There's barely a royal engagement go by where you don't spot a coat dress. Yes, the classic mother of the bride coat dress is a favourite among the likes of Princess Kate, Zara Tindall, and Princess Beatrice, loved for being a timeless cover-up that's smart, yet feminine. A coat dress ticks all the boxes for many an occasion, from weddings to christenings to the races, and can be as modest (think long sleeves and midi length) or as sexy (a mini blazer or tuxedo dress is uber chic) as you need it to be.
What is a coat dress?
A coat dress is a dress that has coat elements. Usually with a collar or lapel, they can be opened by a front enclosure, typically buttons. A coat dress is often made from slightly thicker material than cotton, and most commonly has long or three-quarter sleeves, although there are sleeveless options.
The most popular type of coat dress is the style Princess Kate wears, with a fit-and-flare silhouette that nips in at the waist with long or half-sleeves, and has either has a collar or wider neckline with lapel.
If Kate’s style is a little too classic for you, look to Meghan Markle for your more modern coat dress inspiration. The mum of two favours the tuxedo dress, a cooler version of the classic coat dress that is essentially an elongated version of a blazer or tuxedo suit jacket.
When to wear a coat dress
Occasion wear and coat dresses go hand in hand – you can wear one to Ascot, a christening or a wedding. You'll find coat dresses for weddings a popular choice as a mother of the bride outfit, or mother of the groom of course.
How to wear a coat dress
Wearing a coat dress is easy – it’s a one and done type of outfit. They work best with a closed-toe heeled shoe, such as a court shoe, or a heeled espadrille (yes, Kate and her Catherine Walker coat dresses really are your best reference). Due to their tailored nature, a structured bag or clutch is your ideal accessory.
Shop the best coat dresses
1/8
LK Bennett Georgia Lavender Crepe Frock Coat Dress
LK Bennett Coat Dress
Sizes: 4-20
Shipping: Free delivery with a £300 spend.
Returns: Within 28 days
This LK Bennett coat dress is a great mother of the bride outfit; the lavender shade will flatter warmer skin tones while the A-line fit is great for accentuating a small waist.
2/8
Self-Portrait Boucle Midi Coat Dress
Self-Portrait Coat Dress
Sizes: 4 - 16
Colours: White
Shipping: Varies depending on location
Returns: Within 30 days
An ultra-elegant and trendy dress from Self-Portrait, in royal-approved boucle. The off-shoulder detailing and embellished buttons give it a point of difference, too.
3/8
Karen Millen Tailored Crepe Asymmetric Pleated Coat Dress
Karen Millen Coat Dress
Sizes: 6-16
Colours: Ivory and navy
Shipping: From £4.99
Returns: Within 28 days
This sophisticated dress has a military vibe, with double breasted fastening, notched collar and long sleeves. Note the flowing full skirt and midi hemline.
4/8
Phase Eight Elnata Tux Midi Dress
Phase Eight Coat Dress
Sizes: 16 - 20
Colours: Pale pink and
Shipping: Free delivery with £150 spend
Returns: Within 28 days of purchase
Phase Eight's coat dress is spot on for a wedding; the traditional fabric covered buttons are an elegant detail, while the classic V-neck is flattering whatever your figure.
5/8
French Connection Mini Blazer Dress
French Connection Coat Dress
Sizes: 6-18
Shipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.
Returns: Within 35 days
This sleek blazer dress from French Connection is smart and sexy; the double-breasted fastening and sharp collar are giving Meghan Markle vibes.
This is a great LBD to keep in your wardrobe for those little black dress moments.
6/8
Hobbs Chara Fit and Flare Coat Dress
Hobbs Coat Dress
Sizes: 6-18
Colours: Pale pink
Shipping: Free standard delivery on orders over £150
Returns: Within 14 days
This gorgeous pale pink Hobbs coat dress would be ideal as a mother of the bride outfit. The ultra flattering fit and flare shape will suit any figure, and the little touches like gemstone covered buttons and bracelet-length sleeves up the glamour.
7/8
Karen Millen Button Detail Pleated Midi Coat Dress
Karen Millen Coat Dress
Sizes: 6-16
Colours: Black and green
Shipping: Free delivery with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
Princess Kate has Karen Millen's coat dress in burgundy, and the dark green shade and black are just as wearable.
Available in sizes 6-16, it's currently on sale so grab it while you can.
8/8
Phase Eight Sienna Tux Button Midi Dress
Phase Eight Coat Dress
Sizes: 6-20
Colours: Yellow
Shipping: Free delivery on orders over £150
Returns: Within 14 days
For something a little different, try this stunning yellow coat dress, with a wide neckline and clean seam detailing.
The gorgeous buttery yellow shade is on-trend for 2024, and the silhouette is understated but ultra feminine.
How I chose the best coat dresses for women
- Royal inspiration: Having written about royal style for the past five years at HELLO!, I'm au fait with the types of dresses our favourite royals wear and I've found as many high street versions that have all the markings of a royal worthy coat dress.
- Price: The very nature of a coat dress means that, a lot of the time, it comes with a high price tag but I've done some digging to find a few that are on the more affordable side.
- Availability: All of the pieces were available in a variety of sizes at time of publication.
