Trend Report
Trend Report: Beyond the Coat 2026
Move beyond the coat this season with capes, ponchos and wraps designed for effortless trans seasonal dressing.
2026 Beyond The Coat
As winter begins to give way to spring, our wardrobes naturally become lighter too. While coats remain essential on colder days, August is the perfect time to introduce pieces that bridge the gap between the seasons. This year, capes, ponchos and wraps are stepping into the spotlight, offering a fresh take on trans seasonal dressing.
Rather than replacing your winter wardrobe, these styles build on it. They extend the life of favourite knitwear while making the move into spring feel seamless. Perfect for cool mornings, changing temperatures and those in between days when a heavy coat feels too much, they bring shape, texture and movement to an outfit without adding unnecessary bulk.
The Cape
The cape is the most structured of the three, designed to sit across the shoulders with an open front that creates a clean, flowing silhouette. With its tailored shape and timeless appeal, it’s an easy way to add interest to classic wardrobe staples while still allowing your outfit to take centre stage.
Style a cape over a fine merino knit with tailored trousers for a polished daytime look, or layer it over a knitted midi dress with knee high boots for lunch or an evening out. It also works beautifully over a blazer, providing an extra layer without concealing the outfit beneath. Camel, soft cream and charcoal are classic choices that pair effortlessly with denim, black and winter whites.
Image: Storm | Lyocell Cape | $299.00
The Poncho
More relaxed in shape, the poncho slips over the head and drapes evenly around the body, creating an easy throw on piece for unpredictable weather. This season’s styles favour finer knits and lightweight wool blends, giving them a softer, more contemporary feel than the chunky versions of years past.
To balance the volume, pair a poncho with slim or straight leg jeans, fitted knitwear or tailored trousers. Leather ankle boots help ground the look, while a structured handbag or waist belt can add definition when desired. Rich chocolate, taupe and deep olive are standout shades that bring depth to an outfit without overpowering it.
Polo Neck Poncho | $99.95
Joey Poncho | $49.99
The Wrap
A wrap sits somewhere between a scarf and a lightweight jacket, making it one of the most adaptable additions to any wardrobe. Worn loosely over the shoulders or secured with a belt, it offers an extra layer while allowing plenty of freedom of movement.
Drape one over a crisp white shirt and tailored pants for an easy daytime look, or style it with a lightweight knit and denim on the weekend. As spring arrives, it transitions naturally over cotton shirts, linen separates and dresses, making it a piece you’ll continue reaching for long after winter ends. A soft wool or cashmere blend offers just the right amount of insulation without feeling heavy.
Snug Cashmere Wrap- Carbon Marle | $299.00
Merino Wrap Knit | $179.00
Snug Wrap- Natural Marle | $149.00
Across all three styles, the colour palette remains timeless. Camel, oatmeal, chocolate, charcoal and soft cream dominate, with the occasional deep olive or burgundy adding richness. These shades work seamlessly with denim, black tailoring and classic neutrals, making them easy to mix and match throughout the season.
The appeal of these styles beyond the coat lay in their ability to refresh everyday dressing with minimal effort. Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends for lunch or planning a weekend away, these pieces add another dimension to familiar wardrobe favourites, proving that the change in seasons doesn’t always call for a new coat, just a new way to wear your layers.
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Trend Report
Trend Report: Beyond the Coat 2026
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