The cornerstone of one’s winter wardrobe, a coat is an essential purchase if you’re looking to update your look for the new season.
On the AW23 catwalks, designers delivered exceptional outerwear, with everything from tailored cuts and muted tones to bold hues and glamorous animal prints.
These are the runway trends to know about now, and where to shop them on the high street…
1. Black magic
The latest iteration of the continuing ‘quiet luxury’ trend, black tailored coats were all over the runways, from Givenchy (oversized) and The Row (double-breasted), to Dolce and Gabbana (nipped in at the waist).
The ultimate outerwear investment piece, a long, black coat in a classic cut made with high-quality fabric will – if you look after it carefully – last you a lifetime.
Mango Double-breasted Wool Coat Black, £179.99; 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, £119.99; Leather Boots with Tall Leg, £199.99.
Lucy Sparks Black Waist Tie Women’s Coat With Deep Pockets and Shawl Lapel, £53; (other items, stylist’s own), SilkFred.
Joe Browns Black Fur Trim Coat, £130; Black High Neck Embellished Long Sleeve Top, £21.60 (was £24); Nobody’s Child Mila Midi Skirt, £45; Square Toe Leather Boots, £75, JD Williams
2. Lipstick brights
At the other end of the style spectrum, coats in brilliantly bright lipstick shades popped up repeatedly, from fuchsia at Gucci and raspberry pink at Max Mara, to scarlet at Valentino and Bally.
If you’re looking for a statement staple this winter, ruby red is an elegant option, while a hot pink coat will brighten up any outfit.
Star by Julien Macdonald Pink Cape Belted Coat, £119; Eyelet PU Ponte Leggings, £42, Freemans.
Monsoon Bobbie Boucle Coat Red, £150; Cutwork Floral Embroidered Top Black, £70; Lara Wide Leg Jean Blue, £80; (shoes, stylist’s own).
3. Luxe leopard
Take a walk on the wild side with an animal print coat, as seen at Stella McCartney, Ganni and Dolce & Gabbana.
From lightweight leopard print coats perfect for layering over chunky knits, to thick furry jackets that work with everything from jeans to party dresses, a roar-some coat is a surprisingly versatile option.
Roman Tan Premium Animal Print Faux Fur Coat, £89.
Issy London Lena Leopard Faux Fur Jacket, £219.
4. Trench coats
The timeless trench coat is having a high-fashion moment this season, with appearances on the catwalks at Chloé, Dries Van Noten and (of course) Burberry, the brand that invented the style.
A longline trench in stone or camel will serve you well from autumn through to spring when teamed with cosy accessories – add leather gloves, over-the-knee boots and a cross-body bag for an effortlessly chic look.
Albaray Belted Trench Coat, £165; Blue White Stripe Organic Cotton Shirt, £79; 90’s Straight Leg Jeans, £79.
Paisie Faux Fur Collar Coat, £188
5. Quiet quilting
Taking over from power puffers, lightweight quilted jackets are the trendiest way to wrap up warm this winter, according to Hermès, Chloé and Max Mara.
Muted tones rules when it comes to this fashion-meets-function trend – think khaki, forest green and beige.
La Redoute Recycled Padded Jacket in Slim Fit, £65; (other items, stylist’s own).
George Green Quilted Parka Coat, £35, Asda.
