Winter Coat Trends 2023

When it comes to neutrals, grey is always a safe bet. Where beige and camel can jar against certain hair and skin tones and black and navy can sometimes feel too dark, grey is a great middle ground. We loved the mannish grey wool coats at Miu Miu, layered over comfortable, sport-inspired pieces in varying shades of the colour, and at Prada, where similar styles were paired with ladylike skirts and heels – proof that a grey coat can see you through any occasion.

If you’re looking for a statement coat, make it checked. The catwalks were full of them – from jumbo versions at Stella McCartney and Emilia Wickstead to smaller, more refined versions at Zimmermann. Much like a stripe, a check is a neutral pattern that never dates, so you can be sure that a checked coat will be a piece you bring out year after year. It works best in classic silhouettes such as a traditional overcoat or trench.

Shearling is a perennial winter favourite. While all-over styles have been popular for the last couple of winters (thanks to Toteme’s iconic teddy jacket), leather with a shearling lining and trim is a more classic choice. Taking inspiration from aviator jackets, this season the fit is oversized and relaxed. Victoria Beckham offered the perfect example with a thigh-skimming style paired with knitwear and denim.

Faux fur can have a lot of negative connotations. But good faux fur can add beautiful texture and warmth to every outfit, as well as a touch of Old Hollywood elegance. Thankfully, as the fashion world has become more and more averse to real fur, the quality of the faux kind has hugely increased. The touch test is crucial, so shopping IRL is a good idea; you want it to be soft with fine, hair-like fibres. When it comes to colour, anything goes. Classic shades like black and beige always looks chic, but the glamour of faux fur gives you the option to be bold, too – as seen at Ferragamo, where a beautiful dusty lilac coat flounced down the catwalk.

Brown is undoubtedly one of the colours of AW23, but it’s also a timeless option for outerwear. Opt for rich, chocolatey tones as opposed to lighter sandy browns, and simply wear it as you would black – it really does go with any other colour, and can add an element of warmth to black pieces, too; we loved the brown Crombie paired with black leather trousers at Gabriela Hearst. Accessories in the same colour family are a great match – like tan, mushroom and burgundy.

One of the most important aspects of a forever wardrobe is practicality – if pieces aren’t practical, you won’t wear them, simple as. It’s a joy, then, that practicality is very much a part of this season’s coat trends. From parka-inspired coats to double-layered designs, it’s all about functional aspects like peaked hoods, funnelled necks, deep pockets and drawstring details that keep the cold and wet out and the warmth in. This utilitarian mood is something that was strong throughout the summer, so if you were loving the trend then, this is a great way to carry it into the new season. Look for khaki, beige and camel colourways – they all work well with denim.

You simply can’t beat a classic black coat. This season’s defining feature is the shoulders, which were bold and exaggerated on the catwalks, and an extra-long, ankle-skimming length. But, if you’re not into those features, just look for a classic double or single-breasted silhouette with minimal detailing in 100% wool. Wear yours everywhere, with everything, safe in the knowledge that it always looks chic. Tip: get it dry-cleaned each year before packing it away and store it in a moth-proof bag (they love wool).

A good pair of leather trousers is a wardrobe essential, but have you considered a leather coat? While a leather jacket may be a bona fide classic, a leather coat is a piece we’re seriously considering after seeing it on the AW23 catwalks. At Loewe, a buttery soft, deep brown oversized coat was a star piece, while at Alexander McQueen an aubergine-hued trench style looked chic cinched at the waist. Leather is a statement, so keep the rest of your look pared-back and simple.

Quilted and padded coats have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and they are a great investment – practical, warm and versatile. Don’t believe us? At Chloé, a knee-length down jacket was paired with a ladylike midi skirt and riding boots, but at Theory a shorter version was paired with simple leggings. Opt for neutral, versatile shades to achieve maximum wearability, like khaki, navy and black.

White and cream are often mistaken for summer colours, but lighter shades look great in winter too. On the runways, Dior stuck to monotones with its winter whites while Tove contrasted the light colour with a chic, black dress. However you choose to style it, opt for a classic shape that you’ll reach for on a daily basis and be rest assured that you will wear it with everything.