Outerwear makes or breaks a winter outfit. And every winter, we’re spoiled for choice by Aussie brands releasing oversized wool coats, cool cropped jackets, and statement pieces for us to rock on nights out without freezing our butts off. While you shouldn’t be buying new coats every single season (it’s important to invest in quality pieces not only for your bank account, but for sustainability, too), it’s always fun to see what outerwear trends emerge from Fashion Week runways, Pinterest boards and our favourite fashion it girls.
This year, it’s all about “intentional expression”, according to stylist Kiana Stanley.
“Nothing feels accidental anymore,” she told PEDESTRIAN.TV.
For AW26, the stylist expects to see a heavy focus on clean silhouettes with one standout detail, whether it be texture, structure, or an embellishment. There’s a craving for texture and feeling.
After years of relaxed dressing, Stanley explained that we’ll be seeing a shift towards looking more polished, with an focus on investment pieces over fast trends. However that doesn’t mean people will lose all personality.
“It’s not fully minimal or maximal; it’s more controlled,” Stanley said.
“Everything looks chosen and put-together, without over-styling.”
Want Stanley’s full debrief on what’s going to define winter outerwear trends? Keep reading, friends.
The 7 Outerwear Trends You Can Expect To Dominate 2026
1. Funnel Necks
If your algorithm is fuelled by outfit inspiration videos, you’ve probably already seen funnel necks popping up on your For You Page — the high, crisp collar is absolutely everywhere.
“There’s a shift toward pieces that feel complete on their own, without over-styling,” Stanley explained.
The funnel neck frames the face nicely, whether you’re wearing your hair in an Olsen tuck or slick back bun, and almost replaces the need to wear a scarf on chilly days. It’s minimalist brands including The Row and COS that are leading the charge on this trend, but there are some real affordable options out there, too. Stanley’s top pick is this cropped trench from Cotton On ($89.99, usually $119.99).
Shop the funnel neck trend:
2. Cropped Trenches
Cropped trenches were one of winter’s biggest fashion trends in 2025, and we’re pleased to announce it’s back for another year. So, dust off your one from the previous season, or if you’ve always thought about investing in one but wasn’t sure, here’s your sign to do it.
Stanley said this recurring trend is because for the past few years, “everything has been oversized and long”.
“Cropped feels fresh and styled,” she pointed out.
“This has been all over recent fashion weeks and street style.”
Cropped trenches also have utility details to them, which ties into the broader theme of intentional dressing.
Shop the cropped trench trend:
3. Leather Everything
Suede was one of the dominant trends last year, but leather is making a comeback. While it has always been timeless with a grungy edge, it’s now back in the mainstream. After a soft and minimal few years, we’re moving back into outerwear that’s a little more structured.
“I honestly feel like this has been heavily influenced by Hailey Bieber,” Stanley said. “She’s been wearing a lot of oversized leather and it’s trickled straight into brands.”
Shop the leather jacket trend:
4. Oversized And Longline Coats
Longline coats are a staple every single winter. They’re the perfect mix of cool factor and elegance. Add that in with warmth, and you’ve got yourself an everyday essential. In 2026, we’re leaning more towards longline silhouettes, Stanley said.
“They’re easy, timeless, and instantly pull an outfit together,” she added.
Shop the oversized and longline coat trend:
5. Faux Fur
Faux fur started gaining traction during winter last year, and while some people thought it was a fleeting micro trend, it’s back and better than ever for the 2026 season. Stanley said it’s because this season, shoppers are looking for “tactile” pieces.’
“Fashion is reacting to how digital everything feels. People want texture, warmth, something you can feel,” she pointed out.
Whether you go big or go home in an oversized faux fur or add a little drama to your outfits with a fur trim, this is the year to add a little drama to your wardrobe.
Shop the faux fur coat trend:
6. Capes And Scarf Coats
This season, Stanley explained that romantic, almost historical influences are coming back into how we dress. Capes are making a resurgence, as seen on Emily Blunt who wore a Zimmermann capelet in The Devil Wears Prada 2).
“People still want a bit of drama, but in a wearable way,” Stanley said.
Scarf coats (or scoats) are also gearing up to be a popular outerwear choice this season. They started creeping in last winter, but it’s this year that they’re everywhere. Like funnel necks, the key theme seems to be keeping your neck toasty warm.
Shop the capes and scarf coats trend:
7. Statement Prints and Textures
And lastly, what might be my favourite trend of all: coats that are the outfit. We’re talking animal print (and faux fur), unique tailoring and interesting elements that make the coat the main attraction of the outfit, rather than simply a means for keeping warm.
“We’re moving away from playing it safe and back into more expressive dressing,” Stanley explained. She said that runways are “leaning back into personality after a more minimal phase”, and in turn, that’s trickling through to more affordable brands. All I have to say is thank god the ‘vanilla girl’ reign is over! Let’s have some fun again!
Shop the statement coat trend:
At the end of the day, wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. Your coat should be an investment piece, not a trend you discard of at the end of the season.
Image credit: @byalishaa / @haileybieber / Unreal Fur
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