Catherine, Princess of Wales is known for tapping into one of winter's boldest trends: red coats. For many of her previous outings within the past year, notably an Anglesey outing back in 2022 (as pictured below), Catherine looked particularly festive in a ruby red coat from LK Bennett. Who can blame her either - when the weather turns cold, a red coat is one of the best coats around.
Perhaps she had a closely trained eye on that year's autumnal catwalks that make for appropriate autumn coats - Bianca Saunders, Dior, Eudon Choi, Gabriela Hearst, Prada and Tommy Hilfiger all showed resplendent red as part of their collections - but what’s more likely is that they looked to the Princess of Wales.
Catherine, you see, has a well-documented soft spot for red outerwear, favouring stunningly bright dress coats that ensure she stands out during public outings. It also seems that she tends to opt for a tailored coat, and who can blame her as they are the perfect coat as we near towards the end of the year.
It might be a shade (or two) brighter than the fashion editor’s favourite - beige - but is certainly more smile-inducing, wouldn’t you say? Feeling inspired? Take a look at some of the best red coats available to buy below, from Reiss to Max Mara, to name a few. They're the perfect solution to all your autumn and winter coat woes.
SHOP: The Best Red Coats On The High Street
Editor's choice
www.reiss.com
Ah, Reiss. What a versatile yet sophisticated brand that we all A) know and B) love. The brand's clothing is top-tier when it comes to chicness, and their Emile coat is absolutely no exception. Similar to Max Mara's, this Reiss Emile Wool Belted Blindseam Coat features belted detailing, so a cinched look is always on the cards.
www.lkbennett.com
Catherine was spotted wearing the exact coat on her 2022 trip to Anglesey. Appropriately named the Spencer Red Snaffle-Detail Coat, this red coat is made from a recycled wool blend crafted by sustainability and high-end fabric brand Manteco. Pair with long trousers and a muted blouse for the ultimate autumn and winter look.
www.phase-eight.com
Cut from a wool-rich blend and designed with a slim-fitting silhouette, you can guarantee heads will turn if you're spotted wearing Phase Eight's Lydia Wool Coat. The back vent detailing adds another layer of sophistication to this coat.
www.mytheresa.com
The Zenith Coat by Max Mara conveys two things: contemporary clothing with added elegance. Its belted tie front is perfect if you're looking for a modest coat with an optional revealing twist.
www.frenchconnection.com
A belted coat is a great wardrobe addition for cooler climates, as it keeps you looking chic while simultaneously keeping you warm on those chilly winter days. This French Connection Platform Felt Crossover Coat complements any occasion, from a weekly commute to or weekend plan.
www.wolfandbadger.com
A twist on your regular red coat, this Julia Allert Fashion Red Lacquered Trench Coat steals the show and makes its presence known on all coat hangers in any wardrobe. A street styler's dream, you could dress this coat up and down - it really just depends on what look you want to achieve.
www.tedbaker.com
Similar to Catherine's LK Bennett coat, this Ted Baker Rose Wool Wrap Coat comes in a show-stopping shade of red, with dramatic collar detailing and a singular button for those chilly evenings. The metallic tipping on the belt is another aspect of this coat that we love and adds another layer of chic to this already attractive wardrobe staple.
How To Style A Red Coat
Choosing the right clothes to complement a daring red coat is particularly important as it makes or breaks your outfit. What you want is for your coat to take centre stage, and you can achieve this by wearing muted and neutral colours.
Pair your red coat with wide-legged tailored trousers and a plain white knitted jumper for a chic and casual autumn look. If you're heading to the office, dress down with some plain white trainers (Veja's are a good choice) or dress up with your favourite pair of pointed-toe kitten heels or boots.
Who Styles The Princess Of Wales?
We imagine that styling yourself for every occasion would get, well, tiring after so long. Catherine has a lot of events and appearances to style herself for, so it makes sense for her to have a trustworthy stylist who knows their stuff.
Enter Natasha Archer: the stylist in charge of the many looks worn by The Princess Of Wales, including those worn on royal tours and other similar events. She is one of the most photographed women in the world, she must dress her best at all times. It's no surprise the best designer coats are usually a feature during her daily errand runs.