With a milder-than-normal October, thoughts might not yet have turned to the big-ticket winter purchase of a coat. But there’s an influx of cosy coats landing in the new-in sections across the high street, ready to be snapped up before the chill actually sets in.
The centrepiece of your winter wardrobe, a coat needs to bring warmth, but it’s also the first thing people will see you in when you’re out and about over the months ahead, so it’s worth choosing something practical and stylish. The right style will elevate your look and tie your wardrobe together, while also keeping the chill at bay. The perfect coat does all the heavy lifting.
Take stock of your wardrobe and reflect on the styles you own from last year or before. The good news is that many of them are making a return, so you might not even need to make a new purchase if your older coats are still in good condition. But if you’re looking to refresh your collection, consider the styles that will complement and enhance your winter wardrobe, bringing versatility. Are you looking for a smarter office look, or a more throw-on style for off-duty days? In terms of trends, the options are expansive, ranging from rich chocolate to heritage checks, faux fur to funnel necks.
Texture is a major focus for designers this season. Whether it’s buttery-soft leather, a sumptuous suede, or a fuzzy, touch-me fabric, they all bring a gorgeous tactile element. Pretty, but not so practical for rainy days, suede is an instant outfit elevator. The best way to wear a tan or chocolate style this season is with a fine-knit sweater and jeans. For extra mileage, protect your coat with a water- and stain-repellent spray. Check the weather forecast before stepping outside, and avoid wearing on days with heavy rain. A soft suede brush is a clever investment that refreshes the nap and removes dirt.
RM Block
If you were to do an audit of the autumn runways, faux fur coats would come out on top as the most worn outerwear. Designers such as Chloe, Miu Miu and Khaite refined the inherently glamorous style, showing how to make the fun, furry style work for everyday life. Chloe paired cropped, dark chocolate styles with silky blouses and flowy skirts, while Khaite opted for classic combinations of knits and leather trousers.
Continuing the statement coat trend, animal print proved its an enduring classic. But it wasn’t just leopard print that made an impression this season. At Dries van Noten, bold bovine styles were paired with studded boots, while Stella McCartney opted for sleek, snakeskin trenches. Balmain, meanwhile, embraced monochrome zebra with exaggerated funnel necks. Speaking about heavy lifting, that’s exactly where a statement style such as animal print comes into its own - letting you take it handy with the rest of your outfit and allowing the coat to do all the talking. But it’s not just animal print styles that bring instant elevation.
Karen Peacock, cofounder and chief creative officer of Albaray, highlights the funnel neck as one of the defining looks this season: “We explored exaggerated silhouettes and tactile textures to create the Albaray coat and jacket collection. Funnel necks are key while relaxed shoulders and oversized shapes in textured fabrications allow the wearer to throw on and look polished yet relaxed. Heritage checks and houndstooth fabrics take centre stage while the bomber is the ultimate go-to jacket shape reimagined in faux leather and herringbone tweed, becoming instant best sellers.”
If you prefer a more pared-back or minimalist approach, smart, classic styles remain firmly on the agenda. Calvin Klein showcased how chic and versatile a single-breasted, longline coat can be, styling it with a midi skirt and kitten heels, thrown over tailoring, and worn solo as a dress. Do double duty and opt for a wool coat for extra warmth, but also in the shade of the season – dark chocolate. The rich, earthy shade has surpassed burgundy as the most popular coat colour this season, though burgundy remains a strong and equally stylish runner-up.
Elsewhere, scarf coats made a return on the runways of Toteme and Brandon Maxwell. The clever hybrid design that fuses an outer layer with a built-in scarf eliminates the guesswork of pairing the right scarf with the right coat. It looks chic, and of course, keeps you all wrapped up and warm, so it’s no surprise it’s back on the high street rails.
