I Spent a Week in *the* Coat Trend of the Season—Trust My Honest Reviews
A few seasons ago, Saint Laurent took coats to a whole new length, and fashion people are still talking about it. While most of us had been wearing wool coats that grazed our calves for decades, Saint Laurent suggested floor-sweeping coats in all shapes and sizes. Suddenly, everyone’s eyes were on wool coats, whether they were trenches or in a bold shade of berry. While I love a floor sweeper, practicality is key, and a New York City winter is no friend to long hemlines. To avoid dragging every drop of snow and dirt on the streets, the NYC fashion crowd has settled on owning a broad range of wool coats in many lengths, but after many failed online orders, I decided to put the best options in this coat trend to the test.
Are wool coats absolutely in? Yes. Are they warm enough for a New York City winter? Now, that’s highly debatable. Regardless of warmth, I still spent a week in them and was surprised at not only how warm they were but also how stylish they looked among my wardrobe. Below, find my reviews and thoughts on the coats of the season.
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COS is one of those brands that every fashion person just so happens to have in their closet. I remember one day bopping into the Who What Wear office and asking everyone where they got their coats. Most of them answered with COS. The brand's coats sell out fast, so if you're interested in one, don't hesitate. Plus, if you're looking to wear multiple layers, this one is perfectly oversize.
While this coat was amazing for layering, I gave it a 3/5 in the warmth category because it doesn't have any sort of lining. It's perfect for less frigid days or when worn with lots of layers.
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This was the most complimented coat that I wore. I had multiple people ask me where I got it from. Reformation is another brand that I go to for elevated staples, and yes, that of course includes wool coats.
Most of my coats go to my calves and beyond, but having a cropped option in my closet is perfect for a night out. I must warn you, though, this also means there's less warmth.
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I first saw this wool coat during a fashion week preview, and I fell in love immediately. While looking for a designer coat that actually matches the hefty price tag, I discovered this one, and I’ve been wearing it to almost every occasion ever since. The navy color looks cooler than ever when styled with black, and every detail on this coat screams luxury: exquisite buttons, striped lining, and hella warmth.
This coat is perfection, but I must note that it is pretty fitted, which doesn't leave much room for layering.
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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you’ll want to get lost in the shelves at Abercrombie. It quite literally has it all, and a wool coat for $200 is an amazing deal. This ended up being one of the warmest brands that I tried, and I’m telling all of my friends to shop here instead of wherever they were shopping before.
This is the perfect everyday coat and got one of the highest ratings, so I have nothing bad to say about it.
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The voluminous belted wool coat from & Other Stories caught my eye immediately, and it’s the coat that I wish I could buy in multiple colors. It’s quite roomy, leaving lots of space for layering up. This coat has quickly become my daily go-to.
Another coat that I absolutely adore. No notes here.
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Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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