While many are still waiting expectantly for 2020 to start, we barely noticed that autumn had rolled in.
Pretty much the second the clock chimed September 1st, the air turned crisp and we mentally put to bed any hopes of our summer wardrobe getting its full moment in the sun. But in the spirit of looking toward the positives, the turn of the season means we’re able to pull out our cosy knits, double down on the layers, and crucially, invest in a new winter coat.
While the world stopped, fashion’s offering of chic outerwear did not – and the high street and high end are delivering on all fronts this year. Whether you’re in the market for a thrown-on trench (we’re coveting Arket’s bubblegum pink option for a some winter pastels) or a raincoat that scores on the fashion front (Calvin Klein’s oversized azure waterproof is seriously doing it for us), then there’s something to help you weather the transitional period.
Meanwhile, for warmer options when winter comes into full swing, you can cuddle up in faux fur (Mango’s collared black number has the hallmarks of a wardrobe staple) or fend of the cold further in a puffer (we predict Ganni’s oversized quilted khaki option will be a hit with the fashion set). Otherwise, we’re looking to check winter coats as one of the key autumn/winter 2020 trends, with our fave of the bunch being JW Anderson’s dribble-inducing check-trimmed trench.
Read on for our guide to the warmest and most fashionable winter coats of the year.
Check Coats
Belted Single Breasted Coat
Checks were one of the standout trends of autumn/winter 2020 – seen on runways from Miu Miu to Dries Van Noten and Victoria Beckham – so it’s no wonder we’re seeing a lot of the classic print in this year’s circuit of winter coats. Easing tentative check wearers in is & Other Stories with its woven wool blend check coat. Simple yet sophisticated, the coat comes with belt and oversized pockets. Just call it the perfect gateway check.
Prada Single-Breasted Checked Wool-Gabardine Coat
Prada's red and blue checked cream winter coat takes cues from the 1940s. Perfectly tailored, this coat will be the standout star of your outfit, so no need to worry too much about the rest when this is on. We suggest pairing with a high neck white blouse, raw cut denim jeans and patent black boots for a look that keeps this dreamy coat the focus.
JW Anderson Wool Blend-Trimmed Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat
Without sounding dramatic, have you ever witnessed a more perfect winter coat? JW Anderson has nailed it with this trench which features just a hint of the heritage print. We adore the contrast of the rich navy cotton-gabardine with the cosy red check wool at the lapels and cuffs that we want to stroke through the screen. Be ours.
Patterned Formal Wool Jacket With Fringing
Looking like a one-of-a-kind piece that’s been scoured from a vintage market, The Kooples’ wool check jacket is perfect for lovers of retro winter coats. The straight silhouette and micro-check give this coat a ‘60s charm, while the star of the show – the matching fabric fringing – offers an extra something special. We’d pair this with a floaty lace midi dress and heavy duty boots.
Mother of Pearl Belted Double-Breasted Checked Organic Cotton-Twill Coat
Mother of Pearl’s statement check cotton-twill coat showcases the punk sensibilities that check is so closely associated with. Looking at it from the front, this chunky black and cream check comes with a large buckled belt and the brand’s signature faux pearl buttons, but turning around, onlookers get a flash of shocking block red. Wear this, and you’ll have everyone talking about your winter coat.
Lond Checked Coat
For a sensible do-all check that you can wear to the office (when the time comes) and beyond, look to Weekday’s long-length winter coat. The high street favourite’s Lond Checked Coat features tailored lapels and discreet side pockets for a frill-free take on the trend. Add this to your wardrobe and you can pull it out year on year.
Trench coats
Linen Blend Trench Coat
Besotted isn’t the word for our feelings towards Arket’s double-breasted bubblegum pink trench. The mood-lifting pastel pink aside, we adore the contrast black buttons, large lapels, waist belt and luxe waxed effect that gives the coat an expensive sheen. It’s a winter coat winner on all fronts. Gimme.
Classic Belted Trench
Mango’s khaki green trench is a nice nod to the enduring utility trend. It’s double-breasted, structured silhouette and double-breasting will make any wearer look like they mean business, while the whole thing is softened with tortoise shell buttoning. Pair with light wash denim and a white tee for the perfect transitional get-up.
Trench Coat with Elastic Cuffs
If you’re buying your first trench, you can’t go more classic than beige. Nodding to the earliest iterations of the coat, beige trenches are a quickfire way to chicify your outfit. We love Zara’s simple yet impactful oversized trench with a lapel collar, elastic cuffs and a matching belt. Simply throw it on on your way out the door to make your outfit feel all that more ‘finished’.
Waxed Trench Coat
Uterque’s gunmetal grey waxed trench coat is a gorgeously simple option for those who don’t like to overdo it on the details. This winter coat feels super luxe (thanks to the waxed twill fabric) yet understated (hello, seamless side pockets). Just make sure to flash people the silky cream inner lining when you take it off to hang it over your chair.
Izzey Trench Coat
Another on-the-money winter coat comes from Whistles. We simply love the ring detail belt on this trench which you can use to cinch in the waist for a form-fitting look. The lighter khaki would look fantastic with a floaty midi dress and your best knee high boots for an autumnal lunch meeting.
Organic Oversized Cotton Trench
This light brown trench coat from Cos offers a sophisticated take on the transitional classic. The oversized fit keeps this winter coat cool, while the belted waist and buttoned up pea collar plays to the brand’s minimal aesthetic. So chic.
