Add a Fur Collar

Since moving to New York, one of the best fashion discoveries I’ve made has been vintage fur sales. These magical little events—many of which I’ve found through TikTok—offer everything from sprawling floor-length coats to vests and scarves. On one trip with a friend, she picked up two fur collars, and when I asked what she planned to do with them, she revealed the most genius idea: attaching one to an old puffer and the other to a wool coat that had fallen victim to closet moths. 

A few weeks later, we met up, and she was wearing her newly transformed wool coat—now a one-of-a-kind, custom-feeling piece. It looked stunning, as if she’d just bought it for well over $1,000. The fur collar created a chic contrast while also adding real functionality, keeping her neck extra warm. It’s proof that a small add-on can completely change the feel of a coat you might’ve otherwise written off.

Add a Belt or Corset

Belts are back with a vengeance. While they’ve always existed within the style zeitgeist, the accessory faded into the background for a while, with many of us only reaching for skinny styles to occasionally wear with jeans or trousers. Now, however, belts are exuding main character energy, thanks to fall/winter 2026 runways from fashion houses like Chloé, Schiaparelli, and Max Mara

I was especially struck by Balmain’s show, which featured a model strutting down the runway with a thick red croc-embossed belt layered over a plush, icy blue coat. Not only was the color combination elite, but the styling trick itself was everything. It’s also one you can easily recreate at home, instantly creating the illusion of a completely different coat—or even two very different coats—without buying anything new.

Beyond the obvious benefit of cinching the waist (which is always a good idea, in my opinion), belting a coat adds polish and intention. It’s a great option for an elegant night out, whether it’s a wedding, a birthday dinner, or a holiday soirée.

Tack on a Brooch

A little sparkle fixes just about anything. Like belts, brooches are also having a moment. While we’ve long seen them on members of the royal family, they’ve recently shone their way into It Girl territory, especially in New York, after luxury labels like Miu Miu and Erdem styled them onto wrap coats and wool silhouettes on the fall/winter 2024 runways.

Since then, brooches have quietly maintained momentum, with some fashion insiders even layering multiple pins onto one coat at a time. The result feels artful, creative, and personal—and the best part is you don’t have to break the bank to try it. You can find playfully chic brooches at retailers like Amazon, H&M, and Madewell.

To start accessorizing, try pinning a single brooch to the left lapel of your jacket. It naturally catches the eye and is one of the easiest placements if you’re nervous about piercing the fabric.

Wear off the Shoulder

There’s something undeniably chic about not fully putting on a coat. If the weather permits—or you’re going from the car straight inside—wearing your coat off the shoulders is an easy styling trick that instantly changes the vibe. It channels that runway coolness and nonchalant energy, and as we all know, the less it looks like you tried, the better.

This works best with an older wool coat that still has structure or sharp shoulders. To really sell the look, pair it with a statement top underneath—something textured like sequins, feathers, or even a dramatic neckline. That way, the coat acts as a frame rather than a focal point, elevating what you’re already wearing while making the whole outfit feel intentional.

Create a Color Story

Whenever I’m unsure what to wear, I opt for a monochromatic or tonal look. Styling one color—or closely related shades—from head to toe instantly creates a polished, uniform feel, even when the pieces themselves are simple. You can go all out with hot pink or bright green, or keep things subtle with navy or brown.

This trick is especially useful if you have a coat that feels a little dull, like a gray wool style collecting dust in the back of your closet. With the right supporting pieces, the coat becomes eye-catching instantly. Think an ultra-fitted turtleneck and a statuesque or interesting skirt in the same color.

Use Statement Bracelets as Cuffs

Piling on accessories is always a good idea when you’re in a pinch. I realized this firsthand while getting dressed for a bridal shower and trying to stay warm. I pulled out an old sweater set and added two thick gold bangles to each wrist, and it completely changed the look of my outfit—what felt simple at first read as styled.

The same approach works just as well with blazers—and even coats—so long as the sleeves are slim enough. Much like brooches, statement bracelets add sparkle, but when worn over sleeves, they create a cuff-like effect that feels deliberate, purposeful, and slightly edgy. It’s unexpected in the best way. Think of it like wearing a chain over a turtleneck—it breaks up the look and gives the eye somewhere interesting to land.

At its core, this styling trick is about dimension and contrast, two elements that are always crucial to a great outfit. With accessories you already own, an old coat can feel high fashion.

Swap the Buttons

DIY is where it’s at. Much like adding a fur collar, customizing what you already own is one of the easiest ways to revive your coats for winters ahead. “Swapping buttons is incredibly impactful,” celebrity wardrobe stylists Dina and Elana Solomon say, recommending distinct buttons like gold, vintage, or even mismatched designs. “That’s what can make an old coat feel one of a kind. We’re seeing this play out constantly in street style. Zoe Kravitz styling a neutral outerwear piece with vintage accessories gives it such a unique look.”

Make Alterations

If you don’t already have a tailor on speed dial, consider this your sign. The Solomon sisters emphasize that even subtle tweaks can make a big impact: “A small alteration can completely change a coat,” they say. “Taking in the waist slightly to create a rounded, cocooned shape or adding light shoulder padding modernizes an older coat without losing its classic appeal.”

They point to recent Miu Miu and Jil Sander collections, where coats felt soft yet sculptural. Beyond fit, the sisters recommend focusing on personal details—like updating the lining. Swapping in plaid, stripes, or even polka dots “makes the coat feel special every time you put it on”—a detail only you might notice, but one that makes getting dressed infinitely more fun.