A coatdress or coat dress is a woman's dress that resembles an overcoat, usually with collar, lapels and front fastenings similar to a coat, and made in spring- or autumn-weight fabrics.[1] The modern coatdress first emerged in the 1910s, with a 1915 article in Vogue assuring readers that the new garment could be worn over waistcoats or underdresses.[1] The basic coatdress was a wardrobe staple for most decades, but became particularly popular in the 1960s.[2] In the 1980s and 1990s, Diana, Princess of Wales, was a particularly high-profile wearer of coatdresses, many designed by Catherine Walker.[3][4] The coatdress is often recommended for those wishing to project a professional look,[5] whether in the office,[6] or in the courtroom.[7]
