Anyone who walks by the sea in autumn or winter knows the pattern: a fresh wind in the morning, a shower around lunchtime, and an hour later the sun hangs low over the water. One heavy coat is then often too warm, or not quite enough. Dressing in layers solves that. This article explains how to combine coats and knitwear, which pieces from our collection help, and what to look out for in sizing and care.

Why layers beat one heavy coat

Air is a good insulator. Between two or three layers of clothing, a thin layer of warm air stays trapped, and that keeps you warmer than one thick layer. You can also adjust: when the sun breaks through, the coat comes open or the cape goes over your arm. When the wind picks up, you close everything again. A good outfit for the coast therefore has three parts: a light base, a warm mid layer and a coat that keeps out wind and rain.

Layer 1: a light base

The bottom layer sits against your skin. Choose a blouse, a long-sleeved top or a thin T-shirt that feels comfortable and does not add bulk. A blouse with a pretty collar or embroidery has the advantage of still looking finished indoors, in a warm café or at home, once everything else comes off.

Layer 2: wool and cashmere in the middle

The mid layer does most of the work. Wool stays warm even when it is damp, and a touch of cashmere makes it soft against the skin. The jumper with contrast stitching (95 euros) is a good example: 40% viscose, 30% polyamide, 20% wool and 10% cashmere, with a zip, a collar and contrasting white stitching. It comes in camel and terracotta, in one size that fits continental sizes 34 to 40. Thanks to the zip, you can open it up when it gets warmer without taking your coat off.

If you prefer a higher neck, the ecru jumper with fringes (79 euros) is a lovely choice, in the same blend. For those who would rather wear a jacket, the reversible jacket with teddy lining (139 euros) has a camel suede-look side and a soft teddy side, and fits continental sizes 34 to 44. You will find every style under jumpers and cardigans.

Layer 3: the coat that keeps out wind and rain

For rain and wind: a parka

In really rough weather a parka is the most practical choice. The waterproof khaki parka (169.95 euros) is made from waterproof fabric and fully lined with faux fur, right down the sleeves. It has a concealed zip with press studs and two roomy flap pockets. It can be washed at 30 degrees. After three washes, a reproofing spray restores its protection.

Prefer a parka with a statement collar? The Clio parka (149 euros) has a full faux fur collar and a drawstring waist, so you can shape its roomy fit as you like. It is cut generously: S is roughly continental 34 to 38, M 38 to 42 and L 42 to 44.

For dry, cold days: a wool coat

On bright, cold days with winter sun, a wool coat is at its best. The wool and cashmere coat (249 euros) is 70% wool, 10% cashmere and 20% polyester. It has a generous wrap front, a large shawl collar and a hood, and its oversized cut leaves plenty of room for a chunky jumper. Size S/M roughly matches continental 36 to 42, L/XL 42 to 46. The wool coat with faux fur collar (199 euros, in taupe and camel) has a cape-like cut and a zip, handy when the wind tugs at your collar.

For warmth and character: faux fur

Faux fur is soft, warm and instantly gives an outfit character. The hooded faux fur coat (199 euros) has a straight, comfortable fit, roomy sleeves and a zip, in white/ecru and dark brown. Size S/M fits roughly continental 36 to 40. If you want a more tailored silhouette, look at the Fiona faux fur jacket (189 euros) in sable, a warm brown, with a high collar and hidden press studs.

For freedom of movement: a cape

A cape is ideal over a chunky jumper because it never feels tight. The wool cape with fringes (199 euros) contains 70% wool, has a hood, a zip and side pockets, and comes in camel and navy, in one size. The faux fur cape (169 euros) in beige and taupe has three-quarter sleeves: wear it with a long-sleeved jumper or long gloves and your wrists stay warm.

Three outfits to try

  • A beach walk in wind and rain: blouse, terracotta jumper with contrast stitching, waterproof khaki parka and jeans.
  • Sunday on a terrace in the winter sun: long-sleeved top, ecru jumper with fringes and the wool and cashmere coat, worn open when the sun comes out.
  • An evening out: a dress or smart trousers with a fine knit, topped with the faux fur coat or a cape.

Sizing and care

  • Many coats and capes are deliberately roomy. Read the size information on the product page and go for the smaller size if you are between two and want a less oversized look.
  • If you always wear a thick jumper underneath, keep that in mind when choosing your size.
  • Wool does not need frequent washing. Let a coat air on a wide hanger after wearing.
  • If faux fur gets wet, let it hang until dry, away from the radiator, then give it a gentle shake.
  • Always follow the care label for the right washing temperature.

Order online or come and try on

All the coats and knitwear in this article can be ordered online, with delivery anywhere in Belgium. We ship with bpost within 48 hours, and shipping costs are shown at checkout. If something does not fit, let us know within 14 calendar days of receipt; you then have another 14 days to send it back, at your own cost. The full range is under coats and jackets. The shop carries even more clothing than you will find online.

Would you rather try things on? You are welcome in our shop in Koksijde. The address and opening hours are on our visit page.