The winter season calls for a suitably cocoon-like piece of outerwear to brave the British winter in comfort.
The annual jacket purchase is a very important one and requires consideration. This is the item you’ll be wearing day in and day out so it has to be hard-wearing and have the ability to withstand the elements. You’ll also want it to be stylish and luckily for AW23/24, there are options aplenty.
Coat trends this season fall into two main categories; tailored or puffa. In the former, you have the transitional staple trench that can equally be layered up as temperatures plummet. It’s a perennially chic silhouette and an investment that will never fall off the fashion agenda.
In our latest desire for all things ‘quiet luxury’, the oversized blazer is set to stay as ubiquitous as we head into the colder months as it has been throughout the summer. There is just something effortlessly elegant about the suited-and-booted aesthetic and this need not be sacrificed once winter comes calling. As is the case with the trench, it’s all about tactical layering and keeping a packable raincoat on hand.
On the other end of the spectrum, the bigger and bolder puffa coats will keep you as snug as a bug in sub-zero climates. While oversized styles have ruled in recent years, we’ve seen more fitted constructions fill the virtual shelves where well-placed belts or stitching provide cinching to flatter the figure without sacrificing cosiness.
Finding the ultimate winter coat is not an easy task and errors can be costly for both your wallet and comfort levels. This is particularly true when you fall out of what is considered “normal” by the fashion industry, whether you’re plus-size, tall or petite. The latter is characterised by those measuring 5ft4 in height and it can be especially tricky to find a jacket that won’t drown your smaller stature or feel bulky. But that’s where we come in.
We have searched options from the high street to the high end to secure cold-weather styles that are designed for petite heights. This is not just a case of length but also taking into consideration the shoulders and arms so that this winter, your coat doesn’t wear you.
Shop the best petite winter coats below
Best winter coats for women for 23/24 that will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish
Best unisex winter coats for extreme cold to help you handle the elements
Best winter coats for kids in 23/24, from puffers to duffels and more
Best winter coats for men for autumn/winter 23/24: From wool overcoats to puffer jackets
20 best petite clothing brands from the high street and online
Topshop Petite Smart Oversized Coat In Black
A cosy black coat is a universal winter wardrobe essential. Our top tip? Opt for one that's oversized to allow for easy layering beneath. Topshop's take fits the bill perfectly.
Buy now £65.00, ASOS
TOTEME Petite stretch-crepe blazer
While the signature Toteme double wool cashmere camel coat is the brand’s most ubiquitous style, it’s this sleek blazer that has caught our eye for the enduring place it will take in your wardrobe. The minimal style oozes effortless elegance and is a piece you’ll wear all year round, although you’ll have to layer under one of the warmer options on this list when the Arctic temperatures arrive.
The best part? At the moment, you can bag it for half price.
Buy now £370.00, Net-A-Porter
ASOS DESIGN Petite longline trench coat in olive
Burberry may be the purveyor of the trench coat but ASOS has made the silhouette more accessible with its affordable price tag yet still quality construction. The brand had a hit style last year with contrast detailing but has kept things minimal by way of design detail to give you a stalwart in your outerwear collection.
Buy now £65.00, ASOS
Abercrombie & Fitch Heavyweight Wool-Blend Blazer Coat
Granted, a blazer is not the most cold-weather appropriate but Abercrombie has turned this idea on its head with its creation of a heavyweight alternative.
It's a hybrid outerwear piece that has the sophistication of tailoring yet the warmth of wool. And, with neutral grey the colour of the season, this easy-to-wear look will be going straight in our basket.
Buy now £96.00, Abercrombie & Fitch
Reiss Arla Relaxed Wool Blend Blindseam Coat
The hardest decision you’ll have to make today is whether to buy this wool coat from Reiss in elegant cream or forgiving black. It has a relaxed silhouette yet still provides a sophisticated look, whether you slip it on over activewear or work-appropriate tailoring. Can't decide? We'll take one of each.
Buy now £368.00, Reiss
Hobbs Petite Heather Puffer
If you find yourself running cold, brave the British winter with adequate protection with this high-neck puffer in your arsenal. The igloo-like coat has an oversized hood complete with a funnel neck to keep you insulated and cosy from head to knees. The exterior is created with a downpour-resistant finish.
Buy now £139.00, Hobbs
New Look Petite Dark Brown Teddy Long Coat
For those who forgo cold weather socialising in favour of duvet days, this is a coat you’ll be able to get behind. This jacket is the equivalent of wearing your favourite blanket out and about with its soft borg material and knee-length design working to block out the worst of the winds.
Buy now £35.00, New Look
Topshop Petite textured blazer coat in multi
We are of the staunch belief that a blazer in every pattern makes for easy dressing each and every morning. This is another piece that has brought tailoring and warmth together and it comes in a chic chevron design with peak lapels and double-breasted button fastening.
Buy now £36.00, ASOS
Topshop Petite mid length tie waist puffer jacket in black
This jacket from Topshop takes the classic puffa silhouette but puts a more figure-flattering twist on the typically oversized style by affixing a tie waist to the design. The piece comes in a versatile black hue complete with a drawstring hood and both a zip and press-stud fastening.
Buy now £42.00, ASOS
Karen Millen Petite Italian Manteco Wool Oversized Collar Belted Coat
Quiet luxury is a trend that seems like it's here to stay. Get in on the action and wrap up in Karen Millen's Italian Wool overcoat. From the oversized lapels to the cinched waist, it's sophistication through and through.
Buy now £319.20, Karen Millen
Whistles Petite Lorna Wrap Wool Coat
Simple, classic and elegant, this wrap coat will live in your wardrobe for years to come. From the wool material to the belted design, it’s an all-winter, all-occasion style where its versatility is only enhanced by the black colourway (although it’s also available in burgundy).
Buy now £329.00, John Lewis
Hobbs Petite Maddox Fur Coat
This sumptuously faux fur number from Hobbs will see you through the winter season, while being incredibly soft to the touch. You won’t take off this piece that is somehow striking even in the neutral navy tone.
Buy now £129.00, Hobbs
Lydia Millen Petite Tailored Check Faux Fur Collar Maxi Coat
This check print coat is a high street dupe of Shrimps’ signature style and you can get your hands on it for half the price. It has a classic grey colourway with embellishment in the form of the black fur collar, a detail that is equal parts fashion and functionality.
Buy now £319.20, Karen Millen
ASOS 4505 Petite ski quilted belted jacket
This ski-ready style brings a soft pastel palette to the slopes. The lilac hue will stand out against the white of the mountains as you race down black runs, whether you wear simply the coat or pair it with the coordinating trousers. It is belted for a cinched silhouette and a hood.
Buy now £88.00, ASOS
Whistles Petite Teddy Faux Fur Coat
The most luxuriously plush coat we came across, Whistles' design pairs a super smooth faux fur with a relaxed silhouette for an investment piece that's totally worth it. You'll enjoy cuddling up every time winter rolls around.
Buy now £179.00, Whistles
Next Belted Quilt Lined Trench Style Coat
A classic trench that's been given a cold-weather makeover thanks to a more heavyweight fabric and quilted lining, Next's coat takes the transitional staple to the next level.
Buy now £98.00, Next
