The days are getting shorter, the mornings are getting crisper, the heating is on. That means it must be time to get your coat (out of storage, the back of the wardrobe or from a shop if you’re in the market for a new one). I’m guessing we all have a favourite old coat that is still going strong years later. The oldest one I have I bought in Rome in 2002, on the day we got engaged. I think I’m mainly hanging on to it for sentimental reasons as it’s a tiny bit small for me now, but it’s a classic, black wool Italian coat that I still try to squeeze into sometimes.
One of the others I continue to love is my long blue check coat from Sandro that I bought in 2018. It still gets compliments almost every time I wear it. The other is the Jigsaw maxi city coat, which they still make (more on that later). I have it in brown but I am sorely tempted to get a navy version this year as it’s pretty much my perfect coat. Here are six more coat styles to think about this year…
SHORT COAT
I know not everyone is keen on a long coat, especially if you’re of shorter stature. In this case, a classic pea coat or hip-length coat could be the one for you. I love this cropped one from Hush; I bought a very similar one from Zara earlier this year and I’m looking forward to wearing it again. And I must mention these scarves from Wallace and Sewell for anyone who is a fan of the Underground (or is that just me?). Wallace and Sewell are the duo behind many of the tube seat designs. As well as their extensive, British-made collection of wool scarves, they also have their own range of cushions, throws and rugs.
- The Frankie Shop wool snd cotton blend turtle neck jumper
- Wallace Sewell Nyack midnight check merino wool scarf
- Whistles Katie cropped navy trousers
- A.P.C. Grace baguette chain bag
- Hush cropped wool pea coat
- Massimo Dutti Chelsea boots with contrast edges
LONG COAT
I stand by this Jigsaw coat being the best one around. It’s especially good if you’re 5’6 and above as it’s a proper maxi length, hitting just above the ankle on me and I am 5’7. I would say it’s true to size, but go up a size if you want to wear chunky knits underneath. It’s so soft and comfortable and warm. I guess the only downside is the price but, cost per wear, I reckon it’s worth spending a little extra on a really good coat. I think I may have just talked myself into getting it in navy. If anyone hears of any Jigsaw discounts coming up, please let me know!
- With Nothing Underneath The Weekend Poplin stripe shirt
- Cefinn navy cashmere blend knitted waistcoat
- & Other Stories leather drawstring tote bag
- ME + EM low rise baggy cropped jeans
- Jigsaw navy wool maxi City coat
- H&M ankle high sock boots
FLEECE COAT
Would we call a fleece a coat? It’s debatable as it could be more of a jacket, but let’s run with it being a coat for the purpose of the tape. We might also call this a teddy coat. Not so great in the rain (I will do an outdoor weather post soon for more ideas on that), but so, so cosy. My top pick is this one from Varley, but running a very close second is this reversible number from Wyse.
- H&M oversized stripe knit jumper
- Varley Jones fleece coat
- Abercrombie ultra high rise 90s straight leg jeans
- Uniqlo round corduroy bag
- Boden lace up hiker boots
BLACK COAT
A perennial classic, I think we all need a good black coat in our outfit arsenal. I refer back to my 20-year-old one: it’s well tailored, a good length (for me), a timeless style and made from a quality fabric. I’d say these are the four markers to consider when buying a winter coat, especially if you’re dropping a decent amount of cash on one. Don’t spend money on trends and fads, save it for a really good coat. If money was no object, I’d be buying this one from Toteme, but unfortunately it IS an object, as I’ve got a new bathroom to buy, so instead I’d go for this one from Albaray or this from H&M.
- Justine Tabak Victoria floral corduroy dress
- Grainne Morton Victorian gold drop earrings
- Celine Ava Triomph smooth leather bag
- Albaray double breasted long black coat
- AND/OR leather heeled knee high boots
GREY COAT
Grey is definitely one of the colours of the season. It doesn’t have to be boring either. I like mixing up different tones of the same colour and grey is perfect for this. You could perhaps add a bit of colour with your accessories, but colour-blocking ALWAYS looks expensive and makes you look like you’ve really made an effort. Side note on Arket coats: they are generally very good, but 9 times out of 10 they come up really big, so size down at least one size if you’re buying online. Another side note, I really like this grey coat from Anthropologie too.
- La Redoute alpaca mix cardigan
- Acne Studios fringed knitted scarf
- Gucci Ophelia logo print mini bag
- Hush Carys cropped wool blend trousers
- Arket oversized grey wool coat
- All Saints Emily buckle patent loafers
QUILTED COAT
Finally, the quilted or puffer coat. For now, anyway: I may do another ‘proper warm and dry’ coat update in the coming weeks. But finding a coat that’s warm AND waterproof is tricky. It’s often one or the other instead of both. Rains is a good brand that does both, and some are on offer at Matches right now. My Barbour jacket is properly waterproof, but not that warm, so I sized up to be able to get big jumpers on underneath. For a nice-looking, warm-but-not-too-warm coat, I like this one from White Stuff and this one from Sweaty Betty.
- H&M oversized stripe jumper
- Uniqlo adjustable wool cap
- White Stuff quilted funnel neck coat
- Oliver Bonas black corduroy pull on trousers
- Sezane black leather lace up ankle boots
I hope this has given you a little bit of coat inspo for the colder weather ahead.
K x
