The A/W25 Coat Trends Report

The fluid lines of a cape coat add instant sophistication to an outfit, making it the perfect style to reach for when you want to channel a smarter look. Wear it over work tailoring or chunky cashmere knits – the A-line cut can accommodate bulkier underlayers. There’s plenty of drama about a cape coat too, so keep yours to hand for the winter event season. Slip it over a cocktail dress and add point-toe pumps á la Altuzarra.

If you’ve already got the classics ticked off and are looking for something statement, consider a leather trench coat. Long buttery trenches were a key theme on the catwalk, from vampy high-shine at Chanel to matte green with a utilitarian twist at Victoria Beckham. This is the piece that will reframe your jeans and ballet flats – and be the perfect sleek counterpoint to winter woollens. Make sure to spend on premium leather or a beautiful coated fabric that will wear well with age.

Hardly a season goes by without checked coats coming under the spotlight, so they’re a safe bet to invest in. Not only is a checked coat a good way of introducing print into your outerwear collection, it will lend a pleasing touch of heritage to whatever you wear under it. Go for a traditional check in a neutral colour and wear it over everything from suit trousers to weekend denim.

Chocolate brown continues to be the preferred neutral this season, but don’t let its current ‘trend’ status put you off. The warm shade works beautifully with an autumnal colour palette, (as well as black, grey and navy) and is both useful and classic enough to remain relevant well beyond the next few months. Make like Max Mara and invest in an overcoat that can be layered over both smart and casual outfits.

Tapping into the A/W25 mood for layering and drapery, the scarf coat is enjoying a resurgence – so if you invested in the cult Toteme style a few years ago, now’s the time to pull it back out. It’s the clever marrying of form and function that sets this silhouette apart, being both elegant and, thanks to the integrated scarf, seriously warm. Go for a luxe woollen style that will hang beautifully, and reach for it for those cold morning commutes.

A black coat remains the ultimate winter staple. For A/W25 the classic has been updated with shaped waists, defined shoulders and oversized cuts that bring a modern, architectural edge. Think of it as your go-to for effortless power dressing. Look for a double-breasted or belted style in pure wool and with minimal detailing for maximum wearability.