The cold weather means just one thing: it’s officially coat season. From puffer styles to leather staples, it’s time to invest in outerwear that can prop up your wardrobe during the winter months.
Whether you’re leaning into this season’s hottest trends with New Look, Asos and River Island or favouring pure practicality with brands such as Uniqlo or Rains, the right coat can be an investment for years to come.
Of course, finding the perfect outerwear comes down to everything from personal preference to body size. It’s also worth considering if the coat is just as wearable to the office as it is at the weekend, so you really get your money’s worth when it comes to cost per wear.
This season, layered trench coats, barn jackets à la Barbour and Seventies-inspired shaggy styles are dominating, while the colour palette has been muted down to earthy tones such as khaki, greys, browns and black. On the runways, Alexander McQueen, 16Arlington and The Row made a case for the classic big, black wool coat, while Totême’s iconic scarf coat continues to make an impression on the high street (see M&S and Cos).
Elsewhere, leopard print is officially back (Albaray’s cord number is on every fashion editor’s wishlist), while there’s a renaissance going on in leather and denim, with fresh takes from Damson Madder and Mango. You can even find some great designs at the supermarket. With all this and more on offer, keep scrolling for our pick of the best winter coats for women.
How we tested
We all know how unpredictable British weather is, so, we’ve rounded up the best winter coats that marry fashion with functionality, to see you through the season and beyond. From trend-led styles to rain jackets, faux-fur pieces and trench coats, we considered quality, design and value for money. Whether you’re looking for something to help protect you from the elements or to complete a stylish outfit, we’ve got you covered.
The best winter coats for women 2024 are:
Na-kd x Camille Charriere corduroy trench coat
Hailing from It-girl influencer Camille Charriere’s capsule with Swedish fashion brand Na-kd, this trench coat has become the hardest working outerwear in our wardrobe. Considering the sub-£100 price, it’s excellent quality, with the kind of heavyweight feel we look for in a trench. It’s characterised by a sweeping long length (even on our 6ft tester) and enveloping long sleeves, complete with statement corduory cuffs that lean into this season’s countryside aesthetic. Finished in a beautifully wintery shade of khaki, it’s endlessly wearable. We’ve been throwing it on over T-shirts on warmer days and layering it over knitwear in the evening (size up for a more relaxed fit). Tick, tick, tick.
Buy now £95.95, Na-kd.com
New Look grey textured zip-up short jacket
Thanks to a timeless silhouette, flattering shape and smart feel, a boxy jacket such as this New Look number will never go out of fashion. The short design has a premium look that belies its price tag, and it comes in an everyday grey or classic cream finish.
The coat boasts a slightly oversized cut, and we love the extra-large chest pockets, smart pointed collar and zip-up front. The perfect throw-on-and-go coat for when you want to look put together with minimal effort, it’s functional yet fashionable. Owing to the 100 per cent polyester design, it won’t last as long as wool compositions but we can’t complain at this price.
Buy now £29.99, Newlook.com
Asos Design brushed formal top coat
Asos Design is at the top of its game when it comes to outerwear. This classic winter coat comes in two timeless colourways (mushroom brown and classic navy) and, unsurprisingly, it’s selling out fast. Costing less than £100, the coat is everything you want in a winter outer layer.
The trench silhouette is oversized for a laidback and cocooning fit, complete with a spread collar, buttons for fastening, side pockets and a wide waist belt for cinching in your look. The contrasting tortoiseshell buttons add a premium touch and versatility. Whether thrown over a simple T-shirt and jeans outfit or wrapping up warm during a cold evening out, it’s a reliable investment this winter.
Buy now £90.00, Asos.com
Asos Design funnel neck oversized longline trench
A tailored take on cold-weather dressing, Asos Design’s trench boasts a unique funnel neck that sets it apart from your usual everyday trench. There’s a tie belt, which we found was great for creating a more structured silhouette. Laidback and slightly oversized, we would have liked it to be a little longer on us (it’s a shorter midi length), but some might like that it shows more of their outfit.
It will slot easily into your existing wardrobe, whether styled with denim and a chunky knit or over a pleated mini skirt and boots. It’s super lightweight, so is the perfect outerwear piece during the transitional months, but you’ll want to layer up when the temperature drops, so size up.
Buy now £80.00, Asos.com
Free People Chloe jacket
After going viral on Instagram, Free People’s Chloe jacket sold out within weeks. Now, it’s returned in 14 colourways for autumn. With the contrasting floral pattern featuring splashes of maroon and cream, this will certainly brighten up your cold-weather wardrobe.
