As we move into autumn, now is a good time to consider outerwear. A cornerstone of our cold-weather wardrobes, coats are perhaps the hardest working category, being worn from now until well into spring. How to build a successful collection? Invest in good-quality, classic styles that will see you through this season and beyond. We’ve cherry-picked the AW20 forever silhouettes that will do just that.
If there’s one cover-up that does it all, it’s the navy coat. Polished without being too formal, it is as appropriate for office days as it is weekend lunches, and will even work over evening separates for dinner wear. The versatile inky hue pairs beautifully with almost every autumnal shade, so wear with brown, tan, black, burgundy and cream, or clash with saturated brights.
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Max Mara
£2035
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& Other Stories
£175
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See By Chloé
£520
Lanvin
Chloé
Victoria Beckham
There are many reasons as to why we consider the belted coat a fail-safe: its universally flattering shape, feminine appeal and ability to add sophistication to any outfit being just three. If you haven’t yet, we think it’s well worth investing in one. Alternatively, give a seasonal update to a favourite coat already in your wardrobe by cinching it at the waist with a wide leather belt.
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Arket
£175
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& Other Stories
£205
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Michael Michael Kors
£450
Etro
Christopher John Rogers
Miu Miu
Lightweight yet warm, the quilted jacket is a supremely useful style for shifting temperatures. A new idea on this season’s catwalks, this might not yet feature in your collection; however, we consider it worth the add. Layer over knits and dresses during autumnal months, then use it as a warmth-boosting liner under your overcoat throughout winter.
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& Other Stories
£135
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Hobbs
£149
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Stand Studio
£360
Chloé
Chanel
salvatore Ferragamo
There’s a reason why superheroes sport capes – they have special powers. Wear one over the top of any outfit and it immediately evokes a sense of polish and subtle drama. We also love their cosy, blanket-esque appeal. For smart dress codes, take a style cue from Isabel Marant and belt yours at the middle.
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Max Mara Leisure
£160
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Johnstons of Elgin
£255
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Burberry
£850
Miu Miu
Michael Kors
Isabel Marant
Championed countless times on the catwalk, faux fur has become a mainstay in the winter coat line-up, and as such is a smart style to buy into. Delivering high on warmth-factor, use it to add tactility to luxe basics or as an impact-delivering evening cover-up.
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The White Company
£239
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Mango
£119.99
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Stand Studio
£470
Stella McCartney
Miu Miu
Michael Kors
Having been established as a wardrobe hero by Max Mara in the 1980s, the camel coat remains the pinnacle of effortless elegance, not to mention versatility; the neutral tone works with myriad autumnal hues. Many of us already have this classic in our wardrobes, so now’s the right time to rediscover it and fall back in love.
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Nanushka
£650
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Joseph
£845
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Max Mara
£2035
MSGM
Max Mara
Rochas
While we traditionally advise opting for classic tones – navy, grey, black, camel – if you already have those boxes ticked, it’s worth considering colour. A bright coat is a simple yet impactful way to introduce vibrancy to your autumnal collection, whether pairing it with everyday jeans or clashing it with print.
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& Other Stories
£165
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Arket
£225
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Harris Wharf London
£565
Oscar de la Renta
Miu Miu
Alberta Ferretti
The grey overcoat has long been recognised as an outerwear essential, and with very good reason; partnering just as well with neutrals as brights, it offers maximum versatility and lends smart appeal to any outfit. Choose classic silhouettes in high-quality wool and this will be a wardrobe addition guaranteed to last a lifetime.
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Acne Studios
£925
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Jigsaw
£299
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Free People
£228
Jil Sander
Coach
Jacquemus
The markers of a successful coat are versatility, comfort and timeless appeal; however, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring – case in point, the ’70-inspired teddy coat. We’ve come to rely on this retro style for winter warmth and love its ability to be worn casually with denim and trainers or dressed up with autumnal dresses and long boots. Choose styles in universally flattering toffee tones.
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Max Mara
£1980
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Stand Studio
£300
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Vika Gazinskaya
£2390
Stella McCartney
Isabel Marant
Max Mara
We all know the benefits of a little black dress, and the same rules apply when it comes to outerwear. A classic black coat is the piece that will go with every outfit under the sun, adding an injection of smartness whether you wear it during the day or in the evening. Ensure longevity by opting for styles in premium-quality wool and with a timeless cut.
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& Other Stories
£175
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Joseph
£845
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Arket
£225
Jil Sander
Altuzarra
Alberta Ferretti
While it was a key look on this season’s catwalks, the leather coat’s enduring appeal makes it a staple style worth adding to your outerwear arsenal for many winters to come. Providing a sleek counterpoint to chunky autumnal textures, its durability and warmth-factor means it’s also very practical. Whether real or faux, opt for butter-soft styles in a flattering slimline silhouette.
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LOW CLASSIC
£275
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Remain Birger Christensen
£630
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Arket
£490
Miu Miu
Ulla Johnson
Burberry
The recurring catwalk presence of the puffer coat has secured it as a modern outerwear classic and, as such, it has become a mainstay in our winter wardrobes. Combining form with function, this is the piece to wrap up in when temperatures plummet. Choose styles in go-with-everything neutrals, and avoid bulk by reaching for slender styles with minimal detailing.
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Boden
£210
Longchamp
Roksanda
Tods
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Max Mara
Madame Coat£ 2,035
& Other Stories
Oversized Belted Wool Coat£ 175
See By Chloé
Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Peacoat£ 520
& Other Stories
Boxy Double Breasted Coat£ 205
Michael Michael Kors
Belted Wool-Blend Felt Coat£ 450
& Other Stories
Belted Quilted Coat£ 135
Hobbs
Lianne Quilted Coat£ 149
Stand Studio
Sue Diamond-quilted Padded Parka£ 360
Max Mara Leisure
Cognac Poncho£ 160
Johnstons of Elgin
Fringed Two-Tone Wool Cape£ 255
Stand Studio
Theresa Faux-Fur Coat£ 470
The White Company
Long Faux-Fur Coat£ 239
Nanushka
Alamo Belted Wool Coat£ 650
Max Mara
Madame Coat£ 2,035
& Other Stories
Oversized Single Breasted Blazer£ 165
Harris Wharf London
Tie-belt Single-breasted Wool Coat
Acne Studios
Brushed Wool And Alpaca-Blend Coat
Free People
Adore You Wool Coat£ 228
Max Mara
Teddy Coat£ 1,980
Stand Studio
Faustine Faux-Fur Coat£ 300
Vika Gazinskaya
Double-breasted Mohair Coat£ 2,390
& Other Stories
Belted Voluminous Wool Coat£ 175
LOW CLASSIC
Belted Faux Leather Shirt£ 275
Remain Birger Christensen
Pirello Leather Trench Coat£ 630
Arket
Belted Leather Coat£ 490You might also LIKE
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