When it comes to coats, it seems unnecessary to discuss trends. After all, one of the advantages of investing in a great coat is longevity – you want to be able to pull out your favourite cover-up year after year. Some coats, however, are more timeless than others, and for autumn/winter 2023, designers happily championed the sort of outerwear you'll wear forever. From toggles to teddy coats, all-grey styles to floor-sweepers, there are styles aplenty to start considering now that the weather feels firmly autumnal.
Overall, designers favoured well-made, elevated everyday clothes for AW23. At the risk of uttering the words we're all surely sick of hearing – whisper them – quiet luxury really was the ubiquitous vibe, particularly explicit in the outerwear that was offered. One of the most prevalent items on the catwalk? A classic blackcoat. Givenchy, Victoria Beckham, Alaïa and Dolce and Gabbana all reminded us of the power of simplicity with their versions, and the best news is that they go with everything you already own.
Another standout choice this season is a coat of great lengths. Tod's, Khaite, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent and The Row all debuted floor-skimming styles. When it comes to pattern, checks, pinstripes, and a smattering of animal print (hi, Stella McCartney!) are all in favour, while fashion's penchant for red this season was best seen in The Row's collarless coat.
The good news is that the high street has brilliant coats which fit all of these trends and more, most of which look far more expensive than you'd expect. In fact, to save you from scrolling through thousands of cover-ups, we did the hard work for you and located some of the very best affordable styles on offer at the moment. From cropped trenches to snuggly blanket coats, here's our verdict on where to spend your money:
The Blanket Coat
Emma McCarthy, acting associate editor: 'I'm all about a swaddle – so the idea of a coat with a built-in, blanket-style scarf is right up my street. This style features generously enveloping proportions and the scarf drapes effortlessly around your shoulders (and can be detached, so it's versatile for warmer days). The belted waist defines the silhouette, plus the pinstripe is bang on trend. Lift the look with bright accessories.'
Emma's COS Oversized Pinstriped Wool Scarf Coat is currently out of stock, but we've got a worthy alternative from & Other Stories.
& other storieswww.stories.com
This double-breasted wool-blend coat features a scarf-inspired panel that drapes around the neck. It is certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard.
The Half-Trench
Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty assistant: 'This cropped coat is my secret weapon for tackling seasonal mood swings. It's perfect for the in-between weather. For work or play, this jacket is the stylish sidekick that adds just the right amount of flair. Wear it with high-waisted trousers to balance out the proportions.'
40% off
zarawww.zara.com
Like all of Zara's best pieces, Renee's cropped trench won't be in stock for long, so get it while you still can.
The Leather Look
Gavrielle Weiss, fashion assistant: 'Long yet lightweight, this is the perfect transitional coat for autumn, and the luxe dark red faux leather adds a chic twist to a classic style. Perfect to take you from a day at the office to a night on the town while making a statement.'
Gavrielle's exact coat is long out of stock, but we have Karen Millen to save the day. Keep reading to find out why.
40% off
karen millenwww.karenmillen.com
While Gavi's exact coat has sadly sold out, Karen Millen has a wealth of similar options to help you channel the leather look. This vinyl trench will add va-va-voom to any outfit and also just so happens to be on sale.
The Overcoat
Julia Harvey, shopping editor: 'Smart, tailored and extra long, Mango's beige camel coat will be my wardrobe saviour this season. Tonal go-with-everything shades ensure maximum wearability, while double-breasted buttons add extra interest. Look for sharp silhouettes that will neaten up any outfit in an instant. Easy.'
mangoshop.mango.com
Some would say the beige camel coat has been indoctrinated into the capsule wardrobe of every fashionable lady on the block.
The Coatigan
Natalie Hammond, senior fashion news editor: 'Thanks to Totême, the stealth wealth brand from Stockholm, blanket-style coats with contrast stitching have become a fashion editor staple for winter. Boden's wool-blend version can be styled to look extra sleek because of the handy addition of a high collar and belt. I'm in love.'
Natalie's Boden cover-up has already sold out, so popular are these coatigans. Luckily, The White Company has a very similar style still available, so all is not lost.
the white companywww.thewhitecompany.com
This coat features contrasting blanket stitching for a considered design, while the jacket’s long fluted sleeves and oversized silhouette make it a go-to cold-weather style.
Other high street names to watch out for? Aligne, whose collection of coats (including the influencer's favourite trench coat) is so good this year that you'll be hard-pressed to choose just one and Hush, who has a black coat to rival even the catwalk.
