As the cold weather creeps in and the temperature continues to drop, winter jacket season is well and truly upon us – despite not yet having officially transitioned out of autumn. The search for the perfect winter coat is often quite the task, and can take months of looking and trying on to find just the right one.
Autumn is often the best time of year to pick up a new jacket or coat for the winter, and with plenty of styles available, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re looking to invest in your next winter coat, whether it’s the latest Isabel Marant must-have or an edgy Versace piece, then take a look at the latest seasonal fashions to ensure yours in bang on trend. With even high-street shops such as Topshop and Bonmarche doing takes on the biggest designer catwalk looks, these prints and colours will be everywhere this winter.
Check Print
The ever popular check print trend is making a return to favour this A/W, becoming a more predominant pattern on outerwear pieces as we head into the colder months. A boldly printed coat is a great way to make a statement – but opt for monochrome or neutral colours if you want a versatile piece.
From tartan to plaid, this year there are endless variations to choose from – and if you want a really stand-out look then our favourite has to be Versace’s 90s-inspired Clueless style, as worn by Cher Horowitz. It’s bright, vibrant, and promises to make a lasting impression – though it won’t keep you as cosy as a coat. Meanwhile, Michael Kors has gone all out with the season’s trench, combining the check and high-shine trends in a unique piece that will keep you warm, dry and entirely en vogue.
Pop of Colour
The perfect way to brighten up a dull and dreary day, a brightly coloured coat is a seasonal must-have. From bright, pillar-box reds to vibrant mustards, colour is a key trend for winter – opt for a quality wool coat and wear it over a skirt with black tights and shoes to ensure that you let it do all the talking.
Believe it or not, puffa jackets are also making a come back this year, with many leading designers opting to combine the two trends. Tibi, PSWL and Moncler have all released some bright offerings –so if you’re looking for a stand-out piece that will also keep you feeling toasty, then they could be for you.
The Trench
The classic trench coat is a piece that rarely falls out of favour, and is a winter staple that you can get just as much wear out of in autumn and spring. Easy to wear with any outfit, they are a simple way to add an air of sophistication to your look and will ensure you appear well put together at all times.
A trench is also the perfect pairing if you’re looking for a coat to take you from work to dinner – it’s a versatile choice that looks good in any setting. Opt for neutral beige or cream for a really classic look, or choose a darker colour – such as navy or black – for a slightly smarter appeal. This season’s slightly different silhouettes see the coat go from classic to cool – and some of the hottest designer offerings this year come in leather for an edgier look. Head over to Nili Lotan or Coach for some of the best – they’re essential investments that will see you through the season in style.
Animal print
If there’s one trend that is back in a big way this autumn and winter, it’s animal print – and more specifically, leopard. Having long since left its trashy image well behind, it was seen on the LFW catwalks of Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Givenchy and Calvin Klein – if that’s not a sign that it’s time to invest, then we don’t know what is.
The print is no longer limited to just boots, scarves and accessories – and many designer stores are awash with printed jackets and coats that will be the crowing glory for any winter wardrobe this year. Snake and zebra print are also experiencing a renaissance, so if you’re looking for something to invest in that’s a little more trend led – and you really want to stand out from the crowd – then this could be the coat choice for you.
