When we're greeted each day with freezing winds, pelting rain and occasional snowfall of winter, a coat will prove itself as the hardest working piece of clothing in your wardrobe.
So it makes sense that when it’s biblical outside, it pays to spend a little more and invest in something that will keep you looking and feeling fabulous - because you probably won't take it off until we’re back to BST.
Hiding indoors for the entirety of the sub-zero season is not an option. Spending time outdoors - whatever the weather - is crucial to our mental and physical health and being outside for even just a short time can lift your mood threefold.
The good news is that there’s no need to shrink away from crisp winter walks or dread a freezing early morning commute - not when you’ve got a new coat to shield you from the elements. What used to be seen as a nightmarish shopping challenge - especially for those with curves to clothe - has, thankfully, become easier with every passing collection, especially if you know where to look.
Finding decent coats when you’re plus size can be a pain of the highest order but we’re happy to note a sea-change in the high street. It’s out with the drab, shapeless tents laughably marketed as ‘outerwear’ and in with stylish coats that promise to keep you warm, dry, and looking fly.
Whether you’re looking for a tailored trench to keep you looking sharp through the working week, you like the idea of being bundled up in a duvet-like puffa or you’re hoping to jump on Beyonce’s metallic everything trend, we’ve found the curve-friendly winter coats to have you sailing through the season.
Shop the edit below
Never Fully Dressed Black Embroidered Vegan Leather Trench Coat
Sizes: S - 3XL
A great way to lift a plain old trench without it looking garish is through the power of embroidery. Nice enough to wear to the office and cool enough for the drinks afterwards, this vegan leather trench falls to the perfect length and has a matching belt that should be tied around the back (pictured) for the most flattering effect.
Buy now £199.00, Never Fully Dressed
Tommy Jeans Plus long satin puffer coat in olive green
Sizes: 14 - 22
Take inspiration from one of our favourite cocktails and channel dirty martini olive green all winter long. One of the 90s most prolific designers has the look all wrapped up - hood and all - in this blissfully insulating long-line puffer.
Buy now £230.00, ASOS
Mango Leather-effect trench coat
Sizes: XS - 2XL
While many trenches are seen as transitional outwear to be worn in spring and summer only, some can work for the harsher winter months too. The key is to choose a hardwearing fabric that locks wind and rain out - leather and faux leather are perfect.
Mango's chocolate brown version is beautifully tailored and looks best paired with neutrals, ideally a cream roll neck or similar. Use the matching belt to pull you in and create a flattering hourglass silhouette.
Buy now £109.99, Mango
La Redoute Collections Recycled Double-Breasted Pea Coat in Wool Mix
Sizes: 6 - 22
There’s a reason why sheep wouldn’t be seen in anything but wool over winter. Aside from it being biologically impossible for them to grow any other kind of fur, the texture is naturally waterproof yet breathable, and great for keeping warm.
It’s used here in this sleek minimal coat, which will have you feeling more smart than sheepish. The tailored look closes with a button fastening and is dry-cleaned only. Brighten it up with a bright scarf - preferably in neon yellow - to keep it looking cool.
Buy now £190.00, La Redoute
Topshop Curve faux shearling car coat in chocolate
Sizes: 18 - 26
Laugh in the face of any big freeze in this ultra-cosy number from Topshop. Lined with warming shearling (faux is as good as the real thing here), there are two front pockets to stash the essentials.
Buy now £52.50, ASOS
M&S Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket
Sizes: 6 - 24
We had to refresh our browser to make sure this was the right price: a faux shearling of this quality for less than £80? Best believe it. M&S has winter outerwear in the bag with this aviator-style beauty which is also available in black, for those worried about accidental spillages and beige tidemarks around the neck. The zip fastening will stand up to mid-winter's bitter cold.
Buy now £79.00, M&S
H&M+ Short puffer jacket
Sizes: L - 4XL
Shun boring black for electric blue and spread joy just by walking down the street. H&M's puffer may be short but the high funnel neck will stop the cold from sending shivers down your spine.
Buy now £34.99, H&M
Never Fully Dressed Cream And Lime Animal Jacquard Bomber
Sizes: S - 3XL
Refuse to surrender to the long dark days and turn to sparkles to brighten up your look instead. You can always rely on Never Fully Dressed for head-turning looks which it delivers wholeheartedly in this jacquard bomber. Metallic details lift the cream and lime colourway, keeping the piece looking youthful.
Pair with the matching skirt, and you're golden, baby.
Buy now £149.00, Never Fully Dressed
Karen Millen Plus Button Detail Contrast Detail Trench Coat
Sizes: 18 - 24
Chic pieces with a military spin, Karen Millen knows how to nail formalwear. This contrast detail trench stands out from the crown with black panels layered over camel tan and vanity buttons running down the length of the sleeves.
Buy now £295.20, Karen Millen
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka
Sizes: XS - 3XL
No amount of poor weather will rain on your parade when ensconced in Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Parka, which is available in sizes XS to 3XL and comes in endorphin-raising colours. We think this lilac is particularly fetching, adding a pretty pop of colour to your ensemble. There’s also pink, white, black and navy to choose from.
It has a fold-back hood which can be zipped away when needed and the whole design can be packed compactly into a stuff bag (a little like a sleeping bag bag), making it perfect to stash in the car for walks and shopping trips.
Buy now £79.90, Uniqlo
Nasty Gal Plus Size Premium Wool Blend Animal Swing Coat
Sizes: 18 - 24
You can't go wrong with animal print - it's the new neutral.
Paired with furry cuffs and a collar, you could be wearing PJs underneath this premium wool coat and still look ready to rock. The swing-style silhouette comes with two pockets to keep glove-less hands out from the cold.
Buy now £104.25, Nasty Gal
Karen Millen Plus Size Lightweight Longline Packable Coat
Sizes: 18 - 22
Cold in the car or office? Ward off the chill with this quilted coat which manages the sartorial magic trick of packing down into compact dimensions, making it a travel essential. With metal hardware and a hood to retain body warmth, it comes in black and khaki.
Buy now £111.20, Karen Millen
