A good coat can make or break an outfit. In the northern hemisphere it also, sadly, happens to be the hero piece you will end up wearing most from October to March. So with that in mind, here is our AW17 winter coat edit hot off the catwalks – the outerwear keepers you should be investing in now and will love wearing the moment it starts getting chilly.
There is so much to love about the trench – it suits most shapes and ages and is as classic as it gets. No wonder the likes of Burberry and APC lovingly reinvent it year after year. Out of all our coats, we probably end up wearing it the most, due to its transeasonal nature and pure timelessness.Â
The androgynous, oversized blazer is a trend that has been around for some time. Tricky to pull off and only for those with a petite frame, it is the epitome of French chic. Very cool, very understated and with the ability to make even the most mumsy of dresses look like it belongs on the front row.Â
From the overcoat to the biker jacket, everything has been given a leather makeover this season. Don’t worry, it’s all very feminine and flattering, so will suit the majority of figures. Leather is a brilliant fabric for a coat – durable, warm, wind- and often water-resistant. Make sure you choose a snug fit, though, as it will stretch over time.
Every winter faux fur makes a triumphant catwalk return. Some seasons are bolder than others, but it’s always there. Fun, colourful and not traditionally classic, faux fur is an outsider trend we can wholeheartedly recommend investing in. See it as a great eveningwear alternative that will add a little wow factor to the plainest of looks.
This might be the last coat you decide to invest in, but we can almost guarantee that you will treasure it the most. Be bold and go as decorative as you dare – anything from pearls to feathers are allowed. After all, it might only make an appearance once or twice a year but when it does it should be a showstopper.Â
Traditionally we always suggest going for a classic coloured coat – black, navy, grey. However if you feel you have enough of that in your life, a colourful coat could be the injection of joy you’re looking for. From bold pink to the brightest blue, add it to jeans or clash with a print. Either way you have our permission to brighten your outerwear collection.
Despite its impractical reputation, we think you’ll end up wearing a cape more than you think. It’s formal and elegant without being fussy, so you can wear it a multitude of ways for different occasions. It works over a suit, over a gown for a black-tie event or with leather leggings and boots for a winter walk. Also it’s one of the few coats you can invest in that will still work when you’re pregnant.