A balmy autumn has been playing havoc with our wardrobe choices, and before now, thoughts about layering up in heavy outerwear would have brought out the sweats. But the chill in the air is coming, and once it hits, a good, solid coat tops the autumn dressing list. The right outerwear will protect you from the elements and knit your cold-weather wardrobe together, allowing for style success in the cooler temperatures.
That’s not to say you must rush out and immediately snap up a new topper. But it’s always good to be informed of the trends, not led by them, and if you take a look at some of the coat catwalk hits, you might spot a few classic outerwear styles you own already. Designers championed the forever, timeless coat on the runway with a dominance of pared-back shades. Chocolate and camel were the hues of Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten and Tory Burch, while Victoria Beckham, Chloe and Lanvin favoured classic black. Fendi, Gucci, and Max Mara proved the all-grey topper is anything but banal, especially when styled with embroidered skirts from Prada, or crop tops at Michael Kors.
Sarah Rickard, owner and buyer of Styled By Sarah Rickard, says, “Everyone needs a casual and formal coat in their wardrobe that offers versatility and function. I’ve noticed a shift away from puffer coats, although the ones I am currently stocking have been well received.” On the runways, puffed-up padded styles that got us through outdoor pursuits and al fresco dining during the pandemic have been replaced with sleek and smart styles.
Some designers such as Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Stella McCartney presented all-encompassing, floor-sweeping coats, with the maxi length proving popular on the high street too. Adding extra drama to daytime, the ultra-long duster coat is a done-in-one style that offers full coverage and cosiness but adds instant polish, particularly in a more tailored style.
The Big Irish Times Quiz of 2024
Nanci Griffith: From a Distance review – harrowing account of the country music star’s life that ended in isolation and alcoholism
Róisín Ingle: My profound, challenging, surprisingly joyful, life-changing year
Dancing with the Stars 2025: Who are the contestants, when is it on and more
Also adding flourish to straightforward styles are in-built scarves. Made famous by the influencer and celebrity favourite Toteme, their scarf coat that came cropped, with an in-built scarf and contrast stitching, went viral and has now spawned iterations aplenty. It is handy as it saves the co-ordinating coat-to-scarf scenario, but pick a coat with a detachable scarf for maximum versatility.
What if you need to improve in the casual coat department and want something functional and warm without weighing you down or overwhelming your silhouette? The quilted shell coat is less voluminous than the puffer, bringing a modern element with a dose of practicality. It is the same with the bomber, which has had a heavy appearance on the autumn runways of Miu Miu, Versace and Saint Laurent, and is directional and functional. Both styles are great layering additions, easily paired with knitwear or more lightweight coats to add another insulation layer.
“I think with casual coats, it’s all about them being multifunctional,” says Rickard. “My current favourite coat from Styled By is this feather and down coat from the Danish brand Part Two. The sleeves and hood are removable, and you can also cinch in the waist, making it more figure flattering.”
To brighten up dull, dreary winter days, you could always opt for the colour of the season – cherry red that will instantly cheer up any outfit. Purple has proven popular with the high street, with faux fur, bombers and longline wool coats decked out in everything from lilac to violet. Other chic and fun styles come in checks, leather and leopard. When it gets extra chilly, Teddy and shearling are strong coat contenders that deliver warmth and style.
