Prediction: These 12 Coat Trends Will Be the First to Sell Out

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

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(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

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. 

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2. ELEVATED PUFFER

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(Image credit: @aida.bdji)

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.

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3. VERSATILE CHECK

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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.

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4. RETRO PATCHWORK

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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. 

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5. CLASSIC CAMEL

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

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.

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6. VINYL FINISH

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

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. 

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7. BUILT-IN SCARF

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

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.

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8. LUXURY LEATHER 

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(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

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. 

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9. BELTED WRAP

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

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.

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10. DIRECTIONAL LEOPARD

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

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. 

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11. CREAM 

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(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

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. 

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12. FUN FAUX FUR

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(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

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:

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Next Up: We're All Losing It Over Zara's New Coat Selection

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.