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 2022? 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 micro trends 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.
1. TRADITIONAL TRENCH
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.
Shop trench coats:
This classic cut will work over countless wardrobe staples.
Reformation seems to get it right every time.
2. ELEVATED PUFFER
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.
Shop puffers:
We've said it before and we'll say it again: Arket makes the best puffer coats.
Navy adds a French touch to any look.
3. VERSATILE CHECK
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.
Shop checked coats:
Bright colours always feel unexpected at this time of year, in the best way possible.
This long length will ensure you stay nice and warm through the winter.
4. RETRO PATCHWORK
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 Lindsey coat, or dig around on Etsy for one of the many genuine vintage options out there.
Shop patchwork coats:
We expect this to be a hot-ticket item now that Monikh has worn it (and so well!)
Just as cool today as it was in the ’70s.
5. CLASSIC CAMEL
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.
Shop camel coats:
This is just one of many Zara coats our editors are lusting after now.
Simple and versatile.
6. VINYL FINISH
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.
Shop vinyl coats:
I love everything about this coat: the colour, the length, the finish. So cool.
Lean into the Matrix look with this high-shine option.
7. BUILT-IN SCARF
Style Notes: We couldn't talk about outerwear in 2022 without mentioning the Totême scarf coat. If it's a little outside your price range, you'll be happy to hear H&M has released some seriously stylish alternatives.
Shop scarf coats:
We just can't get enough of this sell-out style. I'm particularly fond of the beige iteration.
Something cosier to pull out in the depths of winter.
8. LUXURY LEATHER
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.
Shop leather coats:
Jewel tones are going to be around a lot for the forseeable, so a coat like this is worth investing in.
Wear with raw-edge jeans, a black turtleneck and heeled boots for an elevated everyday look.
9. BELTED WRAP
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.
Shop belted coats:
A navy coat is a softer alternative to black, and just as wearable.
This will go with everything. Literally.
10. DIRECTIONAL LEOPARD
Style Notes: Leopard-print coats always fly off the shelves, and you can bet 2022 is going to be no exception. Wear with black jeans for the chicest off-duty ensemble.
Shop leopard coats:
Hands up if you're obsessed with Raey's current coat offering.
With red lippy? Très Parisien.
11. CREAM
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 2022 feel, ensure yours has a tactile texture, such as bouclé, wool or borg.
Shop cream coats:
Classic enough to wear for seasons to come.
I love this double-breasted iteration.
12. FUN FAUX FUR
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.
Shop faux fur coats:
It's impossible to be in a bad mood while wearing this coat.
Shrimps is the brand to look to for playful outerwear.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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