. And for the coldest days, only the warmest, most cosseting down coat will do.
Not so long ago, wearing a down coat would have represented a style compromise. But over the past several years, down coats have made a return to the fashion fore – all thanks to a widespread embrace of outdoor pursuits, advances in fashion tech and endorsements by luxury fashion brands.
