Our Fabulous fashion desk pick this season’s must-have winter coats for all ages, shapes and sizes
A NEW coat is the biggest fashion investment you will make this season – and not just when it comes to its price tag.
It will need to tick a lot of boxes: be on trend, comfortable, durable and, of course, warm.
Searches for checked coats in September increased 50 per cent since last year, while trenches are up 24 per cent and camel 23 per cent, according to LoveTheSales.com.
From floor-sweeping, patterned ones to versatile biscuit shades that look good enough to eat, there are a bewildering amount of options on the High Street.
Luckily, our Fabulous fashion desk have picked out a range of coats to suit all ages, shapes and sizes – and selected the best of the rest of this season’s must-haves.
Return of the mac: Abby McHale, 26
FASHION WRITER & STYLIST
“AS a lover of summer fashion, I find transitioning into coat season hard. That’s why a trench is perfect – it’s lightweight and makes me feel like I’m clinging on to warm-weather clothes.
“When I finally have to succumb to dressing for autumn, then I can easily layer jumpers underneath. Shades of beige are a major trend for this season so this trench not only nails it in that respect but can be paired with all sorts of colours.
“Red is also a key shade for the months ahead so I thought I would go bold underneath the coat, with a bright hue, and keep the coat neutral with black accessories.
“This coat also comes with a belt, which is a great addition if you want to add some shape to your outerwear look.”
- Trench, £79, bag, £25, both Topshop – buy here
- Dress, £45, Dorothy Perkins – buy here
- Boots, £25, Tu at Sainsbury’s – buy here
Back to black: Clemmie Fieldsend, 30
FASHION EDITOR
“WHEN autumn hits, I can’t wait to get my hands on a new coat. But looking through my wardrobe of puffas, trenches, checks and faux-fur, I decided to keep it simple this year.
“Covid restrictions mean we aren’t likely to be galavanting around showing off our new clothes any time soon, so I’ve gone for a classic black number I can get a lot of wear out of.
“My black coat from a few years ago was missing several buttons and looking threadbare around the cuffs, so I thought it was time for a new one – and black coats were a huge hit on the season’s catwalks.
“Black is the backbone colour to my wardrobe, so it was a no-brainer for me. A military style is great for dressing up jeans and jumpers, plus it gives your silhouette a neater and sleeker shape.”
- Coat, £119, Zara – buy here
- Jumper, £35.99, Mango at asos.com – buy here
- Jeans, £40, River Island – buy here
- Bag, £20, nastygal.com – buy here
- Boots, £93, Office – buy here
Check mate: Nana Acheampong, 34
CELEBRITY STYLE EDITOR
“THIS wrap coat is the perfect transitional piece for me, especially as I cling on to the last days of sunshine – summer is my favourite season.
“Come winter, though, I will still be able to layer this jacket over a jumper or fitted dress.
“The belt detail is great for creating shape and accentuating my waist. And checks are a classic print that will never go out of fashion.
“I love the thin pop of turquoise running through the check, as I am always trying to fit some colour into my looks.”
Faux-fur feels: Jess Evans, 25
JUNIOR STYLIST
“AS much as I love summer, I am dying to snuggle up in a cosy faux-fur coat paired with smart, tailored trousers and a comfy, on-trend band tee. The colder it gets, the more layering can be done, which is one of my favourite ways to style my winter outfits.
“Switch these cool platform Converse for chunky winter boots and a big, collared blouse to rock this look in the office. Whether it’s dressed up or down, the faux-fur coat works for all events.
“In winter, it’s so easy to dress cosy on those chillier mornings, so let your coat do the talking by opting for a glam, poppy colour to bring your outfits to life.
“Suitable for the cocktail bar or for work, this hot-pink option is a winner and will show them who’s boss.”
- Coat, £99, Oliver Bonas – buy here
- T-shirt, £14, Nasty Gal – buy here
- Trousers, £12.90, Uniqlo – buy here
- Trainers, £90, Converse – buy here
- Bag, £19.99, Mango – buy here
Go tonal: Tracey Lea Sayer, 49
FASHION DIRECTOR
“AUTUMN is my favourite season because I LOVE coats. Give me a well-cut coat and I immediately feel put-together and in control of my life.
“The tailored look has always been my go-to because I like to borrow a bit of inspo from the boys. So this coat ticks all the boxes.
“As I have got older and let my hair go grey, I tend to go for lighter tones. Softer, creamy tones are more flattering on older skin and feel quite expensive. I am also a sucker for a High Street designer collab.
“Ines de la Fressange’s Uniqlo collection adds a bit of quirky Parisienne chic to these classic cuts. What’s not to love?”
- Coat, £129.90, jacket, £69.90, trousers, £49.90, all Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange – buy here
- Shirt, £29.99, Lindex – buy here
- Boots, £65, Topshop – buy here
MORE COATS
IF the coats we have picked out are not floating your boat, here are five more . . .
The perfect lightweight, throw-on-and-go coat for busy women.
This will not give you hot flushes when out and about.
It’s never a wrap for the perennial parka.
Opt for a waxed finish this season – stylish and waterproof.
Parma violet tones were the colour of last year, and this season they are back – stronger than ever.
This lilac coat, with chic, faux-fur finishings is perfect for completing a stylish look on a night out or for impressing at the office.
Comfort is key when it comes to a coat and what could be better than feeling like a bear?
This sugary-pink coat will lift any grey day.
Most read in Fabulous
Puffas are longer and cosier than ever.
Ideal for those cold dog walks or a trip to the supermarket and perfect for throwing over your favourite jumper.
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