Spring 2014 Trend: Patterned Jackets

Coats were huge for fall, literally and figuratively.  Not only did they monopolize last season's runways, but their volumes were incomparable. Carven and Céline debuted a series of pastel pieces while fashion heavyweights such as Prada and Rochas offered powerful alternatives with feminine florals and "girl next door" checkers. Lucky for us, this season's "it" jacket has the same high-octane impact. Style trailblazers, meet the patterned jacket. Consider it the spunky younger cousin to fall's statement coat, commanding attention from anyone and everyone in a mile radius. While Miu Miu and Eudon Choi boasted vibrant day jackets in feminine colors, Antonio Marras opted for mono-print landscapes throughout entire looks-- an artistic take on monochromatism. For a "borrowed from the boys" vibe,  Jil Sander Navy transferred punchy patterns onto sporty bomber jackets. If you don't have a penchant for energetic day coats and bombers, Phoebe Philo showcased a slew of heavy-weight tribal prints in wintry silhouettes. A key piece for seasons to come, don't you think?

Miu Miu Look 12

Eudon Choi Look 5

Antonio Marras Look 9

Jil Sander Navy Look 17

Céline Look 7

Though it's so easy to write this trend off as a phenomenon that's strictly reserved for zany fashionistas who love prints as much as Mary Katrantzou, think again! In fact, some of the chicest ways to sport this fad is by styling your statement jacket with clean neutrals or soft pastels. While a bold jacket against a monochromatic ensemble offers a striking contrast, there is some thing intriguingly mod about sporting pastels with this trend, preferably softer shades of the colors that are featured in your coat. But what if your wardrobe doesn't include a wide range of hues? Nothing says effortlessly chic quite like a statement jacket, white tee, distressed jeans, and strappy heels. Voilà! An easy, yet completely covetable, ensemble.

Mary Katrantzou biker jacket, $2,650 / Thakoon coat / Etro box jacket, $1,425 / Tanya Taylor blue plaid jacket, $720 / Anna Sui wool blend cape / Long bomber jacket, $585

What do you think of this trend? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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