The best winter coats to invest in this season
Ward off the seasonal chill in colourful coats and cocooning capes
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The leaves have turned, the nights are drawing in and, after a season spent soaking up the sun at the nearest rooftop bar, our cold-weather wardrobes are in need of a serious replenish. Begin with the most crucial piece – the all-important winter coat.
A good piece of outerwear has the power to instantly transform an otherwise drab look and dramatically lift the spirits. This season’s stellar collection of hardworking cover-ups are as cosy as they are elegant. There isn’t a single coat in Maxmara’s ever-reliable tactile caboodle that I wouldn’t happily bundle up in, and, even if you’re just in the market for a workaday black or navy number, you’re not going to be left wanting for style and quality. Of course, if you’re looking to make a statement, this season’s vogue for chic capes and winter pastels has you covered, literally.
Black coats
Wardrobe staples don’t come much more timeless than a black overcoat – and you’re going to be spoiled for choice if you’ve got one at the top of your wish list for AW22. For weekdays, opt for longline tailored designs that will keep out the chill during your commute, while super-soft unstructured silhouettes in wool and cashmere are perfect for pairing with jeans and knitwear at the weekend.
Joseph Arline wool and cashmere coat
Coats don’t come much cosier than Joseph’s wool and cashmere cocoon coat – spruce it up with your favourite patterned scarf.
Stella McCartney double-breasted coat
Dip your toe into the wonderful world of double-breasted silhouettes with Stella McCartney’s hugely flattering tailored coat.
Navy coats
Endlessly chic and just as versatile as a black coat, navy hues look brilliant matched with fiery autumnal tones and look great when thrown over party dresses come the festive season. Avoid superfluous detailing in favour of clean, minimal lines – a well-placed pocket or belted waist can go a long way to creating a shapely silhouette.
Yves Salomon leather-trimmed shearling coat
Yves Salomon has taken the classic shearling coat and updated it with leather trims and a belted waist. You’ll wear this for years to come.
Prada single-breasted wool coat
Long, lean lines, notched lapels and a 100 per cent cashmere wool construction elevate this Prada coat to new heights.
The Row Toba coat
This softly-draped poncho design from The Row may not be easy on the wallet but, take into consideration its double-faced wool and cashmere blend and carefree styling, and the cost-per-wear will make perfect sense (we’re telling ourselves).
Ivy Oak Christina coat
Falling elegantly just below the knee, this pin-sharp tailored coat from Ivy Oak is the perfect companion to pencil skirts and mum jeans.
Camel coats
Neutrals have been ruling the fashion scene for some time now but the humble camel coat transcends seasonal trends. Spanning hues from dark ivory to light brown, there’s one to suit every skintone and wardrobe palette. Wear yours with statement jewellery and knee-high boots for the quintessential autumn outfit. (Oh, and if youre looking for a camel trench coat, we’ve got you covered here.)
Max Mara Madame coat
The original and (probably) the best, Max Mara’s camel coat is an icon for a reason. If you’re only going to buy one coat this winter, make it this one.
Sandro herringbone boucle coat
Straight-cut and with a classic lapel collar that looks great with both shirts and T-shirts, Sandro’s trench-coat-inspired coat with a herringbone weave makes for a hugely versatile option.
Totême wool-blend coat
Totême’s shawl collar design eschews a belt for a neat double-stitched waistline lending the illusion of curves to its cosily oversized silhouette.
Ganni long wool coat
This oak-hued long wool coat oozes Ganni’s signature Scandi style with it’s wrap-around belt detail and oversized collar.
Bright coats
Pastels may not be an obvious choice for winter but what could be more cheerful on a grey November day than lemon yellow or baby pink? The trick to working these shades seamlessly into your existing wardrobe is to opt for block colours and longline cuts that leave just a hint of trouser cuff or skirt hem peeping out.
Alberta Ferretti open-front coat
Another coat that’s going to work brilliantly come Christmas party season, Alberta Ferretti’s lightweight emerald coat plays with volume for the ultimate in relaxed-yet-polished style.
Tagliatore Molly coat
A suprisingly adaptable shade, powder blue is a great place to start if you’re investing in your first bright winter coat. We love the belted waist of this Tagliatore number.
Acne Studios bouclé coat
Made from a huggably-thick bouclé wool, Acne Studios’ coat comes in a powder-pink loose silhouette that goes with everything.
Jil Sander belted coat
Jil Sander’s sunshine-hued coat may require a higher degree of care than your standard black or grey winter coat – this is not a look made for wearing on the tube – but we promise it’s worth it.
Capes
Far more fun than a classic coat and with a subtle nod towards statement styling – even when rendered in monotone black – the cape is making a comeback this season. Best worn with chunky knitwear in contrasting colours, whether your preference is for elegantly-tailored cashmere, casual fringing or generous draping, it’s time to work one into your regular outerwear rotation.
Moncler fringed wool cape
Think a cape can’t be practical? Think again. Finished with technical shell trims and a drawstring hood, Moncler’s cape will take you from Shoreditch to the slopes.
Tove Aria cape
Effortless and free from unnecessary hardware, throw Tove’s wool cape around your shoulders to turn any outfit into a head-turning look.
Ralph Lauren wool-blend cape
Embued with Ralph Lauren’s elegant style, this collared camel cape features a faux-leather trim and adjustable arm holes for the perfect fit.
Fabiana Filippi fringed knitted cape
Fabiana Filippi’s investment outerwear is at the top of every fashion fan’s bucket list. You only need to take one look at this stunning fringed wool-silk-cashmere blend cape to see why.
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