I recently observed a young woman waiting for a job interview. Nervous, she held a resume in her hand as she waited her turn. Her appearance was appropriate for what I guessed was an entry-level job. She wore slacks and a semi-fitted knee-length wool coat in a modest plaid. The stunning coat made her stand out from the crowd. It gave her a touch of elegance and class without looking overdressed. Her outfit made me think about coats and the purpose they serve. True, they are made to keep us warm. However, a classic wool coat can also be used to elevate a casual look. Show me a vintage button-up coat, and I’ll show you a stylish alternative to zip-up quilted nylon jackets.
Inspired, I searched my collection of mid-century women’s magazines for classic coats. I picked out 10 different coats from the early 1960s that were featured in ads or articles. They are listed below.
Note: As a bonus, I am also providing a Good Housekeeping article that tells the consumer how to buy a coat. Scroll to the bottom of the post or click here.
This look is both stylish and warm. It comes from Good Housekeeping’s October 1962 edition. Called the Cavalier, this uncollared coat from Modelia is made with wool and cotton tweed. Note the 3/4 length sleeves and long gloves. This trend was popular during the early 1960s.
In the 60s, they called the scarf a stole. Here’s what they had to say about this look:
A coat cut with verve, full of drama. It’s uncollared, which gives you plenty of poetic license with the swinging, black fringed stole
Mid-century women’s magazines would often feature fashion ads promoting a certain industry. Here, the industry was the Wool Bureau. What better way to promote the use of wool, then with a fabulous double-breasted wool coat from Zelinka Matlick. Here’s a bit of text from the ad.
Wool that drapes gracefully, tailors beautifully. Wool with the natural resilience to keep in shape. Designers of distinction choose wool.
This look came from an article titled, “Long and Lovely: The look for evening”. It came from the October 1963 edition of Good Housekeeping. The article showed this Modelia Double-breasted wool maxi coat in red. Worn with a fur muff, white gloves, and pearls, the coat sold for $100 in 1963.
More from this article on MidCenturyPage.com
Here is another maxi coat from the same article referenced above. The coat comes from Murray Neiman with dramatic buttons that button all the way to the floor. Made with Wool Melton cloth, the coat sold for $140 in 1963.
Called an officer’s coat, this navy coat by Henry Friedricks is made with wool fleece. It features brass buttons and a red taffeta lining. It has 3/4 length sleeves and is worn with long gloves. Model is wearing a “fluffy beaver felt hat”. The look came from the pages of Good Housekeeping – October 1962 edition. It was found in an article titled, “Pick the way you want to Look this Winter – Right Here!”.
From the same 1963 article, this plaid greatcoat coat comes from Dani, Jr (design by Faye Wagner). It is made with a mix of wool, rayon, and nylon. It has a lynx fur collar and cuffs. If sold for $130 in 1962.
This Kay McDowell coat comes from the pages of Mademoiselle – September 1960. It was featured in an ad for Acrilan acrylic fiber from the Chemstrand corporation. The coat sold for $39.95 in 1960. Shown in black and white, the coat was green with “gold pile lining”. The ad copy said this about hoods.
Note: Hoods are not only warm, but flattering All that bulk has a way of making the face look small and fragile.
This one is my favorite. It comes from a McCalls sewing pattern article published in McCalls September 1961. The winter white tweed coat comes from McCalls pattern #5967. The monochromatic look is worn with knitted gloves, cowl neck sweater, and a plaid skirt. Again, note the 3/4 sleeves and long gloves. According to the article, the fabulous gloves come from American Astral.
Here’s a peek at the vintage sewing pattern.
Source: https://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=361593-A23182
These looks came from a Mademoiselle article from Sept 1960 titled “Investor’s Suits”. The article showed these two “long jacket” looks made from wool tweed. Designed by Anne Fogart, Worn with pencil skirts, the jackets sold for about $60.
More coats from this issue from a previous post.
The final look comes from an ad for Kay McDowel coats. It is made with a sailor collar and giant pockets. The braid bound tweed coat had a Milium lining. It sold for $39.95.
Bonus
Buying Guide for Women’s Winter Coats from the October 1963 edition of Good Housekeeping.
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