The fabric is super soft to the touch and the quilted style feels like a duvet, making it perfect for throwing on when you just want to stay in bed. Despite its thin design (which layers perfectly over chunky jumpers), the Free People jacket is surprisingly insulating – seeing you right through winter and into spring.
Buy now £188.00, Freepeople.com
Mango parka with contrasting collar and pockets
After going viral earlier this autumn, Mango’s barn jacket sold out within days. Now, it’s back, but you’ll want to be quick adding it to your basket. The perfect high street alternative to Barbour’s trending coats, the cotton Mango number features a slightly oversized cut, large front pockets and a statement corduroy contrasting collar.
Details like the bronze hardware fastenings down the front elevate the style, while a padded polyester lining helps lock in warmth. The countryside-core coat is endlessly wearable, whether teamed with wide-leg jeans and ballet flats or with wellies and shorts for a dog walk, à la Dua Lipa. Yes, barn jackets are a major trend this season, but the practical appeal of Mango’s coat transcends this winter’s du jour.
Buy now £99.99, Mango.com
Jigsaw Nelson cotton trench coat, stone
A contemporary spin on a staple clothing piece, Jigsaw’s trench coat comes in a timeless stone finish. It has a sweeping longline length and oversized silhouette, it features exagerated lapels and a double-breasted design. All the signature trench details are there, with the chest flap pocket, wide collar, wind breaker at the back and an adjustable belt that enables you to cinch in the waist.
Though the piece comes up large, we’d encourage you to size up for an oversized cut that layers perfectly over chunky knits as the temperature drops.
Buy now £284.00, Jigsaw-online.com
Damson Madder sailor denim jacket, dark indigo
Fresh takes on age-old denim jackets are everywhere this winter. Case in point: this statement style from viral label Damson Madder. Boasting a dark indigo finish, the piece is tailored for a fitted shape down the body, with subtle balloon sleeves, a crew neckline and a shank button front fastening. The pièce de résistance, however, is the bold sailor-style collar. The unique detail features a Damson Madder logo at the back and creates an androgynous, boxy silhouette.
Crafted from cotton, the denim is crisp and rigid while the buttoned-up design helps insulate body warmth. Let the jacket take centre stage by styling it with matching indigo jeans and some ballet flats, before layering it under a thin trench coat in the depths of winter, for extra warmth.
Buy now £120.00, Damsonmadder.com
River Island brown faux-leather oversized biker jacket
Another jacket you’ll be hard-pressed to believe hails from the high street (and costs less than £50), River Island’s faux-leather option will inject some biker style into your winter wardrobe. With a slightly distressed design, it has a lived-in look. We liked the pleasingly oversized fit, which layered well over knits and added some edge to our mini dresses.
Buy now £49.00, Riverisland.com
Superdry faux-fur lined Afghan coat
Superdry’s Afghan coat looks like it was plucked right out of Almost Famous (a high accolade). Popularised in the 1960s, the vintage style is experiencing a resurgence, and the high-street store’s take is a world away from its signature raincoats (you know, the ones everyone had in secondary school).
Featuring a statement faux-fur trim and cosy shearling lining, there’s the addition of two split side pockets and hook fastenings, for added practicality. Coming in five colourways, there’s a finish to suit every taste.
Buy now £124.99, Superdry.com
The Frankie Shop quilted teddy jacket
Few coats have managed to withhold their sartorial status as long as The Frankie Shop’s padded jacket. The It-girl style has a chic oversized shape that other coats can’t rival. Owing to its versatile design, it can (and should) be worn pretty much year-round.
Despite the fact it looks like it won’t keep you warm, it really does. Should you need extra cosiness, the roomy design means there’s plenty of space for layering. If you’re looking for a cool alternative to a puffer, this is it. The only downside is its price tag but we’ve worn ours for two years now and it still looks as good as new. While we’ve got it in the green colourway, the black looks just as easy to wear.
Buy now £245.00, Net-a-porter.com
House of Sunny the hustle fur
If you’re looking for statement winter outerwear, look no further than House of Sunny’s hustle faux-fur coat. The dramatic design is anything but boring. True to the brand, it’s entirely vegan and finished in House of Sunny’s signature neutral colour palette, with hints of yellow, off-white and beige.
Cut into a longline silhouette with patchwork panelling, the coat features a wide retro collar and back vent, for added movement. Impressively warm, thanks to the faux-fur design and double lining, the effortlessly cool coat is an investment for year-after-year wear.
