The 10 best coats on the high street right now
And just like that, coat season is here! When the weather turns, I turn, too… to things I really love, and that’s coats. Why coats? It’s hard to have a bad day in a good coat and there’s something about slipping on that extra layer that adds a je ne sais quoi to my outfits every morning. Believe me, your coat counts. It’s your opening gambit, your sartorial first impression – a declaration of style and personality, delivered via a single striking piece. But where to start shopping?
Buying a new coat is something that deserves careful thought. It’s a big investment with endless options, and with our busy lifestyles, having a selection of styles to suit a variety of occasions and weathers is essential. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. After visiting all the A/W press days, spending hours wandering the high street and looking online, I’ve handpicked the hero coats for autumn, so you don’t have to. From posh puffas to elegant statement coats, these are the coats to covet. I guarantee they will sell out – don’t say I didn’t warn you!
What coats are in fashion for winter?
There are two trends that are particularly key for A/W 24. The first is the scarf coat – it’s the silhouette of the season. They’re everywhere, thanks to Toteme’s version (£810), which has cult status. Of course, the high street has jumped on the sartorial bandwagon, but there’s a good reason for this. It’s a timeless style that manages to stand out and look different without being intimidatingly trendy (like you’re trying too hard), plus it’s wonderfully versatile. It works as well with trousers as skirts, for smart or casual and, with the right touches, you can make it effortlessly chic, effortlessly cool – or a little of both!
The second is a luxe-looking burgundy coat. If you’re looking to invest in outerwear that’s not black or camel (let’s face it, who needs another neutral coat?), a simple but sophisticated burgundy coat is the only colour on fashion editors’ wishlists. I personally love the quiet beauty of burgundy and the ability it has to instantly elevate my baggy jeans and trainers to the next level. If you’re a neutral obsessive like me, dark red hues are an easy way to wear colour.
What are the best winter coat brands?
Picking a brand depends on personal preference, to be honest. If your purse doesn’t quite stretch to Toteme, The Row, Saint Laurent or Prada, the high street is full of great quality, affordable options. Friends, family and colleagues are always asking me, “Where can I buy a great coat?”, but it depends on what type of coat you’re looking for. Each label has its own signature style they do best. So, if you’re unsure where to begin, your search for the perfect coat starts here…
For the high-street sellout coat: MARKS & SPENCER
We can always rely on M&S to design us a winter coat we all want. One day, it’s in your basket; the next day, it’s sold out. Damn it! “Email me when back in stock.” Every year they like to surprise us with a hero piece and this year is no exception. Yes, technically this is a jacket, but everyone in the fashion industry is talking about this cover-up (which also appeared in their TV ad), so I had to include it.
For the for ever coat: JIGSAW
The Jigsaw Maxi City Coat is a wardrobe icon. Fashion editors up and down the land own one (or maybe two), returning season after season for its enduring design and impeccable quality. The tailored longline silhouette exudes elegant simplicity. If you’re looking for an investment wool coat to wear for years to come, here it is!
For the cuddly coat: MINT VELVET
There’s no denying the comforting lure of sumptuous, super-furry finishes. In the market for a baby-soft, cosy coat that feels like a hug? Mint Velvet is the only place to shop for a hygge-style cover-up. It’s full of feelgood fluffy textures, such as borg, shearling and faux fur, which will give everything from jeans to joggers a hint of low-key glamour.
For the sophisticated cult coat: JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS
If you’re looking for the super-fashionable coat that’s still elegant and demure, I’ll always tell my friends to get themselves to John Lewis & Partners. As you know, the scarf coat is this season’s key coat silhouette and John Lewis & Partners has an absolute stunner. I saw this coat at their A/W 24 press day and I kept trying it on in all the different colourways and the shorter cropped version, too. I personally love the drama of the full-length style.
For the trench with a twist: ALIGNE
I can never walk past a great trench coat without feeling tempted. It’s the epitome of versatile chic and equally at home slung over a relaxed hoodie or cinched over sleek suiting, and every season Aligne always does a great one that the fashion team wants. For autumn, they have this clever reversible trench – waxed one side and heritage check on the other, and with cute corduroy collar and cuffs, it’s a real transitional hero.
For the high-tech puffa: UNIQLO
Where did we shop for puffas before Uniqlo dominated the market? They are unbeatable. If you don’t own a Uniqlo puffa, where have you been? These are no ordinary puffas – these are clever Japanese high-tech power puffas with anti-static lining, and are so light (but still insulating) they can fold down to the size of your hand (perfect for packing). See you in the queue!
For the elevated black coat: COS
Every woman needs a chic black coat in her wardrobe and Cos does the best. They’re modern, they’re cool and have a designer quality that doesn’t compare to other labels. If I’m honest, most of the coats in my wardrobe are from Cos because I love their minimal (but still interesting) aesthetic, and they always look so much more expensive – they could be mistaken for The Row or Jil Sander!
For the cocktail coat: BODEN
When friends and family tell me they’re looking for a coat that’s a bit “different”, I always tell them to go to Boden. Hands down, they’re the best at bold, bright, joyful coats. On a high street full of black, navy and a handful of camel, Boden coats will stop traffic for all the right reasons. Think of them as wearable pieces of art – a daily conversation starter. Bring on the compliments.
For the cool heritage coat: NOBODY’S CHILD
For a twist on tradition, look to Nobody’s Child’s collection of colourful plaids and contemporary checked coats. The pop of colour and modern oversize cut is as much a city slicker as a country casual that will instantly jazz up wardrobe staples. A perfect addition to your coat collection if you already have a closet full of neutral cover-ups.
For the classic wrap coat: MANGO
Where to shop for a classic wrap coat? Mango. No hesitation. They do simple, sophisticated styles really well that are not too expensive, either. I personally love a wrap coat. It flatters my curves (the belt gives you a wonderful cinched waist) and it has a soft femininity (not too twee) that can be worn work to weekend.
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