The best jackets and winter coats to invest in this season
Ward off the seasonal chill in cocooning coats, faux fur and fuzzy shearling showpieces
The leaves have turned, the nights are drawing in and, after a season spent indoors, our cold-weather wardrobes are in need of a serious replenish. Begin with the most crucial piece – the all-important jacket or 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 Chloé's tactile caboodle that I wouldn’t happily bundle up in, from weighty aviator jackets and languid silk trenches to fluid shearling styles. Meanwhile, posh padded jackets reign triumphant, from directional ‘duvet coats’ to brightly coloured parkas with a Nineties-sportswear sensibility.
Shearling
From fashion to interiors, shearling remains the tactile textile du jour this season, suffused with seventies glamour. Snuggle up in faux shearling styles by Anine Bing and Whistles. Meanwhile, Loewe’s fluffy and fabulous bright blue hooded jacket is guaranteed to raise a smile on the dullest of days, with bell sleeves and a fluid, loose silhouette.
Shearling aviators
From shearling coats to shearling aviators – a perennially cool wardrobe mainstay that is part biker, part flight jacket, lined with this season’s favourite fuzzy fabric. The ultimate investment piece, Chloé's statement aviator is back for a second winter, made from warm, weighty shearling with a cuddly, fluffy hood. And behold the best high street buy of the season – Reiss’ two-in-one reversible aviator jacket, in curly, cosy merino shearling.
Padded coats
Maybe it was all those walks during lockdown, or blame it on Balenciaga, but the humble padded coat is now a bonafide fashion icon in its own right. Supremely cosy and endlessly practical, it is the perfect runaround layer on weekends, while also adding a directional edge to dresses and tailoring. This season’s slew of perky puffers includes bubblegum tones by Miu Miu and A Perfect Moment, as well as padded coat connoisseur Canada Goose. For the height of sophistication, wrap up in hooded down jackets by Yves Salomon and Brunello Cucinelli.
Cocoon coats
Both timely and timeless, these enveloping, woollen coats soften sharp tailoring and smarten denim. Seek out roomy silhouettes in soft camel hues by Acne, Nanushka and Max Mara, or warm, muted forest green and dusty blue shades by Whistles and Poetry.
Leopard print
Animal print is now a neutral as far as the fashion industry is concerned. Chanel Edie Sedgwick or Alexa Chung in faux fur, retro silhouettes by Stand Studio, or go full Eartha Kitt in Prada. For a more directional take, try Ganni’s spotted coat in lightweight linen-cotton.
