I find myself drawn to coats more than any other fashion item.
Perhaps it’s because I am always cold (my colleagues can attest to the hat, gloves and scarf trifecta that I wear daily at my desk) or due to the huge variation in style, but I cannot resist the annual coat purchase, much to the chagrin of my boyfriend.
I am taking up more than my fair share of wardrobe real estate with the short, long, thick, thin, suede, leather, wool, neutral-toned, patterned or faux fur trimmed outerwear that I stash away. I count down the summer days and curse the sartorial challenges that it brings, ready and waiting to dust off my coat collection and inevitably bring a new friend into the mix. I’m Ellie and I am a coat addict.
Coats are the definition of a winter staple. There is truly no piece you need more when cold weather hits. The cost-per-wear potential is favourable in our frosty nation and the right coat can make or break a look. There are timeless designs; namely A-line wool coats, trenches and leather constructions, ones that put practicality before all else – rain and waterproof macs, or those that ride the wave of fashion’s trend cycle.
For autumn/winter 2024, the major outerwear directive falls into three main camps. First, you have corporate chic in which coats are the finishing touch to the power dressing aesthetic, souped-up with sharp shoulders and impeccable tailoring in neutral tones that wouldn’t look out of place on Wall Street.
On the other end of the spectrum is duvet dressing. One of the more practical trends for sub-zero temperatures, venturing into the cold is an attractive prospect with quilted and puffer-like numbers in your arsenal.
In terms of design details, you will find checks a prevalent pattern as well as herringbone and tweed, offering a countryside feel.
Shop the best winter coats below
Kitri Simone Black Vinyl Coat
Rain-ready outerwear has been given a high-octane transformation with Kitri’s sleek vinyl coat. Cue the compliments thanks to the seductive fabric and faux fur collar and cuffs (that just so happen to also be removable!).
Buy now £265.00, Kitri
Rixo Milly Leopard Coat
Leopard print’s popularity shows no signs of wavering and the look is making a play for your winter wardrobe with this knee-length coat from Rixo that takes its design cues from the 70s. The pattern has been handpainted and set on a felt fur fabric.
Buy now £485.00, Rixo
Aligne Barnaby Reversible Check Trench Coat
How’s this for girl math: this coat is technically half-price because it is reversible and so you get two for the price of one? On the one side is a neutral-toned wax finish but on the other is a heritage check. Both are complete with cord detailing at the collar and cuffs. Chic.
Buy now £249.00, Aligne
Cos Oversized Power-Shoulder Wool Coat
This coat from Cos hits the corporate chic memo for this season on its head, from the oversized fit complete with power shoulders to the sophisticated wool construction. It comes in this work-ready grey hue.
Buy now £250.00, Cos
Ganni Black Tech Puffer Coat
For a playful and feminine touch to the classic puffer silhouette, Ganni has added bow tie details that are fun and functional, working to cinch the design in at the waist.
Buy now £625.00, Ganni
Mango Double-breasted wool coat
This nostalgic style from Mango has a childlike feel with its wool construction and double-breasted button fastening. It is classic as far as design elements go as well as in terms of the colourway - it comes in dark navy or pastel grey.
Buy now £89.99, Mango
By Anthropologie Double-Breasted Wool Check Maxi Coat
Check designs are some of this season’s most notable trends and Anthropologie shows us how it’s done with this coat from its own-brand label. The piece is made from wool with a brushed finish and will envelop you in warmth with its ankle-length cut.
Buy now £298.00, Anthropologie
& Other Stories Oversized Double-Breasted Coat
If your wardrobe is filled with pared-back pieces and you’re looking to add pattern while still remaining work-appropriate and easy to style, may we introduce you to this coat from & Other Stories with its chevron design? It has an oversized fit and three rows of double-breasted buttons.
Buy now £239.00, & Other Stories
The Frankie Shop Mavis oversized trench coat
Enduring wardrobe basics are The Frankie Shop’s MO as perfectly encapsulated by this trench coat. It has an oversized fit that makes it perfect for layering and a grey colourway. Corporate chic nailed.
Buy now £265.00, MyTheresa
Barbour Gunnerside paneled cotton-canvas, denim and corduroy jacket
Save for its vibrant collaborations, Barbour’s aesthetic leans towards the neutral ends of the design spectrum so when we saw the Gunnerside paneled jacket, we were intrigued. It retains the country charm that the brand is known for but breaks from the norm with a patchwork-like clash of denim, canvas and corduroy.
Buy now £300.00, Net-A-Porter
Norma Kamali Sleeping Bag houndstooth wrap coat
Be prepared for Arctic temperatures with Norma Kamali’s cocooning coat - Sleeping Bag by name, sleeping bag by nature. No wallflower though, it has a striking houndstooth print. Pairing with the coordinating pattern as shown in the picture is optional.
Buy now £505.00, MyTheresa
Sezane Floyd Coat
You don’t need to choose between duvet days and soaking up the crisp winter air as with Sezane’s Floyd Coat, you get a sumptuous quilted number to rival that of your covers. It is cut just below the knee and has a shirt collar for a sophisticated feel.
Buy now £275.00, Sezane
Marfa Stance Patchwork Parachute Parka
Marfa Stance proves its prowess in weather-shielding styles with this parka that turns the stereotypical raincoat on its head with its juxtaposition of colours and fabrics. It’s functional first and foremost with a water-repellent construction, but is also reversible and can be worn in different ways with tactical drawstrings to encourage cinching or worn loose-fitted.
Buy now £1295.00, Marfa Stance
TOTEME + NET SUSTAIN draped fringed wool-blend jacket
Think back to that exaggerated meme of Lenny Kravitz’s mammoth scarf and give it a wearable twist and you have this jacket from Totême complete with a draped scarf-inspired panel. The jacket is made from insulating wool in a dark grey hue and ivory stitch detailing. The scarf has elegant fringing.
Buy now £810.00, Net-A-Porter
Arket Short Pile Jacket
Cocoon yourself this winter in the sumptuous softness of this pile jacket from Arket. Its thermal qualities come from the fluffy fabric, just steer clear of red wine drinkers for fear of accidental spillages.
Buy now £189.00, Arket
Gant Mini Checked Car Coat
Gant’s outerwear has already been given the seal of approval by Taylor Swift. This coat from the American preppy label has the same check design as the one worn by the pop princess but is set on a sophisticated knee-length fit that has versatility for work and the weekend alike.
Buy now £340.00, Gant
Baum Und Pferdgarten Diana
Minimalist dressers, listen up. Copenhagen-born Baum Und Pferdgarten’s bestselling silhouette is the Diana, a chic coat cut from cotton and adorned with an all-over zebra print. Ideal for the pattern-averse, it will liven up your look while adhering to your black-and-white colour palette.
Buy now £479.00, Baum Und Pferdgarten
Damson Madder Dahlia Quilted Coat
Damson Madder’s ubiquitous quilted tie waistcoats are joined by this winter weather-appropriate dressing gown-like coat that will keep you cosy through the winter months. It has a unique floral design that will be a mood-boosting alternative to the sea of grey, black and navy and a cocooning quilted construction.
Buy now £150.00, Damson Madder
Rains Alta Puffer Jacket
Brave the winter chill with Rains’ Alta Puffer Jacket. Available in an array of different colours, black, white and electric blue, the puffer blends street-style sensibilities with functionality. Amplified branding, padded pockets and an oversized fit are enhanced by the featherless chamber technology used to create the piece.
Buy now £319.00, Rains
