6 Outdated Coat Trends—and 6 That Are in Instead

last updated 30 October 2019

Fall has been here for a little while, but it wasn't until just recently that we started taking it seriously. The temperatures have dropped, and we've officially swapped out our summer wardrobes for good. If you're as shopping-obsessed as we think you are, you've already had time to look at your closet and feel like you're ready to update the array of coats you wore for what felt like 24/7 last year. While we're not here to tell you to get rid of all of your beloved last-season coats, we are here to suggest that some of the coats in your closet take a seat on the back burner, at least for the time being.

Fear not, because for each coat trend we're recommending you store away, we're providing a counter coat trend that is currently blowing up this fall. These new outerwear styles are fresh and exciting, and considering the number of times you wear your go-to coats all throughout fall and winter, taking the time to educate yourself on all the newbies is a wise choice. Ahead, read up on the six coat trends that dominated the F/W 19 runways and shop our favorite versions of each.

Not Buying: Robe Coats

Buying: Fancy Trenches

Robe coats have been feeling a bit tired, so at least for this season, opt for a fancy trench. Thanks to designers like Versace and JW Anderson, the rise of the statement trench is convincing fashion girls everywhere that this is the outerwear piece to be seen in this fall.

Shop the trend:

English Factory

Combo Tartan Trench

ASOS Curve

Trench Coat With Checked Splicing

Pixie Market

Brown Oversize Trench Coat

Not Buying: Glossy Vinyl

Buying: Classic Leather

What started as an obsession with the high-shine trend has come to a screeching halt as designers and consumers alike have toned it down a bit and are reverting to classic leather coats instead. No fuss, no intimidating shine, just timeless leather that is 100% worth the investment.

Shop the trend:

Matériel

Belted Layered Faux Leather Trench Coat

Unique21

Hero Plus Faux Leather Belted Maxi Coat

BlankNYC

Faux Leather Trench Coat

Not Buying: Color-Block

Buying: Houndstooth

Checks and plaids will always be trending around this time a year, but for F/W 19, we saw a rise in houndstooth, specifically, and it feels so fresh. This season, instead of trying to make a statement with a color-blocked coat, which was once a popular trend, stay ahead of the curve and wear this loud print instead.

Shop the trend:

H&M

Oversized Wool-Blend Coat

Stine Goya

Celeste Houndstooth Wool-Blend Coat

Zara

Houndstooth Coat

Not Buying: Knee-Length

Buying: Capes

Knee-length peacoat-type coats are quickly being replaced by not only maxi coats (another major outerwear trend this season) but also a cozier style: capes. Some women love a good cape come fall and winter, while others can easily be intimidated by the trend. Take note from Celine and its bourgeoise styling, and quickly that fear will dissolve away, and you'll be left with a cozy cape to cuddle up in.

Shop the trend:

Isabel Marant Étoile

Gabin Cape

Addition Elle

Hi-Low Wool Cape Addition Elle

Rag & Bone

Contrast Trim Cape

Not Buying: Red

Buying: Hot Pink

Remember when everyone was buying a red coat to stand out from the crowd? Well, that color wave has officially passed, and the sartorial world is now on to hot pink. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise due to the rise of this color trend all throughout fashion month, but alas, we're here to remind you it's still a key player.

Shop the trend:

& Other Stories

Wool Blend Belted Overshirt Jacket

Jacquemus

Sabe Coat

Saks Potts

Foxy Neon Belted Shearling-Trimmed Patent Leather Coat

Not Buying: Supersize Puffers

Buying: Tied-Up Classics

Last but not least, we have tied coats. While this trend applies to styles beyond faux fur, we felt this iteration was the coolest, so that's what you'll see shopped out below. We hate to break it to you, but the supersize puffers are not only toning down this season, but they are being replaced by sleeker options like this waist-tie trend.

Shop the trend:

Vince

Long Plush Coat

Mango

Belted Faux Fur Coat

Stand Studio

Faustine Oversized Belted Double-Breasted Faux-Fur Coat

Next up, get some more fall outfit inspiration from your favorite nostalgic TV characters.

Explore More:

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.