WearsMyMoney

I might be a few weeks late on this one, as I know a lot of you like to get your coats bought before the cold weather kicks in, so apologies for that. Somehow it didn’t feel right talking about winter coats until after the clocks went back. Just like I can’t think about Christmas until after Bonfire Night, and even that feels too early. But for those asking, I’ll be starting my Christmas gift guides soon, and hopefully the first batch will be with you this week.

For those of you who have held off thinking about a new coat, well done, as now is a great time to buy. Lots of shops are already discounting ahead of the dreaded Black Friday weekend, which started as a day, then became a weekend and now seems to be almost the whole of November. As much as I loathe Black Friday for the frenzy it creates, I will forever love a bargain, so I am indeed part of the problem.

Anyway, here are seven coat styles to think about this winter. Which one will you go for?

THE CHECK COAT

Those of you who have been around for a while will know that one of my favourite ever coats is a checked wool one from Sandro that I bought in the sale circa 2018. It’s great for wearing over a simpler base outfit to add some interest. I know some people can pull off all sorts of clashing prints with aplomb, but I like to be more sparing with them.

I saw this Byan Vendome checked coat in Liberty last week and it’s gorgeous. A smart alternative to the traditional long black coat that’s also 100% wool. I like my coats to have as much wool content as possible. That does, unfortunately, mean they are generally more expensive, though. Another long checked coat I like the look of – and that’s more budget-friendly – is this one from M&S. Still a wool blend too.

1. Byan Vandome Coat
2. Jigsaw Wool Cashmere Saddle Jumper
3. Monica Vinader Sisterhood Cahrm Necklace 
4. COS Slim Merino Wool Top
5. John Lewis Leather Oversized Buckle Belt
6. Zara Collection Stretch Corduroy Trousers
7. Soeur Nello Noir Bucket Bag 
8. Uniqlo Grey Rib Heattech Socks 
9. Saint Laurent Le Loafer leather penny loafers

THE MID LENGTH COAT

Now, I like my coats to be on the longer side, personally, but I’m aware that for my ladies of a shorter stature, long, oversized coats can sometimes feel overwhelming and cloak-like. In which case, you might be better off with a neater mid-length coat. One that hits at the knee or mid-thigh. This one from Zara is cheap and cheerful, but also très soft, so we can almost forgive the 100% polyester. I also like this one from John Lewis that comes in five colours and has a wool content of just over 50%.

1. Zara Soft Coat With Shoulder Pads 
2. Jigsaw Cashmere Rib Beanie
3. M&S Per Una Striped Knitted Jumper 
4. Rock & Ruby Cherry Red Wool Socks 
5. DeMellier Grain Leather Midi Brooklyn Bag
6. H&M Baggy Regular Waist Jeans
7. New Balance 530 trainers

THE BELTED COAT

The belted coat is having a moment this year. Alexa Chung was spotted in this very coat from Aligne the other week. I know it’s not 2006, but Alexa is still a bit of a fashion icon to me. So is Kate Moss. There’s a reason I still wear leopard print and ballet flats, and they are it. I know I’m 53 with three chins and a slight paunch (that no amount of Pilates or strength training seems to shift), but let’s just gloss over that, shall we?

1. Aligne George Faux Fur Collar Wrap Coat
2. Laura Vann Earrings Silver Drop Earrings
3. KAFFE Kagrith Argyle Jumper
4. Timex 1976 Dress Rectangle Reissue Watch
5. Massimo Dutti Medium nappa leather bag
6. Dune Turner Leather Knee Boots 
7. Boden Single Pleat Ponte Culottes

THE SHORT COAT

Is it a coat? Is it a jacket? I’m not entirely sure where the jacket ends and the coat begins, to be honest, but let’s run with it. I guess a coat is something that buttons up rather than zips, is made of coat-like material and isn’t elasticated at the waist. This one from M&S is one of my favourites as I like the shape and the style of the pockets, but a close runner-up is this one from John Lewis that comes in four different colours.

1. Toast Cashmere Raglan Cardigan
2. Tu Red Paisley & Polka Dot Triangle Scarf
3. Heaven Mayhem Baby Knot earrings
4. M&S Brushed Funnel Neck Midi Coat
5. Gerard Darel Serena Leather Belt
6. Jigsaw Chelsea Barrel Leg Jeans
7. La Redoute Perforated Leather Chelsea Boots
8. John Lewis Argyle with Cashmere Ankle Socks

THE LONG COAT

This, for me, is the holy grail of all coats: the perfect long black overcoat that comes down to around my ankles so it can be worn over trousers, dresses or skirts of any length without an annoying section of hem showing underneath. I did actually find my perfect long coat a few months ago at M&S. It’s this one. It keeps going in and out of stock, though. I sized up one size and it’s excellent. Feels so soft and warm. They also have this one that’s currently in stock and slightly cheaper but looks good.

1. M&S Double Breasted Longline Overcoat
2. John Lewis Sphere Cluster Drop Earrings
3. M&S Crystal Detail Ball Chain Necklace
4. Wardrobe 44 Soft White Bow Cardigan (use code KATE15 for 15% off) 
5. By Anthropologie Studded Mini Tote Bag
6. AND/OR Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans
7. H&M Embellished ballet flats

THE PARKA/PUFFA COAT

If you’re out on the terraces – be it watching professional or very amateur sports teams – you will most definitely be aware of the need for a ‘big’ coat. Something padded and duvet-like is your best option. My pick of this year’s bunch is this one from M&S. I like that it has a removable faux-fur collar, which makes it slightly less Arsène Wenger than most of the football-manager-type puffers.

1. M&S Pure Cashmere Beanie
2. Monica Vinader Riva Pavé Diamond Huggie Earrings
3. John Lewis Pure Cashmere Fair Isle Jumper
4. M&S Feather and Down Faux Fur Collar Coat
5. Zara Collection Mid-Waist Relaxed Ankle Jeans
6. John Lewis Penelope Leather Chelsea Boots
7. John Lewis Fair Isle Fingerless Gloves

THE ANIMAL PRINT / EVENING COAT

Finally, I couldn’t do a coat edit without a nod to leopard print. My favourite is still this one that I got from Rixo last year. Unlike other coats, it looks just as good when buttoned up to the neck as it does undone. I tend to wear most coats undone, so this is pretty much my only exception. It’s also true to size and, unlike most coats, I would not size up on this.

1. Rixo Milly Leopard Print Coat 
2. Ivory & Co. Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings
3. ME + EM Lurex Boucle Mini Dress 
4. COACH Kisslock Leather Frame Bag
5. Esska Cecily Metallic Black Platform Shoes
6. FALKE Seidenglatt Matte 40 Denier Tights

I hope this has given you some coat ideas for the winter months ahead.

K x