
“I ALWAYS TELL the girls never take it seriously. If you take it seriously, you never get hurt,” Kate Hudson said as the ultimate free-spirited muse and groupie (or “Band-Aid” as she calls herself) in the cult 2000 film, Almost Famous. Despite cautioning the trials of heartbreak, we feel the same rule applies for our wardrobe decisions this autumn/winter. As while there’s plenty of chic and versatile outerwear options, from cropped trench coats to wool wrap coats, looking to the playful (Hudson) archives could be the perfect mood-booster during moody weather. And we all need a little dopamine during the colder months, right?
Riffing off Hudson’s iconic character, her namesake signature — AKA. the Penny Lane coat — has been having quite the fashion comeback, courtesy of London boho queen, Charlotte Simone. With its traditionally shaggy shearling trim, brown suede body and slouchy silhouette, the ’70s-favourite has undeniable insouciance — appealing to It-girls, celebrities, major designers and more. Rebellious, full of whimsy, with major “where’s my tambourine?” energy — the Penny Lane’s resurgence seems only symbolic of the times. Armour for today’s modern woman ready to fight the world, one vinyl track at a time.
So, if you’re ready to embrace one of fashion’s biggest winterwear moods (it’s certainly on my personal wish list), read on to discover how to wear the Penny Lane today.
What is the Penny Lane coat?
Also known as the Afghan coat, the “Penny Lane” as we know it reached fashion consciousness after starring in Cameron Crowe’s film, Almost Famous. Named after Kate Hudson’s character (whose name, in fact, derived from a Beatles song), the particular coat functions from day to night, and possesses statement-making power. Fusing bohemian codes with rock chick sensibilities, the Penny Lane’s usually oversized, adorned in voluptuous fur (faux or shearling) across the cuffs and collar; features a suede or faux suede body; and frames one of those glamorous, head-turning silhouettes.
Related: Boho chic is back: how to do boho in 2025


What’s the history of the Penny Lane coat?
Long before Almost Famous got famous, the Penny Lane was first discovered during a fashion expedition in Afghanistan. Brought to London in the late 1960s via Craig Sams, an American buyer and seller for some of the buzziest boutiques along the King’s Road in Chelsea; the Afghan coat gained cult-status in the former creative hub. (Once ground zero for punk fashion, the now-polished King’s Road was home to a slew of avant-garde fashion stores, including the original Vivienne Westwood shop: SEX.)
Like a magpie, Sams discovered the Afghan coat while following the media-dubbed “Hippie Trail” in Kabul in search of unique, handmade goods. Handcrafted from karakul sheep skin, featuring embroidery and vibrant designs, it was radically different from traditional British outerwear, such as wool overcoats or military-style pea cots — usually, of a more stuffy and formal nature. Back then, physical expression was key — with political unrest and anarchy in the UK seeing people dress for their beliefs. The Afghan coat, specifically, emitted feelings of worldliness, rebellion and freedom — perhaps, more so with celebrity pioneers like Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie apparently dousing theirs in patchouli oil. They ‘claimed’ it was to mask the sheepskin scent, but it was psychedelic Sixties. Need we say more?
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Prior to those legends, it was the Beatles who first co-signed the Afghan coat. In 1967, they were photographed walking out of iconic Art Nouveau store, Granny Takes a Trip (where Sams first began importing his Afghans) wearing the snug statement coats — and the rest is Penny history. Designers dreamt up their own iterations, more rockstars began donning them, their girlfriends followed suit — such as Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife; and Linda Keith, Keith Richards’ former girlfriend — as did the some of the bands’ groupies. It was a coat even favoured by Pamela Des Barres, one of the real-life groupies who partially-inspired Crowe’s Penny (Hudson). Speaking of which, the Penny Lane moniker emerged decades later — as Almost Famous exploded during the 2000s’ boho-chic movement. We’re talking the Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Mischa Barton’s fashion coming-of-age.
But back to Almost Famous. Inspired by an opera coat worn by Shirley MacLaine in the 1960 film, The Apartment; Hudson’s Penny Lane wasn’t dug out of the vintage bin. Iconic costume designer, Betsy Heimann (who also conjured up Mia Wallace’s fabulous femme fatale look in Pulp Fiction) designed the coat from scratch — only looking to thrifted stores for visual references. Styled with handmade velvet bell-bottoms, crochet crop tops, and famously, nothing but red-and-white star-print underwear; the coat became Penny’s sartorial shelter, a cocoon of glamour. And ever since then, the fashion relic turned pop-culture icon has lived in our wardrobes (and minds) rent-free.


