Coat season is officially upon us—and with it comes a slew of fresh trends (or anti-trends) to keep us looking chic and warm this winter. Finding the perfect coat can often seem like an overwhelming task. For one thing, coats are not cheap, so you probably want to take time to consider before making an investment purchase. You’ll also want to ensure you’re choosing something that not only feels comfortable, warm, and stylish but will also rack up a lot of mileage on your outerwear odometer.
If you need some coat-buying guidance this season, then you’ve come to the right place. After analyzing the fall runways in great depth, seeing what's trending with the fashion It crowd right now, and getting plenty of input from our Who What Wear editors, we rounded up the must-have styles to invest in this season—as well as the trends we’re skipping (for now!).
From floor-length silhouettes to toggle details, keep scrolling for the coat trends to add to your wardrobe for the brisker temps ahead.
Buy: Floor-Length Overcoats
Skip: Ultra-Cropped Coats
We saw simple yet striking ankle-grazing elegant overcoats all over the fall 2023 runways, from Khaite to The Row and Saint Laurent, and now we're seeing them at all our favorite retailers. Go for a relaxed, tailored silhouette that looks polished with zero effort required.
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Buy: Statement Shearling
Skip: Croc-Effect Fabrics
Not only do shearling coats deliver warmth, but they're also incredibly stylish—and continue to be a huge trend for fall/winter 2023. Skip croc-effect fabrics for now, and opt for the tactile fabric that feels like a warm hug.
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Buy: Scarf Coats
Skip: Cape Coats
Ever since Toteme's wool-blend scarf coat went viral last year, we're seeing plenty of chic and stylish iterations of the two-in-one topper. The style is sophisticated and chic and a little easier to wear than a dramatic cape.
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Buy: Long Leather Trench Coats
Skip: Colorful Leather
Saint Laurent and Versace put leather coats on their F/W 23 runways, and naturally, we've been seeing the fashion set wearing them thereafter. Opt for a sleek black or tan option that oozes luxe vibes.
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Buy: Puffed-Up Parkas
Skip: Oversize Duvet Silhouettes
Skip the massively oversize duvet coats of the past, and cozy up in streamlined puffed-up parkas instead. These quilted coats and chic down toppers that will keep you warm, cozy, and chic.
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Buy: Toggle Clasps
Skip: Shiny Buttons
Functional and fashion-forward, toggle-embellished coats are trending this season thanks in part to their large presence on the fall 2023 runways. (We're looking at you, Prada.) The outerwear piece feels fresh and of-the-moment for winter—especially when styled with contrasting feminine pointed-toe pumps.
Buy: 50 Shades of Gray
Skip: Pastel Hues
A sensible gray coat is one of the smartest investments you'll make this year. Practically every shade of the color was spotted on the the fall runways—leaning into the businesscore trend that's dominating this season. You can't go wrong with a classic and timeless tailored silhouette—from charcoal to heather.
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