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Nearly a decade after teddy coats saw a peak in popularity in the 2010s, the faux-fur style inspired by the grizzly animal’s curly fur is still a cold-weather wardrobe mainstay for many a fashionista. Though countless renditions of the outerwear item pepper the market at various price points and in different colorways, no style is more beloved – nor successfully stands the test of time – like Max Mara’s teddy coat.
The Max Mara Teddy Coat celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, a success the brand’s creative director, Ian Griffiths, told WWD was a pleasant surprise. “Who would have guessed that the old coat I found by chance in a cabinet would have turned out to be such a hit around the world?” he told the publication. Who, indeed?
There’s no denying Max Mara’s original Teddy, while aesthetically fabulous, had the makings of a quintessential winter coat from the start: The silk base coated in a combination of soft wool, alpaca, and camel fibers is luxurious but doesn’t sacrifice warmth for its aesthetic. Yet its appearance is what drew the masses; it wasn’t just a fur coat that hung lazily from the shoulders down. The coat masterfully envelopes its wearer’s unique shape.
That said, the teddy coat is a voluminous garment, and the way it takes up space, though beautiful, can be intimidating for everyday wear. Ahead, we break down nine ways to style Max Mara’s iconic teddy coat, with a little help from its celebrity fan base, which includes household names like Beyonce, Kate Hudson, and Naomi Watts.
As An All-White Moment
Naturally, Queen Bey transformed her Max Mara Teddy Coat into a regal all-white moment on a trip to London. The best part of this fit is the fact that it's comprised of pieces that, individually, are pretty lax. Together, however, they’re lounge-chic.
To get the look, pair your comfiest white sweatpants (note the scrunched elastic waistband) and a cropped, white, long-sleeved top (bonus points if it's hooded) for your base. Add an element of sophistication overtop with a white, tailored blazer, and finish off with Max Mara’s white teddy bear coat. It’s a cozy cherry on top that, despite its hug-in-an-outerwear feel, emits a furry elegance that can elevate even the baggiest pair of sweats.
With Your Favorite Straight-Leg Denim
She may not be galavanting around Paris in this picture, but Emily Cooper would be proud of Lily Collins’s Max Mara Teddy Coat outfit regardless. We selfishly love how the actress keeps things casual because it makes her outfit that much easier to mimic. All you’ll need to land the look is a pair of worn-in straight-leg denim, a knit sweater, and a beanie. You could take a page from Collins’s book and complete your ensemble with a pair of flats, but there’s no need to rough it; if you’re dealing with frigid conditions, opt for a warm pair of socks and boots that provide a bit more coverage than the alternative.
To Compliment Your (Vibrant) Monochromatic Base
Kate Hudson never shies away from a fashion statement, and neither does the Max Mara Teddy Coat. Whether for a snowy vacay or a chilly outing with your loved ones, this simple yet eye-catching look is easy to achieve. Simply slip into your favorite body suit (long pants and sleeves are best suited for the chillier seasons) and let your teddy coat be your main accessory. Hudson also added chunky boots for her mountainous stroll and a matching belt to emphasize her shape.
Incorporated Into Your Sunday Best
What we love about Nicky Hilton’s take on a teddy coat outfit is her laid-back Sunday look reminds us that, though fabulous, the style can be dressed up or down, depending on your vibe. As amazing as the coat looks atop a dress and heels, it’s equally as chic paired with skinny jeans, hiking boots, and a ponytail.
As A Cozy Layer Over A Flowy Layer
It may sound unorthodox to pair something so fuzzy with something so refined, but that is the kind of magic that happens when the Max Mara Teddy Coat meets Naomi Watts. The contrast in textures proves complimentary with this going-out outfit, and the incorporation of a sleek closed-toe shoe and handbag loosely dangling from the actress’s wrist drips sophistication.
As A Transitional Item
Teddy coats are typically associated with wintertime because of their volume, weight, and warmth. However, the Max Mara Teddy Coat came to fruition in the fall of 2013, making it a staple in both seasons. And while true, Sai de Silva posted her ode to the iconic coat in January, the teddy coat outfit on display is a perfect example of the quintessential transitional ensemble: a light base with a heavy shell. However, the look can also showcase just how warm the designer garment truly is, as the airy shirt-and-pant co-ord appears beach vacation appropriate.
Make It The Moment
Jessica Wang’s teddy coat outfit makes a case for why coat outfits needn’t include more than the coat itself, give or take a pair of heels and a few fabulous accessories. We’re obsessed with the influencer’s stylistic choice to keep this teddy coat outfit tonal throughout, pairing the soft brown garment with gold jewelry and nude open-toed pumps.
Emphasizing To Your Laid-Back Look
Just as you can pair a teddy coat with loungewear, you can also layer a teddy coat over athleisure. See Brittany Xavier’s teddy coat outfit for reference. The look is comprised of a form-fitting black top (tank or long-sleeve), comfy black pants that appear to be reminiscent of the OG yoga pants (or, as GenZ has so affectionately re-named them, flared leggings), and slip-on shoes. Add a teddy coat and you’re ready to run errands, pick up coffee, etc.
As A Third Layer
Three is a magic number, and clearly, Chriselle Lim agrees. For a cozy yet pretty (remember, comfy doesn’t have to be sloppy) teddy coat outfit, the fashion stylist and influencer sticks to the classic three-layer technique, starting with a black turtleneck, following up with a brown jumpsuit dress and finishing with Max Mara’s iconic Teddy Coat.