Style Guide- The Brooke Double Breasted Coat
The Art of the Outerwear: A Styling Masterclass
Here at Mode by Taylor, we believe a coat is more than just a layer—it is the definitive statement of your wardrobe. Our signature handmade Brooke Wool coat, with its architectural gold hardware and meticulous tailoring, was designed to be as versatile as the woman who wears it.
When it comes to curated luxury, few pieces command attention quite like a masterfully tailored wool coat. Designed for the discerning woman who values both form and heritage, the Brooke, a 100% wool masterpiece is a cornerstone piece for a truly seasonless wardrobe
With its architectural silhouette, military inspired epaulettes and a waist defining tie belt, it seamlessly bridges the gap between structured power dressing and everyday, effortless elegance. Whether layered over flowy summer silks, like our Chrissy Blouse or paired with heavy knits in the heart of winter, this coat isn’t just an outer layer; it’s a commitment to slow fashion and an enduring investment in your personal style.
To help you unlock the full potential of this investment piece, we have curated four distinct looks. Whether you are stepping into a midnight gala or a morning boardroom meeting, this guide demonstrates how to transition your coat through every hour of your life with effortless elegance.
The Midnight Gala
Contrast the high glamour of an evening gown with the Brooke coat for a clean elegant look that keeps you warm without compromising on style
The Hero Piece: A handmade, cream double-breasted wool coat featuring structured shoulders, military-inspired epaulettes, and signature gold-tone hardware.
The Base: A floor-length, deep plum or midnight violet silk slip dress with a gathered bodice and a delicate halter neck.
The Accessories: Bold, architectural gold jewelry including chunky chain-link earrings, a crescent-shaped collar necklace, and a wide stacked cuff.
The Finishing Touches: A structured black leather mini-bag with a gold chain strap and classic black suede stiletto sandals with delicate ankle straps.
Why it works:
Colour Story: The stark, clean white of the wool creates a dramatic frame for the rich, moody tones of the plum dress. This high-contrast pairing feels formal and intentional.
Texture Play: This look succeeds by mixing "hard" and "soft" textures. The heavy, protective weight of the handmade wool provides a striking counterpoint to the fluid, liquid-like drape of the silk.
Cohesive Accents: The gold hardware on the coat’s buttons and cuffs is mirrored perfectly by the oversized gold jewelry and the bag’s clasp. This repetition of gold elements ties the entire outfit together, making it feel curated and luxurious.
Balanced Silhouette: The sharp tailoring and structured silhouette of the jacket add a sense of authority and "armour" to the ethereal, feminine lines of the evening gown.
The Rose Garden Soirée
This second look offers a beautiful contrast to the first, leaning into a softer, romantic aesthetic while maintaining the coat's signature authority.
The Hero Piece: The handmade cream wool coat, styled open to showcase the silhouette of the dress underneath.
The Base: Our Daya dress in blush pink, with its 1950s-inspired fit-and-flare cocktail silhouette. It features a structured sweetheart neckline, a defined waist, and a voluminous pleated skirt. But any cocktail inspired dress will work for this look
The Accessories: A tonal silk neck scarf in a matching rose hue, adding a layer of vintage charm. Jewelry includes a heavy gold chain-link necklace and bold, chunky gold hoop earrings.
The Finishing Touches: A white quilted top-handle bag with gold charms and matching white platform stilettos to elongate the leg.
Why it works:
Soft Femininity meets Sharp Tailoring: The architectural structure of the wool coat balances the ultra-feminine, rounded volume of the flared skirt. This prevents the look from feeling too "costume" and brings it into a modern, high-fashion space.
A "Pastel-Neutral" Palette: The cream wool acts as the perfect neutral anchor for the blush pink. By keeping the bag and shoes in the same white/cream family as the coat, the pink dress becomes a soft but deliberate focal point.
Cohesive Hardware: The choice of bold gold jewelry is essential here. It bridges the gap between the military-style gold buttons on your jacket and the charms on the handbag, creating a sense of "total look" luxury.
Textural Depth: The matte finish of the high-quality wool provides a sophisticated backdrop for the slight sheen of the dress and the lustrous silk of the scarf.
The Modern Academic
For this look, we transition into a sophisticated, academic-inspired aesthetic. This ensemble highlights the coat's versatility in a structured, professional, yet stylishly unconventional context.
The Hero Piece: The handmade cream wool coat, worn open to reveal the intricate layering and play of patterns beneath.
The Base: A crisp, classic white button-down shirt paired with a high-waisted, pleated A-line skirt in this case our Lizzie Plaid Skirt, a classic silhouette in a heritage fabric.
The Accessories: A masculine-inspired striped silk tie in chocolate brown and navy, plus a minimalist gold watch with a brown leather strap to add a heritage feel.
The Finishing Touches: Rich cognac leather accessories, including a structured top-handle tote and matching knee-high flat boots, which ground the lighter tones of the coat and skirt.
Why it Works
Borrowed from the Boys: This look masterfully blends traditional menswear elements—like the tie and button-down—with the feminine silhouette of the pleated skirt and the elegant drape of your handmade coat. This "gender-fluid" styling is a hallmark of high-end, contemporary fashion.
A Warm, Earthy Palette: The transition from the bright cream of the coat to the muted beige of the plaid, and finally to the deep cognac of the leather, creates a warm, autumnal gradient. This makes the cream coat feel approachable and wearable for daily professional life.
Pattern Coordination: The subtle lavender lines in the plaid skirt provide a hidden pop of colour that prevents the browns and creams from feeling too traditional, adding a fresh, modern edge to the "preppy" aesthetic.
Functional Sophistication: By choosing flat boots and a spacious tote, the look remains practical for a busy lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of style. The coat acts as the unifying "polished" layer that elevates these everyday pieces into a curated fashion statement.
The Aspen Promenade
This final look moves into the realm of "Quiet Luxury," emphasizing tonal depth and winter warmth. It demonstrates how the coat functions as part of a high-end daily uniform.
The Hero Piece: The handmade wool coat, shown here securely belted to create an hourglass silhouette and highlight the gold hardware.
The Base: A heavy-gauge, cream cable-knit turtleneck sweater paired with high-waisted, wide-leg ivory trousers featuring contrasting black buttons at the waist.
The Accessories: An oversized, chunky ribbed-knit scarf in a matching cream shade for added volume and texture.
The Finishing Touches: Structured black leather elements to ground the look, including a sleek top-handle tote with gold logo detailing and pointed-toe stiletto ankle boots.
Why This Look Works
Monochromatic Mastery: By layering varying shades of cream, ivory, and off-white, the look feels incredibly expensive and cohesive. The slight differences in the "white" tones keep the outfit from looking flat.
Textural Contrast: This ensemble is a masterclass in texture. Combining the smooth, dense felt of the handmade wool coat with the rugged cable knit of the sweater and the soft ribbing of the scarf creates visual interest without needing bright colours.
Proportional Balance: The belted waist of the coat defines the frame, preventing the heavy winter layers and wide-leg trousers from overwhelming the wearer’s figure.
The Power of Black Accents: The black boots, bag, and trouser buttons provide a necessary "punctuation" to the look. They offer a sharp, modern contrast that keeps the cream palette from feeling too delicate for a city environment.
