Liz here: Coats. I love to get a new coat. It always makes me feel special and looking great. A new style of coat – the frock-coat – was introduced between 1815 and 1820. It had skirts to the knees and buttoned in front. It was influenced by the style of the greatcoat (overcoat), but was more fitted in shape. Worn first as informal daywear, the frock-coat soon became the formal day-coat of the 19th century.