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Wrap Up, It's Coat Season

Autumn is officially here, and winter is just around the corner. That means it’s time to review, and maybe refresh, your outerwear ready to embrace the crisp, cool and wet weather with the right coat. In the UK, a coat isn’t just a seasonal must-have — it is often a style statement that expresses your personal taste, or it can go the other way and completely mess up the stylish outfit you are wearing underneath. Whether you're braving the unpredictable British drizzle (/downpours) or wrapping up against a frosty morning, the right coat should do the job of keeping you both warm and stylish.


3 women in stylish coats
The Coat is your Winter Staple & Style Statement

 

Here's an overview of 3 basic coats. Don’t misunderstand the use of the word ‘basic’. The word basic, when used in context with a coat, is to ensure you choose an overall style that suits you and works with the majority of the outfits you spend your time wearing during coat season. When a coat is overly stylised, it may limit how often you can wear it, which in this case, means you will require more than one coat for the season.


1. The Classic Trench Coat

You can’t talk about autumn outerwear without mentioning the timeless trench coat. A perfect balance of elegance and functionality, the trench is ideal for those rainy autumn days. Look for a version in a traditional camel or beige, or there are some more stone/grey shades if camel doesn’t compliment your skin tone. A good trench can last you 10 years. If the traditional pale neutral shades have put you off owning a trench coat, pine green, navy, emerald or burgundy are classic colours – Hobbs have a selection of bolder colours available this season.   

Pleather and leather versions are becoming more common too.

 

Fit Tips:

Trench coats come in a variety of lengths. Any length works over trousers, however, if you wear dresses or skirts choose a trench coat length that is long enough to cover the length. If you wear floor-length dresses/skirts, it’s ok to have 2 inches peeking out at the very bottom if the skirt/dress fabric is long enough to meet your footwear.

Most trenches come with a belt. No need to fully tie it around your waist if fitted waistlines are not your style. Tie it loosely at the back or leave it hanging undone. If left undone a stitch to secure the belt to the belt loop on one side will stop it from ever getting lost.

 

Styling Tip:

Pair your trench with ankle boots and a cozy knit or hoodie for a laid-back yet polished look.

Wear with dresses or tailored trousers for work or more dressy occasions.

The trench is perfect for level dressing – see chapter 4.1 in my book ‘2nd SKIN’ to learn more about maximising your clothes.


A man and 3 women wearing trench coats
The Trench is a Timeless Classic for ALL Style Types

2. The Puffer Coat 

For days when practicality is key (hello, unpredictable British weather!), the puffer coat is your go-to. Puffer coats have evolved beyond their sporty origins and are now a chic winter essential. Opt for a longer, midi-length version to keep the cold at bay, and don’t think a puffa has to be black. Earthy tones like olive, deep plum or chocolate work as a neutral, as well as navy. If that still sounds too tame for your personal style go metallic. Gold, silver, gunmetal, rose gold – the metallic spectrum is broadening.  

 

Fit Tips: make sure the shoulders, back yoke, chest and armholes fit well. The style is naturally big and puffy, so you don’t want to go bigger look like you’ve got lost in a duvet. Longline styles often come with a belt or elasticated mid-section – remember if you are layering chunky items underneath a belt might not be the best option.

 

Styling Tips:  Choose the silhouette of your puffa coat to suit your height and proportions. If opting for mid to short length, check it with several outfits to ensure the overall silhouette works for you. '2nd SKIN', Chapter 1.5 goes into detail about finding your silhouette.

 

 

 3. The Faux Fur Coat

The faux fur associated with the luxurious glamour and evening outs... I’ll stop right there. No longer is this classic coat categorised to just the evening nor is it saved just for the deluxe-glam, it is a classic item that can be worn day and night and available in a style that suits many.

Classic is not just black or chocolate, it is also leopard print. Winter no longer just means autumnal muted shades, it also means crisp furry pastels shades of ice blue, indulgent cream and powder pink. And the drama doesn’t cease at fur, think hot pink, blood orange or a lemon and cyan stripe with silver ribbed cuffs.  and classic doesn’t even  Remain classic for adding drama to your daytime look. Whether you go for a full faux fur coat in neutral tones, a classic leopard print, soft pastel or a striking colour, this coat of choice is a surefire way to turn heads while staying toasty.

 

Fit Tips: The same considerations as for the puffa jacket, however you will have more shape options with faux fur. Vintage and heirloom will be more fitted and appear more formal. Cocoon, overcoat, and ‘swing’ jacket are all typical styles of faux fur, so there are lots of choices to fit your preference.

 

Styling Tips: Let the coat do the talking by keeping the rest of your outfit simple from jeans to opaque tights or hidden. But remember to balance out the overall look with footwear.  If you think the coat is saying too much, add a bright lipstick for that extra dash of sophistication and visibility.



women in a variety of faux fur coats
Faux Fur is Surefire way to Turn Heads & stay Warm

When to Invest

A good quality coat that is made to withstand the elements is not cheap. It is also the one item that you will be seen in most during the winter season, so you want it to make you feel and look your best. These 2 factors make the coat an ‘investment piece’. The good news is you choose well, your coat will last as long as 10 years.  And of course there is pre-loved. If you are looking for a real bargain sites like Vinted, Depop, Vestiarie Collective and eBay will have sellers needing to sell out of season, and then you really can bag a bargain, luxury winter coat.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right coat this autumn and winter is all about blending style with practicality. The perfect coat should not only keep you warm but also elevate your look—whether you're dashing through Cheltenham's bustling high streets or enjoying a countryside walk. Remember, your coat is often the first thing people see, so make it count, make it part of your outfit.

 

So, which coat are you eyeing this season? Share your favourites or let me know if you need any personal recommendations to suit your UPS.

 

Until next time, always wear your bests and stay warm.

 


Love Sarah x


P.S. More Stlylish news & tips on Instagram

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