In bygone days, Mantelsonndeg was a Luxembourg tradition where rural folk would journey into the capital to buy a practical and warm winter coat to be worn on All Saints Day when they visited family graves.
Fast forward to today and this tradition sees retailers opening on a Sunday afternoon (26 October this year) and offering huge discounts on winter apparel.
But selecting a winter coat is not just about practicalities, it’s a personal style statement. In fact, Vogue has been so kind as to give us this season’s must-have mantles if you are looking for inspiration.
But what does your winter coat REALLY say about you in Luxembourg? Read on.
The smart wool coat
Breathable, insulating and cozy, there’s a lot to be said for the classic look sported by James Bond, and made instantly famous by iconic actresses Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve.
Good for: looking posh even if you’ve got your pyjamas on underneath.
What it says in Luxembourg: I work at one of the Big Four (or at least that’s what you’ll think when you see me in this coat).
The puffer jacket
When has the puffer jacket not been in fashion, and when has anyone ever looked stylish in one?
Yet they are practical for Luxembourgish winters, keeping you warm whilst being relatively lightweight and mostly waterproof.
Good for: accommodating the spare tyre you got from eating too much kniddelen and gromperekichelcher at the Christmas markets.
What it says in Luxembourg: I moved here for a job in IT/Compliance/Cyber Security at one of the Big Four, and heard Luxembourgish winters are akin to those in Siberia, so I’m not taking any risks.
The duvet coat
A relative of the puffer jacket without the stitching and slightly heavier to carry around.
Good for: interns on a budget as it doubles up as bedding.
What it says in Luxembourg: I can barely make rent in Luxembourg so my coat is my actual duvet.
The leather coat
From biker jackets to trench coat style ones, leather is in this winter. Edgy and a tad rebellious, it can work well with office outfits and weekend casuals, say Vogue. Just remember that the person with the biggest claim this century on the leather trench coat is Kim Jong Un.
Good for: looking dangerous when you’re on the streets of Gare.
What it says in Luxembourg: I’m mad, bad and crazy (but I work at one of the Big Four actually).
The utility jacket
Apparently, the first utility jackets were created for French workmen in the 19th century and dyed blue so they didn’t show any stains. We get the phrase “blue-collar workers” from this style of jacket, which essentially has hundreds of pockets, just in case you need to bring your wrench, spanner and drill with you on a shopping expedition.
Good for: people who don’t like handbags or manbags.
What it says in Luxembourg: I can also strim the long grass by the roadside and plant a selection of flowers on the roundabout.
The scarf coat
What a scarf and a coat in one – that’s genius! You will never leave your scarf on the bus or tram again, and if you want to go one step further, you can pair it up with some mittens on a string through each armhole.
Just how good you’ll look will depend on what style you choose. If you opt for the Toteme scarf jacket, prepare for people to think you’ve possibly made your own coat from a spare dog blanket.
Good for: flicking your scarf on the tram to create more personal space in rush hour.
What it says in Luxembourg: Touché Xavier Bettel.
The bomber jacket
Originally worn by military aircrew to keep warm, it comes in all colours not just khaki. Famously worn by Kanye on his Yeezus tour 10 years ago, but also associated with British skinheads from the 1970s.
Good for: pretending you’re someone with a semi-official official role in national security.
What it says in Luxembourg: That depends – it could say “I’m hanging with my crew”, or it could say “I’m hiding my beer belly and alt right politics under this”.
The elevated black coat
I’m not sure why Vogue and other fashion gurus are calling it “elevated”. It’s just a long black coat. Choose what style you prefer – trench coat, wool coat, leather coat – it doesn’t matter so long as it’s black. Just be sure you don’t come across all Severus Snape, unless of course ‘evil wizard’ is the style you’re going for.
Good for: Stalking the streets at night unnoticed.
What it says in Luxembourg: I’m into cosplay and spend all my extra cash at Fantasybox.
Happy shopping!
This column was first published on 9 October 2024 and has been updated.
