These Are The Very Best Winter Coats For Women, As Recommended By Our Fashion Editors

The time has come to whip out the winter layers: weather-proof boots, cosy knits and, most importantly, a great coat (or two) to battle through the breeze while still feeling chic. After all, even the simplest of outfits can be instantly upgraded by shrugging on an exceptional piece of outerwear. So, if you’re looking to add to your growing coat collection, now is the time to invest, and there’s no short supply of options.

Looking at the autumn/winter runways, there was plenty of coat inspiration. Chemena Kamali, creative director of Chloé, paraded picnic blanket-like looks down the runway, creating oversized coats with clashing checks. Bottega Veneta leant into leather with a daring red design, and 16Arlington added extra drama to the classic black coat through adding faux fur to the shoulders. Chic.

Plus, let’s not forget the pull of the classic Burberry trench, an iconic staple that never goes out of style. But it's not just luxury brands who know their coats. The high street is also bursting with different coat designs, many of which come in under £100.

So, no matter your budget, there are plenty of places to find the perfect coat. We here at Grazia are excited to share our favourite finds – plucked straight from our own wardrobes. But first, allow us to answer some key coat-related questions.

The Best Coats For Women At A Glance:

Best trench coat: M&S Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat, £149

Best faux fur coat: ASOS DESIGN Faux Fur Overcoat in Black, £112

Best maxi wool coat: Albaray Herringbone Wool Mix Coat, £220

Best puffer coat: Ganni White Tech Puffer Coat, £625

What is the warmest thing to wear in winter?

If you’re after a wonderfully warm coat, you need to pay close attention to one thing: fabric. Wool coats, particularly ones that are thick and heavy, are known to be cosy in above-freezing temperatures and can add a more formal feel to any outfit when selecting a more structured shape. Leather coats and jackets are particularly great at trapping heat and keeping you extra toasty, yet faux leather doesn’t work in the same way. But the warmest coat choices are puffer coats, duvet coats and any similar style of padded jacket, meaning the Michelin Man look is actually incredibly practical.

Should you buy winter jackets in a bigger size?

Shopping for the best winter coats online comes with its pros and cons. On one side, you can see hundreds of options from the comfort of your sofa and read reviews from experts like us. But, on the other, you don’t have the benefit of trying each size on – unless you want to be a serial returner, of course. Brand websites have, however, become much more helpful with predicting our sizes and adding measurements so, in theory, you shouldn’t go too far wrong.

The current trend is to wear blazers, coats and jackets oversized (just take one look at Hailey Bieber for inspo), so opting for a size or two up will also help lean into that look. Plus, if you want to layer chunky knits underneath, the extra inches will help reduce any bulk.

What are the most popular coats right now?

There are a number of coat styles that are particularly popular right now: some new and some good ol’ faithfuls that have seen us through many a winter. Our editors are particularly fond of a trench coat in all forms – classic cuts, short trench styles and the of the moment denim options. Plus, you can never go too wrong with leather or the '90s fashion favourite faux fur. Just keep scrolling to see why we love them so much.

Shop: The Best Coats For Women 2024

The Classic Trench Coat

'Obviously, I don't need to tell you how handy a trench coat is. When it's late spring or early autumn, it's the ideal cover-up for those days when anything in a heavy fabric will cause overheating. While a classic, clean silhouette is always a winner, I'm a sucker for a flourish, hence why I was drawn to this puff sleeve number. In fact, trench coats with interesting design details were all over the catwalks for autumn/winter 2024, like Balmain's sharp-shouldered styles; Burberry's had soft ruffled edges, Dior's had discreet golden studs and Nina Ricci opted for furry trims,' says Hannah Banks-Walker, Grazia's head of fashion commerce.

The Perfect Puffer Coat

'Few jackets are quite as cosy as a puffer as the down, faux feather or recycled polyester lining makes them one of the warmest coat options come winter. So, best believe this is the style you’ll see me in once the temperature truly drops. The longer styles feel a bit more fashion-forward, so the bigger, the better. They’re also known as duvet coats, so be sure to keep an eye out for that when shopping and know they can be paired with any outfit, from a casual tracksuit to a mini skirt and heels – anything goes! My one is from Ganni, which I pull out every year without fail, and this season the brand has a white version that's incredibly chic' says Lauren Cunningham, _Grazia'_s acting fashion news editor.

The Fabulous Faux Fur Coat

'My favourite ASOS fur jacket is a cosy, oversized black piece from the men’s collection that brings just the right amount of attitude. I got it in a size small and typically wear size 8 UK. With its deep pockets for stashing essentials, it’s as practical as it is stylish. I get so many compliments whenever I wear it, and it keeps me perfectly warm as a winter coat should do,' says Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant.

The Barn Jacket

'Barn jackets are one of the most in-demand styles right now – Dua Lipa, Alexa Chung and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted in them this year – so if it's a celeb favourite coat you're after, look no further. My favourite options are ones with a high colour contrast, and I'd recommend opting for a bigger, boxier fit that leans into the 'I just borrowed this from my boyfriend' look. Add wide-leg jeans, and you'll have a casual outfit that's incredibly on trend,' says Julia Harvey, _Grazia'_s shopping editor.

The Chic Shearling Jacket

'Shearling jackets are the perfect marriage of warm and chic, but typically don't come cheap. Luckily, the high street is brimming with faux shearling options which wonderfully merge affordability and style, and this Zara option is a best-seller for a reason. Style with jeans and your favourite chunky boots, or embrace a skirt and knee-length boot moment if you're looking for something slightly more elevated,' says Marina Avraam, Grazia's deputy commerce editor.

The Cropped Trench Coat

'If you love a trench coat but are a bit bored of the bulk – I can’t be the only one who trips over them on the stairs – then a cropped version is the next item to add to your outerwear wardrobe. It looks particularly polished when worn with jeans, skirts and dresses. Plus, layering chunky knits underneath will add that extra warmth. This & Other Stories option is my personal favourite, but they are all fairly similar in style,' says Lauren Cunningham, Grazia's acting fashion news editor.

The Must-Have Maxi Wool Coat

'When it comes to coats, it’s the longer, the better, in my opinion. When the weather takes a turn, there’s nothing better than swaddling yourself in an extra long coat (that doubles as a blanket) to banish the winter chill. I’m 5’7”, and this Albaray herringbone number hits the sweet spot of not too long and not too short (I always want to avoid that awkward calf length), and the grey tones will go with everything!' says Julia Harvey, Grazia's shopping editor.

The More Daring Denim Trench Coat

'My denim trench coat has become such a statement piece in my wardrobe – it adds that extra ‘oomph’ (you tried today) to a boring outfit. The material is nice and thick, so it actually works to keep me warm and looking cool! Tick, tick, tick,' says Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant.

The Vintage Velvet Coat

'This has unexpectedly become one of my favourite going-out pieces- it instantly makes you feel more glamorous. I wore this vintage style to the Fashion Awards (very needed as it was freezing) but I've also thrown it over jeans and a top when I need to look like I've made an effort but have neither the time or the energy to do so. I think of this as a chic alternative to the more ubiquitous faux fur jacket- plus, the high street has lots of lovely velvet options at the moment,' says Hannah Banks-Walker, Grazia's head of fashion commerce.

Lauren Cunningham is acting fashion news editor at Grazia. She currently lives between Lisbon and London and is always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, new small brands and those boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Find her on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.