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 – those all-important winter coats.
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 Max Mara’s ever-reliable tactile collection 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 or quality. Of course, if you’re looking to make a statement, the on-going 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 AW24. 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.
Khaite Roth trench coat
Coats don’t come much cosier than Khaite’s wrap-style trench coat – spruce it up with your favourite patterned scarf.
Stella McCartney Iconic 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 are brilliant when 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.
Balenciaga fringed wool coat
Who said your winter coat had to be boring? Balenciaga keeps things understated-yet-interesting with fringed detailing on this classic wrap design. 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.
Bottega Veneta trench coat
This softly-draped trench from Bottega Veneta may not be easy on the wallet but, take into consideration its wool-gabardine construction and carefree styling, and the cost-per-wear will make perfect sense (we’re telling ourselves).
Wales Bonner Liberty coat
Falling elegantly just below the knee, this elegantly oversized coat from Wales Bonner features a detachable contrast check hood and is the perfect companion to mum jeans and trainers on rainy days.
Camel coats
Neutrals have been ruling the fashion world 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 skin tone and wardrobe palette. Wear yours with statement jewellery and knee-high boots for the quintessential autumn outfit. (Oh, and if you're looking for a camel trench coat, we’ve got you covered here.)
Max Mara Manuela 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.
MM6 Maison Margiela oversized coat
Straight-cut and with a sleek lapel-less collar that looks great with both shirts and T-shirts, MM6 Maison Margiela’s oversized wrap coat 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.
Hobbs Richmond wool coat
This champagne-hued long wool coat oozes Hobbs’ signature everyday elegance with its double-breasted silhouette and military-inspired gold buttons.
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.
Simkhai Carrie coat
Another coat that’s going to work brilliantly come Christmas party season, Simkhai’s very on-trend burgundy coat adds a touch of Western texture for the ultimate in relaxed-yet-polished style.
P.A.R.O.S.H. double-breasted 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 P.A.R.O.S.H. number.
Liu Jo belted coat
Made from a huggably-thick herringbone weave, Liu Jo’s coat comes in a powder-pink belted 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.
Fendi FF logo reversible cape
Think a cape can’t be practical? Think again. Plain black on one side and printed with the instantly-recognisable FF logo on the other, Fendi’s reversible cape will take you from Shoreditch to the slopes.
Jil Sander wool-blend cape
Effortless and free from unnecessary hardware, throw Jil Sander’s wool cape around your shoulders to turn any outfit into a head-turning look.
Max Mara cashmere cape
Embued with Max Mara’s elegant style, this collarless camel cape features a leather belt and adjustable arm holes for the perfect fit.
Mackintosh Halleigh cape
A fashion-forward spin on Mackintosh’s famed trench coats, you only need to take one look at this cotton cape to know it’s a piece you’ll return to again and again.
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