Elle Fanning appeared to dress for a different season as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday, 9 September, for Coach's Spring/Summer 2027 show. The actress turned heads in a fuzzy leopard print coat and black beret, paired with a red leather skirt, as fans online questioned how she managed the heavy layers amid what they described as hot and humid conditions.
Fanning's appearance came as Coach celebrated its 85th anniversary, with the brand's show taking place on 9 September, one day before the official New York Fashion Week calendar began on 10 September.
The actress, who has been a Coach ambassador since 2024, wore a statement ensemble from the brand that also featured a pinstripe blouse, black shoes and a white Tabby bag covered in stars. W Magazine described the outerwear as a fuzzy cheetah print coat and identified the look as coming from Coach's Resort 2027 collection.
While the outfit fitted Coach creative director Stuart Vevers's playful approach to nostalgia and maximalist styling, it was the apparent mismatch between Fanning's heavy coat and the September weather that caught fans' attention. Her lipstick also became an unexpected talking point, with viewers attempting to identify the muted red and terracotta shade.
Elle Fanning attends Coach S/S 27 show at NYFW in New York City - September 9, 2026
by u/SamDean_Supernatural in Fauxmoi
Fans Stunned by Fanning's Coat in the Heat
Fanning's choice of a fuzzy coat and beret prompted disbelief among commenters who said New York had been particularly hot and humid.
One commenter wrote: 'It was hot and muggy here last night what was she doing in a hat and coat?!?! I love the outfit but she must not have sweat glands.'
Another added: 'It was SOOO hot and humid in NYC yesterday. I don't know how she's not dying.'
The comments were directed at the contrast between the weather and Fanning's autumnal looking styling rather than criticism of the actress herself. Despite the confusion over the layers, fans largely appeared to approve of the outfit.
The coat was particularly striking, with its fuzzy animal print worn over the rest of the ensemble. W Magazine described the look as a combination of cheetah print, lingerie inspired dressing and French inspired styling, while Vogue's coverage of the Coach Resort 2027 collection also highlighted a cheetah print shearling coat among the brand's designs.
There was also speculation among commenters about whether Fanning's coat was made from real or faux fur. However, the available reporting does not establish that it was real fur, making it safer to describe the garment by its confirmed appearance rather than its material.
Fans Zoom in on Her Muted Lipstick
While Fanning's coat created the biggest weather debate, her lipstick became the beauty detail fans were eager to identify.
One commenter wrote: 'I need the lipstick shade. It's Ike a red lip but a muted nudey terracotta?'
The reaction highlights how the relatively understated lip colour complemented Fanning's otherwise dramatic outfit. Rather than a vivid red, the shade appeared softer and more muted, prompting fans to speculate about the product behind the look.
Some commenters suggested Clinique Black Honey as a possible match. However, that was only fan speculation, and there is no confirmation that Fanning wore the product.
The lipstick discussion therefore remained firmly in the realm of beauty detective work, with fans trying to recreate a shade they believed combined red, nude and terracotta tones.
Fanning's appearance ultimately provided exactly the kind of memorable front row moment associated with fashion week: a statement Coach ensemble, a weather defying coat and a beauty detail that had fans examining the photographs for clues.
And while the fuzzy leopard print coat may have seemed better suited to cooler weather, Fanning ensured she made an unmistakable impression as Coach celebrated its 85th anniversary in New York.
