Coat Season Is Nearly Here—8 Highly Chic, Elevated-Looking Styles You Need to See

After months of linen shirts as our outermost layer and a cardigan 'just in case', we've swiftly moved into the rainier autumn months and our jackets are already working hard. With each passing day, the temperatures are steadily dropping and some of us, myself included, are already eyeing up the heating controls. Soon, bundling up in cosy coats will be all we can think about, and as an editor who is always looking ahead to the new seasons, I've curated an edit of the best women's coats for 2024. It may seem a little eager, but when it comes to finding the one, there's no time like the present to start looking. And as the best coats often move quickly, I'm happy to get ahead of the 'sold out' notifications by securing the coat that will see me through autumn, winter and all the way to spring.

Woman wears beige scarf coat

(Image credit: @savinachow)

Of the smartest additions to our wardrobes, coats are on par with a great pair of boots or a forever handbag. As such an important piece in our wardrobes, it helps to have as much guidance as possible on the key styles to choose from and the best options for each design. Lucky for you, I'm happy to do the hard work to make the process that much smoother. Whether you're looking to invest in a high designer style, or ready to snap up a high-street gem, I've ticked off the best women's coats below at all price points to make finding the one even easier.

Woman wears brown teddy coat, black T-shirt, black trousers and black boots

(Image credit: @leiasfez)

Starting off strong there's the classic wool coat, cosy and warm with a sophisticated edge that is sure to rise to any and all occasion. If you're looking for something that balances practicality and style in equal measure, I'd advise taking a peek at the best scarf coats on offer. Of course, a trench coat has to feature in this comprehensive list, ready to take on sudden showers and milder days with ease. For the coolest days, a puffer coat is the closest to wrapping up in a duvet, and there are plenty of striking styles available from high street to high end. Faux furs can feel a little much for the everyday, but a shearling lining will bring a cosy finish and chic edge. Autumn 2024 has taken a rich-looking turn with barn and country jackets, and if you're looking to draw this style into the colder moments let me recommend the best barn coats around. If soft textures are a priority a great teddy coat will be a trusted companion wherever you're headed. Last, but far from least, leather comes into its own as the temperatures drop, and designers are showing off their craftspersonship with this edit of leather coats.

Keep scrolling to explore the best women's coats!

SHOP THE BEST WOMEN'S COATS

1. The Best Wool Coats

Marilyn wears a brown wool coat and black boots

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Refined in silhouette and cosy in fabrication, the wool coat is a do-it-all style. No matter the outfit underneath, be it an easy jeans and T-shirt combo or an elegant evening dress, a great wool coat will bring a polished edge to all occasions.

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2. The Best Scarf Coats

Woman wears beige scarf coat

(Image credit: @savinachow)

Style Notes: Two heroes of the cooler months come together to make the scarf-coat hybrid. The best styles feature neutral shades, easy to integrate into wardrobes seamlessly, and ready to take on the coldest winter days.

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3. The Best Trench Coats

Woman wears blue striped shirt, beige trench coat, black trousers

(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

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4. The Best Puffer Coats

Woman wears quilted puffer coat and black boots

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: On the very coldest days when removing your duvet feels like too much, you'll appreciate the cosy offerings of a puffer coat. Returning each year, you're sure to rely on an insulating padded puffer coat forever.

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5. The Best Barn Coats

Woman wears brown long barn coat

(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: Barn jackets have taken over this autumn, and we predict that winter will be filled with cool coat styles. With a nod to country aesthetics, there's a rich-looking feel to this style, no matter the price point.

6. The Best Teddy Coats

Woman wears brown teddy coat, black T-shirt, black trousers and black boots

(Image credit: @leiasfez)

Style Notes: With the arrival of the autumn/winter season comes the return of sumptuous fabrics, like the teddy finish. Cosy in style and comforting in texture, the contrasting material will bring depth to any outfit.

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7. The Best Leather Coats

Woman wears khaki leather coat, black jeans, black boots

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: As the weather turns, leather is back on our radars and a leather coat always feels incredibly elevated. Smooth or croc-effect, wrap styles or button-up trenches, whichever design you prefer this style will bring an instant cool edge to any ensemble.

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8. The Best Shearling Coats

Woman wears brown shearling coat and black boots

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

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Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.