Not Just Your Father's Coat

This trendy piece isn't the newest of items, but it is back "in vogue" again. I know you are waiting with bated breath, so I'll just tell you. It's the duffel coat. This coat is made from none other than duffel; a coarse, thick, woollen material. As with many other styles this season, this item originated in Europe and is a traditional British garment. One key defining feature of a duffel coat is that the front must be closed (at least in some part) by front toggle-fastenings which are commonly called "walrus teeth." These toggles were originally used to make the coat easy to fasten and unfasten while wearing gloves... sort of like fashionable velcro. Traditionally these coats were boxy, but the newer variants have a tailored feel and are easier to find for avant-garde women shoppers. Even the high fashion houses, like Dolce & Gabbana, have a rendition of this classic garment. Final verdict: if these coats are properly cared for, they can last many many years and be passed down from generation to generation. Think of it as a several-cycle fashion investment.

P.S. - If you can't figure it out, the female model is the one wearing the duffel coat.