SHOP: The Best Coats For Winter 2023
aligne.co
Although it's hard to tell from a picture, I can attest to the fact that Aligne's coats are incredible quality and a brilliant fit. This one has the perfect slouchy fit, which makes it look and feel even more premium. It comes up a little bit big though, so I'd recommend buying a size down unless you want it to be super oversized.
shop.mango.com
The quality of this coat is impeccable. It's extra long, made from virgin wool and super-chic. Buy now and wear forever – you won’t regret it.
www.mytheresa.com
It's hard to even think about coats without conjuring images of Max Mara's chic styles. This teddy coat is sheer perfection and will be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe.
emiliawickstead.com
A truly beautiful coat that will stand the test of time, Emilia Wickstead's oversized silhouette can be cinched by the detachable belt. Or wear without over clashing colours, just as it was on the catwalk.
If you like a shorter coat, this BOSS style will go with everything from jeans to workwear – it's that versatile.
rixolondon.com
Rixo is giving you the ultimate vintage coat without having to spend hours trawling through rails of clothes. Buy now, wear every single year.
www2.hm.com
This pinstripe cover-up has a detachable belt and is the ideal thing to add to your workwear arsenal.
www.farfetch.com
A tailored coat looks good on everyone, and this REMAIN style is in one of the colours of the season: grey. Wear over black trousers for a conventional take on workwear, or create an interesting juxtaposition and pair with baggy jeans.
www.mytheresa.com
Prada made toggle details look more appealing than ever for AW23, and this furry style from Marant Etoile is an excellent way to try the trend. It even has a hood for added practicality points.
www.net-a-porter.com
Totême's jacket has sold out multiple times but, thankfully, is back just in time for the colder temperatures. Team with your favourite jeans and ankle boots for an easy, no-fuss outfit.
www.cos.com
A chic take on the classic aviator jacket, this will look great with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and pointed boots. Its 100% cotton lining will keep you super snug, too.
www.mytheresa.com
The last word is cosy, this coat is so divine you won't want to take it off. While you can throw it over anything and instantly look more stylish, it will look particularly good with other pieces in a similar colour palette.
www.matchesfashion.com
The butter-soft leather, combined with the cosy shearling collar on this coat, makes it feel equal parts practical and sensuous. The 16Arlington Shearling Collar Leather Coat works for day and dressier occasions, too, making it a truly versatile piece.
www.arket.com
If you love the floor-skimming coats by Stella McCartney and Saint Laurent, this is the perfect high-street version. And it's in grey, too – one of the colours of the season.
www.zara.com
Part of the exclusive collaboration with Steven Meisel, this is possibly the ultimate faux fur coat.
www.matchesfashion.com
If you loved the exaggerated silhouettes of Saint Laurent's coats but can't quite stretch to those sorts of prices, this Raey coat is an excellent alternative. Wear it loose or belted for a more streamlined silhouette.
www.riverisland.com
Echoing the slightly abstract animal prints seen on the catwalks, this coat is currently a best-seller and thus probably won't be in stock for too much longer. It's lightweight, making it ideal for layering over knits and short jackets.
www.lkbennett.com
If you're looking for a coat to instantly elevate any outfit, this is it.
www.sezane.com
Grey coats are another standout this season. This one from Sézane is a classic that won't date.
www.thereformation.com
Reformation's leather trench has the perfect fit and, thanks to the belt, can be worn cinched or slightly slouchier. It's available in black, too, although the red is super-striking.
www.net-a-porter.com
While this coat is certainly an investment, it will pay off time and again. Lined with pure silk and with an elegant silhouette, this is the coat collector's equivalent of a modern heirloom.
www.stories.com
With its polished gold toggles, this cover-up hits the perfect mix of casual and pulled-together. Throw over a grey knit and jeans for dressed-down days.
What Are The Best Coat Trends For AW24?
Leather trenches, classic camel coats and shearling styles are big news for AW23, as are structured, tailored types. Simple black coats, floor-skimming styles and shades of red were also prevalent on the catwalks.
What Are The Most Popular Coats Of 2023?
As always, there are a few coats already proving incredibly popular. Totême's scarf coat, which went viral last year, is just one example. Elsewhere, M&S revealed Sienna Miller as its new campaign star, prompting the pink checked coat to sell out already. Fear not, however, as you can sign up to be notified when your size is back.
Hannah Banks-Walker is the Head of Fashion Commerce for Grazia, where she waxes lyrical about midi dresses and tries not to collect any more red lipsticks.