The Penny Lane Coat Is The Statement Outerwear Trend You Need In 2024

Fellow fashionistas, it's time to hit the vintage shops, as the iconic Penny Lane coat is back in style. The Penny Lane design, which can be described as a midi-length suede coat with shearling trimming, is steeped in a rich history of fashion, fame, and culture. This shaggy silhouette was eponymously named after Kate Hudson's character in the 2000 film "Almost Famous," and back in 2020, costume designer Betsy Heimann spoke to Refinery29 to reveal the inspiration behind this glamorous garment. "I was inspired by some drawings of Erté from the 1920s because they showed beautiful women hiding inside these voluminous coats," Heimann revealed. "I also like to base my things in reality, and then take it from there. And, in reality, during that time, the embroidered coats from Afghanistan were very popular, and they had these long-haired sheepskin collars."

The embroidered coats mentioned during Heimann's interview refer to traditional sheepskin Afghan coats native to the city of Ghazni. By the late '60s and '70s, celebrities such as John Lennon and Janis Joplin could be seen donning Afghan-inspired outerwear. Now, this legendary coat has made its way back on the radar as an essential wardrobe piece for 2024. Follow these styling tips to rock your own Penny Lane look with a modern twist.

If you manage to get your hands on a classic light-tan Penny Lane coat, then you've hit the jackpot, as a tan coat is the easiest to style throughout the year. This earthy shade pairs with most colors, including both light and dark neutrals. To style your big fluffy coat, wear it with black or dark blue jeans in a flared cut, and complement it with chunky platform shoes to stay on theme.

A Penny Lane coat is anything but boring, so take a step away from the go-to earthy hues and reach for an unconventional color to stand out. A cool vintage blue, for instance, is one of the colors we can't wait to wear this winter to give our sluggish cold-weather senses a much-needed jolt. You can find Penny Lane coats in all sorts of fun colors, including pastel pink or electric orange.

Make the most out of your outerwear by combining your Penny Lane with a leopard, cheetah, or alligator design. Leopard print coats are a timeless fashion piece that is trending during 2024 thanks to the newfound obsession with the mob wife aesthetic, so combining these two crazes is a surefire way to impress. You might as well complete the bold attire by pairing it with a pop of color, such as a red handbag and candy-apple lipstick. 

For those who prefer tonal colors or color blocking, consider a sleek black Penny Lane, as a long black coat is the most timeless yet trendiest outerwear option to wear all year round. Opt for a coat with a fluffy black-on-black collar for a dramatic evening look. Style your chic all-black coat with kitten heels and glittery accessories. You can also look for a faux leather coat with white shearling if you're hoping to get more wear out of your Penny Lane.

While sleek black or cool-toned blue gives the Penny Lane coat a modern upgrade, a simple earthy brown will always draw the eye as it stays true to '70s hippie fashion. But choosing a classic shade doesn't have to be boring. Instead of flared jeans and crop tops, reach for a floral dress and knee-high boots for a refreshingly feminine take.