Raincoats
Calvin Klein Oversized Coated Shell Raincoat
Raincoat shopping needn’t be boring and Calvin Klein’s oversized azure waterproof is evidence. We love the bold statement this one makes and not only does it look good, it’s technically proficient, too, featuring a coated exterior, two-way zips and drawstring collar. We need this winter coat in our wardrobe.
Women's Original Waterproof Rubberised Hunting Coat
Raincoats are essential for seeing you through that inevitable drizzly period somewhere between autumn and winter, so no list of the best winter coats is complete without your classic fishermans coat. Hunter’s rubber coat will keep you bone dry when the heavens open while the bold yellow will add some much-needed cheer despite the weather situ.
Women’s Rain Jacket
Danish outerwear brand Rains is making a name for itself for its classic feminine shapes and signature matte finishes. It’s chic, practical and affordable namesake raincoats have become a staple in the fashion sets’ wardrobes for good reason. For your first Rains, we suggest the brand’s classic unisex rain jacket. This winter coat comes in a range of colours (in both matte and shiny finishes), but we love the off white option most.
Puffers
Heavy Tech Puff Coat
We know a future winter fashion hit when we see it and Ganni’s long-length khaki puffer has the hallmarks of a fashion set fave. Its oversized fit and funnel-neck will keep you toasty in the depths of winter. The coat has high slit zippers on each side allow you to control your temperature while adding an undeniably cool design feature (super handy if you want to show off whatever you’re rocking underneath).
Frosted Cotton-Poplin Down-Filled Jacket
Bottega’s down-filled puffer fires on all fronts for a winter coat that is as warm as it is stylish. Standard of the brands penchant for voluminous proportions, this oversized number would look as good thrown over chunky knits as it would an evening dress, while the mood-lifting mustard yellow will add a bounce to your step. Love love love.
Belted Quilted Coat
For peak insulation, we all know it doesn’t get much better than quilting, meaning & Other Stories’ long-length winter coat will be about as warm as they come. Practical though it is, the wrap belt at the waist keeps this one super chic. Simply pair with straight leg jeans and your best winter boots.
Women Ultra Light Down Cocoon Parka
You can always rely on Uniqlo for a puffer that does the business. We love the brand’s Ultra Light Down Cocoon Parka which would quickly become our go-to daytime winter coat. While the style comes in a range of six neutral colours, the peachy pink is our unquestionable fave.
Prada Convertible Cropped Appliquéd Quilted Velvet Down Jacket
Autumn/winter 2020’s offering of puffer coats does not come much better than Prada’s black velvet cropped number. The boxy fit, funnel neck and drawstring hem make this the one of the coolest winter coats in our roundup. For styling tips, simply pair with boyish fit jeans and a killer pair of boots. You can even remove the sleeves and turn the coat into a vest, worn over a long-sleeved top or knit.
White Reversible Padded Puffer Jacket
Topshop’s white padded puffer is a budget take on Prada’s aforementioned velvet coat. Featuring a similar silhouette and the same two-in-one outfit potential (it’s reversible offering a beige option when flipped inside out), we predict this winter coat will be a high street winner this season.
Faux Fur
Faux Fur Coat
If you want a winter coat you’ll use year after year, look to Mango’s silky-soft black faux fur option. Its high collar, roomy fit and length that falls perfectly above the knees (meaning your bum will be kept toasty, too) makes it cosy yet still undeniably dressy. It also comes in a rich burgundy for those looking to add a hint of colour.
Heath Jacket
Characteristic of the brand, Shrimps’ forest green faux fur jacket provides a perfectly whimsical edge to any outfit you pair it with. Certainly not your average winter coat, it’s covered in silhouettes and prints said to be inspired by Jane Austen's depictions of 18th century England. This option is sure to be a conversation starter come the cold season. We’re obsessed.
Stand Studio Aubrey Faux-Shearling and Patent Leather Coat
Throw on Stand Studio’s patent winter coat to add a statement to any simple daytime outfit. It features glossy faux patent leather, a white faux fur trim, and – if you look closely – you’ll notice there’s an added deep blue faux shearling lining to keep you extra snug.
Aylin Jacket
Every wardrobe should own a teddy bear coat and we’re looking to Samsøe & Samsøe’s cream faux shearling fleece option this year. Featuring a cosy collar and chic tortoise shell buttons, we’re imagining this winter coat looking the part for autumnal countryside walks. Simply pair with dark jeans, chunky black boots and brown or red cold weather accessories to add some interest to your outfit.
Deep Red Velvet Faux Fur Coat
As far as high street options go, we’re seriously coveting Topshop’s deep red winter coat. The pea collar and luxe-looking faux fur mean it has the potential to jazz up even the blandest of outfits this autumn. Just throw it over jeans and a T-shirt and you’re ready to head out for some suitably glamorous (socially distanced) pub drinks. It’s the small things, after all...
Faux Fur Cocoon Coat
Cut through the doom and gloom by wrapping up in Whistles faux fur winter coat which comes in the most joy-inducing lilac hue – one of the key colour trends of autumn/winter 2020. Its oversized fit means it’s ideal for layering too, so you can pair it with a dress in autumn before piling on the knitwear underneath as the mercury drops.
