When Lime Goes Luxe: How to Refresh Your Boring Winter Coat
Actress Pauline Chalamet, best known for her role in the HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” recently posted a photo of herself in a lime green outfit. On first glance, it almost looks like a coat, but it seems to be a double-breasted hooded jacket in chartreuse wool, with a matching straight skirt in the exact same color/fabric that falls below the knee. You could achieve a similar monochromatic impact with a single statement coat. Either way, the pic shows us what happens when lime goes luxe! It demonstrates how a bold color choice can refresh your entire look in drabby weather.
The shoot was for NYLON. The stylist was Claudia Cali. And wow, does that matching lime green ensemble make quite a statement. The combination of a sharp double-breasted jacket and coordinating below-knee skirt puts a modern spin on vintage dressing. The jacket’s structured shoulders, covered buttons, and practical hood give us mid-century elegance with a contemporary twist. But that bold chartreuse shade? Thoroughly modern.
The real genius here is in the balance. Yes, the two-piece set demands attention, but don’t forget about everything else—those charcoal ribbed tights, black leather Mary Janes with their sturdy buckles, and that quilted Miu Miu bag. Let’s talk about those proportions for a minute. The skirt’s straight cut lands below the knee, creating a clean line that pairs beautifully with those schoolgirl-inspired shoes.
Want to recreate this look? Start with quality materials and precise fits. Look for those architectural details on the jacket or coat—the hood, double-breasted closure with covered buttons, those subtle flap pockets.
Don’t skimp on the tights. Go for heavyweight ribbed wool or cashmere blend. Thin knits won’t give you that rich texture you need. For shoes, patent leather Mary Janes with chunky soles hit that sweet spot between polish and practicality.
The styling here offers a masterclass in mixing elements. The bag brings sophistication. The Mary Janes and tights add whimsy. But nothing feels costumey! With a bold color like this, keeping accessories in a tight neutral palette makes everything feel intentional.
Here’s what makes this perfect for transitional weather: You get warmth without bulk. And Pauline’s sleek pulled-back hair helps to direct attention to the well-designed collar, so you might want to consider a similar hairstyle if that makes sense for you. Small choices, big impact!
For those inspired by this bold monochromatic approach but seeking a single piece, a statement coat can capture the same impact. When shopping for a bold-colored wool coat, focus on the fit! Your coat should have room for layers but not swallow you whole. And remember—bright wool coats need care. Factor in cleaning and maintenance before you invest.
LittlePinkTop has gone ahead and scoured our affiliate partners to find the best and boldest winter coats for you. Here are a few favorites that nail this balance of timeless and bold, each bringing its own pop of personality to cold-weather dressing…
Coat Vanessa From Lamarque
Double-Breasted Bouclé Coat from Desigual
Coat with Printed Sleeves from Desigual
Relaxed Coat from Avec Les Filles
Easington Coat from anOnlyChild
Janet Coat from Modcloth
Lorette Jacket from Trina Turk
Grayson Coat from Generation Love
Blazer Micah from Lovers and Friends
Margaret Coat from Lamarque
Strong Shoulder Hourglass Coat from Avec Les Filles
Double Breasted Brushed Faux Wool Coat From PrettyLittleThing