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We’ve always approached coats with some healthy hesitancy. They’re the thing you want to want but so often end up collecting dust in your closet, rarely seeing the light of day. And with the prices usually sitting higher than any other wardrobe staple, it’s hard to justify dropping the cash on just any of-the-moment style or influencer-endorsed piece that might not be quite right for you.
More than anything, a coat is personal. Fits are imperative, with tuxedo coats easily feeling like a straightjacket, cropped cuts quickly going from cute to twee, and masculine, oversized styles can look très chic (see: Hailey Bieber above) on one person but overwhelming on another.
As seasoned shoppers, we’ve done the hard yards scouring racks and online pages for the best that’s out there. Ahead, 12 coats you’ll actually want to wear again and again.
The best coats for 2023
In case you haven’t noticed, grey tones are having a serious moment right now. This coat by CAMILLA AND MARC boasts the perfect boxy silhouette. With prominent shoulders and a column-like fit, it pairs perfectly over an evening slip dress or a tank and trousers.
A lightweight, fuss-free trench, this Friend Of Audrey is a trans-seasonal staple that you’ll have forever.
For those that prefer to stick to a neutral palette but want to avoid black, this charcoal-toned herringbone is an easy fix. Crafted from 100% Australian wool with a sleek longline shape, this coat is your new best friend.
Mark our words; the tuxedo coat is going to be everywhere this season. And trust Christopher Esber to create the perfect one. With strong shoulders and a slightly oversized fit, the ankle-grazing ‘Caravella’ coat is an essential ‘It’ item for winter nights out.
Nothing screams luxury quite like a camel coat. This wool and cashmere blend by The Curated is rendered in the perfect tan hue, and its seamless cut makes any outfit look expensive.
Going collarless is quickly becoming a favourite move of the style set. This minimalist chocolate brown number from LOULOU STUDIO is a chic update to your regular trench this season.
For a pop of colour that pairs just as well with neutrals as it does other brights, this cornflower blue double-breasted coat by Elka Collective is a versatile favourite.
Take a page out of Hailey Bieber’s book and lean into a more Hommes Girl fit with this oversized tweed coat by Saint Laurent. With padded shoulders and a belted waist, the fit is a super flattering choice for day or night.
This longline quilted puffer coat provides premium warmth without making you feel like a walking sleeping bag. It’s also made entirely from 100% recycled polyester and packs away neatly—making it an ideal travel option.
We couldn’t talk about coats without including a nod to Burberry. While the British label has been a leader in the classic trench market since 1856, we’ve been drawn to the more streamlined silhouettes as of late. This crease-resistant knee-length coat feels like a ’60s French dream.
After some texture? This shearling patchwork coat from Swedish label STAND STUDIO is a snug and adaptable wardrobe piece, but still brings a unique element to every outfit.
Leather outerwear has dominated the season’s trends. But if you’re after a faux option, this Zara coat offers all the same sophistication as the real thing.
What coats are on trend?
While trenches and classic wool longline coats never go out of style, in 2023, the fall/winter fashion month shows saw a rise in ’80s-era outerwear. Oversized silhouettes with power shoulders and roomy pockets, as well as double-breasted tailored coats that can be buttoned up to cinch the waist, were staples at Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Prada.
What is the best coat material?
As far as materials for coats go, this is where you’ll really see the difference in quality and price. For a warm winter go-to that you’ll cherish forever, you can’t go wrong with cashmere, wool or a cashmere-wool blend. While opting for these luxurious materials means you’ll be forking out a bit more for them, the quality is undeniable, and they’ll keep their value.
That said, there’s a host of blended materials that, when cared for properly, will hold up and get the job done. And what’s winter for, if not layering, anyway?
The materials that have been dominating trends over the last few years are Y2K-style leathers reminiscent of The Matrix costumes and relaxed tweed style coats that give an outfit a preppy twist.
