It's no secret that I’m more of a summer person, but I have to admit that when the colder weather hits, there is one thing that gets me really excited, and that's a great winter coat.
As a coat lover, I prioritise a few things when investing in a new style. First, if I’m not warm, my husband says I moan endlessly, so that is always number one on my list. Second, even my most casual of coats have to add an element of polish to my outfit or I just feel, well, a little drab. So with that in mind, I like to invest in styles that feel really special and that I'll get plenty of wear out of.
Another key factor to consider when choosing a coat, whether it is from the high street or a designer brand, is quality. I am a stickler for quality, and when it comes to a wool or padded coat, for example, it’s very easy to tell if something has been made poorly. Here's what I look out for…
One-hundred percent wool coats will always be the warmest fabrication, but keep an eye out for ones that have quite an open weave (if you look closely at the wool, you will see what looks like a grid), as this means the coat will most likely wear quite quickly, especially around the elbows. The weight of the fabric is also important. If there isn’t much weight or the coat isn’t lined, it is likely that it isn't going to hang well or last as long as other styles. Lastly, in general padded coats are made of down and feather. If they're not and the price seems too good to be true, they tend to be quite stiff, bulky and unflattering to wear.
So with all that in mind, plus an ample offering of colours, cuts and shapes available right now, how do you choose which style to buy? Well, in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a classic camel coat, and thanks to designers like Totême, this timeless style is fast becoming a key trend this winter. Oversized coats also continue to be an easy way to add a chic touch to your winter look with designers like Isabel Marant and The Frankie Shop making this shape an influencer favourite. Finally, if you love to be super cosy, you will be happy to know that padded coats are here to stay and come in many shapes and colourways this season.
To make things even easier for you, I headed out to see what was in the shops and tried on as many coats as I could find. These are the 11 coats that really stopped me in my tracks.
1. The Padded Trench Coat
Style Notes: COS recently launched its Atelier range, which is made up of a 37-piece collection focusing on sculptured silhouettes and above exceptionally good quality. This padded coat is one of the most sought-after pieces from the collection and is selling out fast already.
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I'm usually a UK 12 but am wearing a UK 14 to add some Prada-inspired volume around the hips.
2. THE TAILORED WOOL COAT
Style Notes: The best thing about this Mango coat is the heavy-weight woollen fabric that gives it such a structured feel. It's also the perfect shade of grey. Not too pale and not too dark, it will look great styled with tailored trousers and jeans alike.
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This looks way beyond its high-street price tag.
3. THE BRIGHT WOOL-BLEND COAT
Style Notes: I instantly fell in love with this coat from Massimo Dutti. This particular style is taken from its limited-edition range so sits at the top of the high-street price bracket, but be sure to check out its whole collection, as the brand is really nailing it this season.
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I love everything about this coat: the shape, the fabric and the colour, which is surprisingly versatile. Pair with everything from white jeans and trainers to contrasting brights.
4. THE SCARF COAT
Style Notes: In 2014, Swedish influencer Elin Kling launched clothing label Totême. Each collection is made up of stylish everyday pieces that transcend seasons. The brand's scarf coat was a firm fixture on most fashion influencers' grids last season, and much to our joy, it is back again this winter.
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If you have been waiting to get your hands on this, don't hang around for long, as this coat is in high demand!
5. THE CHOCOLATE TRENCH
Style Notes: There are so many great trench coats on the high street right now that are perfect for this time of year, but this chocolate-brown version from & Other Stories really stood out to me.
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Some trench coats can feel a little flimsy, but I really loved the weighty fabric and structure shape of this one.
6. THE QUILTED JACKET
Style Notes: You may have spotted quilted jackets all over Instagram last year. They were another influencer favourite, but despite their popularity, I always found the classic exaggerated trapeze shape tricky to wear, not to mention a little drafty. But this winter, Ganni has designed this super-cute padded jacket that comes with a detachable collar. I'm in love!
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The A-line shape is super flattering.
7. THE HERRINGBONE COAT
Style Notes: I have always known Gant for its menswear, so I was surprised to see so many brilliant pieces in its womenswear collection this season. From knitwear to tailored trousers and coats, the brand has seriously upped its game. I love the classic tweed fabrication of this coat in contrast to the more contemporary, oversized shape.
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This coat would work over most outfits, but try pairing it with contrasting pretty fabrics and prints.
8. THE STANDOUT PUFFER
Style Notes: Now, this coat is definitely going to be like Marmite. You'll either love it or hate it, but I of course love it! This padded jacket from Tommy Hilfiger's collaboration with British designer Richard Quinn (who is known for his bold floral prints) was just too fabulous not to share. I have never known a padded jacket like it.
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It's fully reversible and the warmest coat I have ever tried. Fact.
9. THE DESIGNER PADDED COAT
Style Notes: If you're quick enough to snap up this Prada coat, you're in for a treat. The Italian fashion house has always led the way in designing toasty outerwear that's stylish and in non-traditional shapes. The volume in the pockets creates an almost 1940s reefer coat silhouette, and I love that you could be wearing the simplest outfit underneath, but by adding this coat, you will instantly look fabulous.
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I took one size down from my usual, as it already comes very oversized.
10. THE KHAKI TRENCH
Style Notes: The weather at this time of year can be quite unpredictable with chilly mornings turning into quite mild afternoons, so investing in a stylish trench coat is always a no-brainer. I love the statement sleeves on this iteration.
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British designer Rejina Pyo is always a favourite for her modern take on wardrobe classics.
11. THE HOUNDSTOOTH COAT
Style Notes: If I had to pick one thing Victoria Beckham is best at, it's tailoring. Over the years, she has honed her craft and continues to create beautiful coats that are effortlessly chic.
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I really love how Victoria Beckham has taken such a traditional fabric here and created such a modern piece.
SHOP MORE OF MY FAVOURITE COATS BELOW
Last winter, Mango created the perfect belted coat in camel. It's re-created it this season, and it's one of the chicest coats on the high street right now.
Marcéla London continues to be one of fashion's best-kept secrets. They're my go-to when I'm in need of a cool yet classic piece. Everything is made in super-limited quantities, so this scarf coat won't be around for long.
There is something so cool about this tweed car coat, which I've had in my shopping basket for a few days now. If you're inspired by Parisian style, then this one is for you.
I love a pop of colour in my winter wardrobe. This shade of green is often referred to as Bottega green after the luxury Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta's green branding on their packaging and clothing. Wear this peacoat with the matching knitwear underneath for a stylish way to do colour-blocking.
Once again, Totême nails the chic-outerwear brief, this time thanks to its take on the classic quilted coat.
Isabel Marant has been designing this oversized coat for years. Her pieces add instant cool to any outfit.
If you're going to splash the cash on a coat, then a classic belted number is a guaranteed winning investment. This classic belted style will never date.
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