PUFFER

We’ll admit, pre A/W 21, a puffer coat wasn’t at the top of our trendy winter coat wishlist. But, thanks to designers strutting the practical puffer down the catwalks and influencers showing us they can be styled to look chic, we’re now 100% on board. The ‘90s favourite has hit the top of the style stakes once again and we are here for this comfortable yet cosy option.

The closest you’ll get to staying in your duvet on a dark morning, these thick padded styles no longer come in just black and navy. Whilst classic colours are still in style, we’ll be adding an edge to our puffers by opting for an alternative hue –enter River Island’s petrol blue version. We love the way influencer Grece Ghanem has paired her puffer with head-to-toe cream; it’s a super-simple way to make your winter outfit look luxe.

Practicality doesn’t have to mean unfashionable this season, either. Brittany Bathgate shows us that adding a stylish handbag, hat and boots can take your winter warmer to the next level. If you have a curvier frame, the trend looks equally as chic in a less bulky, quilted style – we love Boden’s reversible khaki coat, complete with an oh-so-cute collar.

CLASSIC CUTS

A true outerwear hero piece, a classically cut car coat is an easy way to add elegance to any cold-day outfit. Whilst there’s always an abundance of styles in tan and khaki shades, if you’re looking to break the mould this season, we love River Island’s bright fushia version.

The below timeless, structured styles look chic and expensive paired over knitwear, adding in a complimenting toned scarf and glove combo as we head for December.

We love how influencers Style Me Curvy and Samantha Kash have styled their classic coats, balanced on the shoulders until the weather calls for layering up.

You’ll instantly feel put-together in COS’ masculine-inspired coat – the wool-blend meaning it’ll still protect again the elements, without being overly bulky. But it’s Boden’s Wool Blend Crombie Coat in Ground Ginger that’s our star-buy of the season. Not only does it look well beyond its price point, but it’ll also never go out of style. Classic coats like these are flattering on all body shapes, and ultra-versatile – smart enough for the office, but equally able to be dressed down with jeans and trainers.

RAINCOATS

Rainwear has had a glow-up in 2021 – gone are the days of feeling like a dowdy fisherman in the quest to stay dry. When we spotted influencer Emma Rose Thatcher rocking her waterproof to perfection with stylish blue denim and Chelsea boots, we decided to up our wet-weather game and hunt down a fashionable style ourselves.

The perfect antidote to soggy British winters, Barbour’s trench jacket or Seasalt’s Plant Hunter Waterproof Coat parka would make a trendy addition to anyone’s wardrobe, easy to style in earthy neutral tones. Print fans will love Jakke’s leopard print raincoat with its sleek, simple silhouette the perfect mix of practicality and style.

Elsewhere, Boden have come up trumps yet again with their colour block coat – waterproof, fashionable and cut to perfection, this fashion-forward separate is perfect for when it’s not quite cold enough for a puffer coat, but you don’t want to get caught out in an (inevitable) winter shower.

COLOURFUL LEATHER

Looking to make a fashion statement in cooler temperatures? Every fashion-fan needs a leather coat in their wardrobe arsenal. Perfect for dressing up or down, we’ve been eyeing up leather outerwear on super-stylish influencers Lucy Williams, Tamu McPhearson and Fanny Ekstrand (to name a mere few).

Investing in a quality leather coat now will offer an abundance of outfit options for years to come. Plus, a chic leather coat will look as good layered over loungewear when running weekend errands as it does worn over a little black dress for a date night dinner. Though tan styles are a never-ageing classic, we loved the pops of colour seen on the runways this season – and, let’s face it, dopamine dressing is needed when the days are this short and the sun is MIA.

Thanks to the tailored style of leather trench coats that more often than not tie at the waist, the style suits all body shapes, adding structure to flatter all figures. In the coming weeks, we’ll be leaving Uterque’s rich-burgundy trench open so it swings with each step, then belting up and wearing with a polo neck underneath come December. Millennial pink lovers will adore Hilary MacMillan’s aptly named Cher trench – an investment as the trending colour will be around for years to come. Or, for a more classic take on the trend, ASOS’ could-be-designer khaki coat will make winter dressing a breeze (pun intended).

TEDDY BEAR

Texture is in this season and the humble teddy bear coat is having its moment. Scroll Insta on any given day and you’ll be treated to stylish ladies like Sara Thomas, Katherine Ormerod, Blair Eadie and more bundled up in fluffy outerwear.

Frosty mornings will have nothing on Uterque’s fluffy parka, complete with handy detachable hood. Whether you’re a fan of faux fur, fluffiness or shearling, there’s a teddy bear style out there for you. Whilst undoubtedly fashion-forward, the below buys are not trending fads, so you can be safe in the knowledge that these fuzzy styles remain in style year upon year.

PETITE PERFECT

Petites can often feel swamped in longer, oversized styles, but fear not – there are still plenty of ways to work the aforementioned trends of the season if you have a smaller frame.

Relish in the warmth and luxurious look of ASOS’ could-be-designer jacket, perfect when paired with a fine knit and denim for the weekend. &other Stories quilted jacket is a winning addition to any cold weather ensemble –complete with an on-trend detachable Peter Pan collar.

Looking for a petite-friendly way to work a puffer coat? Rather than opting for a longline coat, try Monki’s shorter (and ultra-affordable) jacket in a sunny ochre shade. Or, make a cosy statement in Rino and Pelle’s fur-lined biker jacket, perfect for layering over your favourite sweater.