Whether you’re one for shopping the latest trends or prefer timeless outfits built from classic pieces, there are a few basic coat styles that form the crux of every good winter wardrobe.
These interchangeable garments are the heroes of good style and are the answer to making getting dressed each morning a hassle-free experience. From the statement (faux) fur to a fail-safe trench, I'm talking about the staples that last from year to year. The kinds of pieces that’ll go with almost anything in your wardrobe, and compliment every trend-led piece you decided to splash the cash on.
These winter coat basics are the true investment pieces that’ll keep you looking good all winter long—no matter the occasion, and form the building blocks of your day-to-day style. After all, during colder months, your outerwear is all people see of your outfit.
If you’ve always dreamed of being able to get ready in mere minutes, or wish those ‘nothing to wear’ days were a thing of the past, here’s what you the coats you need to own ASAP.
The trench
A trench coat is an essential wardrobe item for every woman. If you don’t already own one, make this the season you invest in one. The lightweight, weather-proof style is perfect for transitioning in and out of winter and can be worn with anything.
Dress it down with jeans and trainers for day, or up with a midi dress and heels for night.
The Leather
If the biker style isn't your look, the new-gen of leather jackets is for you. You may recall seeing this style on the beloved Carrie Bradshaw, in The Matrix, and on pretty much every cool person in the '90s.
While leather motor jackets will always be a staple, if you want to add something a little fresher to your wardrobe this winter, follow the lead of every cool girl ever and get yourself a chic leather coat, which will add infinite amounts of cool polish to your look.
The leopard print
Do leopard-print coats ever go out of fashion? I'd argue that they never do.
Thanks to the likes of modern muses Kate Moss and Alexa Chung or even draped over the shoulders of throwback style icons (hello, Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl), this particular coat or jacket is always a great way to make an outfit suddenly fabulous.
THE ONE WITH A HOOD
Once reserved for raincoats and little else, hoods have been cropping up on all sorts of sophisticated cover-ups lately. Not only are they significantly cosier than non-hooded outwear. but they cancel out the need for bulky brollies which will inevitably turn inside out upon the first gust of wind.
Modelled in everything from rich wool to velvet, even classic trench coats now come with hoods built-in.
The Puffer
As winter has now well and truly arrived, a puffer jacket is an answer to your prayers, as you can finally feel warm while looking fashion-forward.
Whether you're going down the street for a cup of coffee or want to add an unexpected element to a more formal look, puffer jackets ensure an eye-catching look no matter what.
The on-trend
Yes, the maxi coat is back: It's statement-making, grown-up and certainly isn't messing around when it comes to the winter coat stakes.
Our muse for the coming months is now Kevin McCallister's mum from Home Alone. Seriously.
The faux
Once upon a time, you could tell a cheap, faux-fur coat from a mile off and it was considered naff. That can no longer be said of the imitation fur out there: Some versions from the high street would fool fashion lovers around the world into thinking they were looking at a luxury item.
the DUSTER
The duster is a perfect jacket to wear year-round because it isn't too heavy. You can wear it on its own whilst going to very important meetings like Amal Clooney or underneath a faux fur jacket while desperately searching the streets for a pub with heating. As we said, it's got a lot of range.
tHE iNSIDE-OUT
If you’re a little uneasy about spending a lot of money on a coat, think of it this way, you’re really getting two for the price of one. I’ve always loved the idea of reversible items – they take up less space in my wardrobe and I can inconspicuously wear the same thing two days in a row.
Main image by @asimplestyle
READ: 12 Stylish Rain Jackets You Could Use On A Day Like Today
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