Are Penny Lane coats in style?
They sure are — and it’s a credit to British designer Charlotte Simone. While Chemena Kamali got us thinking, talking and wearing boho again (and now, moto boho) ever since her Chloé debut in February 2024; closely followed by Isabel Marant‘s dark fairy renditions; Simone’s been chasing the Penny dream for more than a decade. Officially launching as an accessories brand in 2011, the eponymous designer expanded into clothing four years later — with its retro-inspired “Penny” coat quickly becoming a cult classic. “For me, what I love about Penny Lane coats is they evoke a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the spirit of the 1970s,” Simone told BAZAAR Australia, when discussing her constant source of design inspiration.
Despite releasing just two limited winter drops per year — for more considered design and consumption, she says — the Penny coat has always made Simone’s hitlist. Drawn to vintage markets, grandma’s wardrobe, Jane Birkin, The Cranberries and more, Simone says she designs with “classic” and “quality” silhouettes in mind — which the Penny has well-proven throughout the years. “I love to collect and muse over my designs in a slow and steady pace, making it more considered, also more joyful! We want a Charlotte Simone to be ‘seasonless’ a wardrobe staple that can instantly elevate the everyday.”
Joy, as such, is characterised in Simone’s maximalist approach. Reinventing the traditionally earthy coat for this generation, Charlotte Simone’s Penny coat promises approachable rock-glam for today’s power dresser: someone who isn’t afraid to speak their mind through their wardrobe. Simone embraces theatrical Mongolian faux fur; bold and on-trend colourways, such as dusty pink and khaki green; and a variety of silhouettes, from mid-length to calf-skimming cuts — offering a slew of Penny entries. “I also think a coat can instantly elevate the everyday,” Simone continued when asked about the coat’s resurgence — which has seen her particular take splashed across TikTok and even named amongst Lyst’s hottest products list for Q4. “So many people are looking to rejuvenate old looks and consider their purchases longevity. I think a coat can do both.”
Hot on statements, functionality and, clearly, social media cred — it’s little surprise the Penny dropped for luxury fashion last A/W season. Seemingly, following Simone’s lead, Loewe, Acne Studios, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and more have all put their stamp on the vintage coat in recent collections — reframing the look for streetwear, parties, and office sirens.
Related: Seven best trench coats to see you through every season


Celebrities who have worn Penny Lane coats
Aside from the original style set, 2025’s new wave of boho has seen everyone from Bella Hadid to Katie Holmes rock the Penny Lane. Hadid, on a number of designer occasions, in fact. This January, the It-girl was snapped in a brown suede, shaggy trimmed Penny by Dolce & Gabbana while leaving New York City in a helicopter, no less. And in true ’70s goddessy style, she styled it with brown leather knee boots, a checked Louis Vuitton duffle bag and oversized (and on-point) Chanel aviators. Previously, Hadid’s worn Penny designs by Anna Sui and even sourced some on Depop — an online thrifter, she’s just like us!
Related: Hailey Bieber wears Saint Laurent at the 2025 Fashion Trust Awards


In November 2024, Hailey Bieber wrapped herself in a black feather Penny for her 28th birthday, sultry paired with sheer black tights, black slingback heels and a diamond choker necklace. A month later, Selena Gomez wore a fuzzy black Nour Hammour Penny styled with a white shirt and leather mink skirt while appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in December 2024. And in January 2025, Suki Waterhouse, indicative of life imitating art, was seen in a Daisy Jones and the Six–approved Penny design (which, by the way, features Penny Lane’s in spades — worth a rewatch for inspiration alone) by The Frankie Shop while traversing the streets of New York City. She styled the shaggy, camel coat with ultra-flared jeans, lug-sole boots, and Stevie Nicks-esque bed hair.
As for Charlotte Simone endorsers, of which there are many (Emily Ratajkowski, Madonna and more), the designer herself says her favourite Penny look was worn by Charli XCX, closely followed by Taylor Swift. “Tough call but I would say Charli XCX performing on stage with our Olive, her energy and talent is immense,” Simone began, while speaking on celeb styling. “Taylor’s look was absolute bomb because it was our coat and a pair of black boots, nothing else, you couldn’t not notice that her whole outfit was the coat!” she shared of Swift’s deep red Simone Game Day look. “Probably the biggest pinch me moment to date, a massive milestone for the brand. The surge of traffic to our social channels, site and sign ups was unmatched.”
Related: All of Taylor Swift’s best game day outfits




How to style the Penny Lane in 2025
It’s all about balance. Like today’s boho-chic aesthetic, Penny Lane styling remixes high with low, soft with grit, rebel with flower child. Consider wide-leg, barrel or flare trousers to echo the ’70s silhouette, paired with a polished button-down or turtleneck and finished with slim-line sneakers or new It-shoes: sneakerinas (the ballet and sneaker hybrid) for a little extra edge. Throw on a slip dress or silky skirt and crop with mesh or ballet slippers to entice a little romance; or play with baggy jeans, a classic tank top and thong sandals for extra insouciance. “I’m a jeans and white T kinda girl so I love to layer my coat for a bit of a spring in my step,” Charlotte Simone says of her personal Penny styling. You could even take on a whole other retro revival look by pairing your Penny with capris, breton stripes or T-shirts and ballet flats.
But, of course, if you’re dying to wear your Ramones t-shirt, ultra-flared jeans and chunky boots — suffice to say, this is the coat to do it. Just know that you don’t have to be in the band (or with the band) to rock this season’s unapologetic revival. To quote Almost Famous, “This is Penny Lane, man, show some respect.”
Related: Editor’s pick: the best Autumn 2025 shopping buys








2025-04-23 08:50:00
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