Buy now £199.00, Houseofsunny.com
Rains storm breaker
Scandi brand Rains has somewhat of a cult following, thanks to its minimalist yet practical rain-appropriate clothing. Its unisex storm breaker coat boasts a sporty look and extra wet-weather functionality (perfect for current conditions). To put the claims to the test, we wore it on a particularly wet and windy day and of course, remained dry. We also appreciated the hood and built-in cap, which, on the whole, prevented any spray from reaching our face. If you’re looking for a stylish raincoat that will still keep you dry, this is the one to pick.
Buy now £95.00, Rans.com
Barbour Allerston waxed jacket
Love for Barbour jackets is back in a big way this autumn. As for this design, we found it to be a timeless addition to our wardrobe and appreciated the slightly boxy and roomy design, allowing us to layer over fleeces. Similarly, we found the large front pockets large enough to hold our essentials and keep our hands warm on a particularly chilly day. Practical for the dog walk but stylish enough for the pub, it’s an investment for your winter wardrobe that you’ll dig out year after year.
Buy now £299.00, Net-a-Porter
Uniqlo blocktech half coat
Uniqlo’s blocktech range uses a signature fabric that is water-resistant, windproof, and breathable, so, we found this design protected us from whatever conditions we found ourselves in. The oversized silhouette meant there was plenty of space for layering underneath – ideal for very cold days. We also appreciated the clever two-way design that enables you to stow away the hood in the collar so it’s not as cumbersome. It rolls up neatly, so it’s a great one to keep in your bag in case of a sudden and unpredicted downpour.
Buy now £79.90, Uniqlo.com
Free People Blair vegan suede jacket
Suede is big news this season and Free People have put a fresh spin on the material with this vintage-inspired jacket. Crafted from soft vegan suede (viscose), it boasts a boxy silhouette and cut that sits just on the hips. We love the wide bell sleeves that exagerated the oversized fit, while the spread collar, and wide flap pockets adds to the Seventies feel. Giving you extra versatility when styling, there’s poppers on the cuffs to create a ballooning effect on the sleeves. It’s lightweight to wear and the exterior material feels super soft. Available in red for a pop of colour in your winter ensembles, it also comes in caramel and corriander hues for those who love neutrals.
Buy now £158.00, Freepeople.com
Asos Design cropped pocket canvas jacket in stone
A high street take on this season’s trending barn jacket, Asos Design’s cropped design is the kind you can throw on and look instantly put together. As it’s quite thin, we opted for the size up to allow extra room for knitwear when temperatures really drop.
Buy now £45.00, Asos.com
River Island cream faux-fur oversized jacket
Chloe put Seventies boho style back on the map for this season, and we’re huge fans of shaggy coats, so we were pleased to find this River Island number. The shaggy, faux-fur finish is super soft and doesn’t shed as much as it looks like it would. There’s a concealed fastening for locking in warmth, while the cream-white colourway means it’ll go with everything in your existing wardrobe (particularly festive party wear). Just avoid drinking red wine or coffee while wearing it as it’s dry clean only.
Buy now £79.00, Riverisland.com
M&S textured buckle coat
From a party capsule collection with Sienna Miller to an autumn range fronted by Claudia Winkleman, M&S is at the top of its fashion game. The high street stalwart’s coat selection for winter 2024 is standout, with chic designs such as this textured buckle coat setting you back less than £80. A great alternative to Toteme’s cult shearling clasp jacket, M&S’s design features a similar regular cut, relaxed silhouette and crew neckline. It’s completed with black adjustable buckles and an off-white textured finish. It’s not as soft as we would have liked, but it’s sufficiently warming while scoring you major points in the style stakes.
Buy now £75.00, Marksandspencer.com
Next animal print faux fur coat
If you’re looking for a statement coat this winter, Next may have exactly what you need – for less than £100. With cheetah print being one of our favourite neutrals (it literally goes with everything), the combination with the bold faux fur material seems like a no-brainer for this season. The short crop style and the exaggerated collar create an edgy aesthetic.
But the coat still provides both fashion and function, as the extremely soft faux fur and front fastening kept us cosy on long walks and nights out. After all, if we’re going to have to be living in our coats for the next few months, we might as well make them fun. Our one warning would be that the cut can look a little boxy, so we suggest sizing down.
Buy now £78.00, Next.co.uk
The verdict: Women’s winter coats
Blending style and practicality, the Na-kd x Camille Charriere trench coat is a winter hero – it’s endlessly wearable and offers great value for money, considering the quality. If you’re after a denim jacket to carry you into the colder months, Damson Madder’s sailor style is a standout piece. Meanwhile, Barbour’s wax jacket is a timeless investment.
Want more sartorial inspiration? We’ve rounded up the best cashmere jumpers
