Seeing as autumn seemed to kick into gear the moment October started, it’s handy that our favourite brands are brimming with beautiful coats right on cue. And just like buying swimwear and sandals early on in spring, we always advise investing in a coat at the start of the season, before most of the key styles sell out—which they inevitably will—leaving you with limited options. But which types of coats are on the style agenda for 2021? We’re glad you asked…
On the outerwear menu this year, there are the classics—think camel coats, trenches and cosy faux fur—but there are also a few key styles that started out as microtrends but have now graduated to become winter-wardrobe must-haves well worth considering. Needless to say, both types of coats deserve a place in your wardrobe.
So to guide you through the various coat trends on offer, we’ve looked to our favourite influencers for inspiration. Consider this your winter coat cheat sheet.
Style Notes: A classic trench is the ultimate grab-and-go option. Wear it loose over printed dresses and smart workwear, or belt it up over chunky knits and loungewear. Every wardrobe could use one, and right now, the vibe is to go for something with an oversized feel, like Renia Jaz’s trench above.
Style Notes: We challenge you to find a warmer, cosier coat than this one. Choose between neutral hues and short, cropped iterations, or go mid-length and maximalist on colour. You’ll get so much wear out of this.
Style Notes: From subtle heritage checks on single-breasted cuts to bold, graphic longline coats in standout hues, this is one of the biggest, most wearable trends when it comes to outerwear.
Style Notes: The ’70s are having a major influence on the trends this season, and coats are no different. Patchwork coats in suede and corduroy are currently ruling Instagram thanks in no small part to Rixo’s new drop of outerwear. Snap up its Milly coat, or dig around on Etsy for one of the many genuine vintage options out there.
Style Notes: This is a no-brainer if you want something smart enough for more formal events but that you can also style with top-to-toe denim on the weekend—you can’t go wrong investing in a well-cut camel coat.
Style Notes: One of the most practical yet impactful outerwear trends has to be vinyl. Choose between bold primary hues, something sheer for layering over jeans and a crew-neck knit, or keep it chic and try a black trench style. This is the ultimate off-duty option, and it’s going to be huge for autumn. You’ll be glad of it when the heavens open—that’s for sure.
Style Notes: It might have started out as a niche microtrend, but checkerboard motifs are still going strong well into autumn. The most in-demand buy? A coat, of course. Keep your checks blown-up for maximum impact and a grown-up twist on the typically teenage print.
Style Notes: A close cousin to vinyl, leather coats are also having a moment. Naturally, they come with rather extravagant price tags, but we guarantee this is a coat you’ll wear (and love) for the rest of your life.
Style Notes: The belted coat will always be a winning option. Stick to shades of grey, camel or navy for wear-with-anything potential, or try out a pastel by slipping into something powder blue or pink.
Style Notes: Leopard-print coats always fly off the shelves, and you can bet 2021 is going to be no exception. Wear with black jeans for the chicest off-duty ensemble.
Style Notes: While it might not be the most practical of this season’s coat trends, cream outerwear is perennially chic and will always make your outfits look polished. For a real 2021 feel, ensure yours has a tactile texture, such as bouclé or borg.
Style Notes: No winter wardrobe is complete without a faux-fur coat, and luckily, you’ll never be short of choice with this trend. Look to fun striped versions or something leopard, or go all-out bonkers in a pastel hue—there are so many playful options out there.
Next Up: The Coat Trends We Predict Everyone Will Be Wearing This Autumn
This post was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
