The Only 5 Coat Trends Any of Us Will Actually Wear This Season
This season’s coat trends can be summed up in five words: Go big or go home. It’s not an understatement to say that coats are huge this coming season, and pretty much in every way you can think of—whether that’s to do with the shape, the length or just the colour.
Bold is what you’re going to want to aim for. That said, IRL, the floor-length coat that looks spectacular sweeping behind a model on the runway doesn’t come across as chic when it’s collecting pavement paraphernalia and getting stuck in car doors.
Then how should the A/W 19 coat trends be altered to suit an actual wardrobe that needs to be practical but stylish? Below, I’ve narrowed down the five coats you’ll actually wear this coming season. Some are true to the catwalk, and others are inspired by what you’ve seen from some of the biggest designers.
It’s also worth noting that a lot of these trends cross over or even tick two trend boxes, which is ideal, considering this will be one of your big buys of the year. Keep scrolling to see which trends that you’ll actually wear and where to shop them now.
1. Souped-Up Trench
Clockwise: JW Anderson, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Valentino
It was love at first coat sight. Yes, of course, we’re talking about the oversized JW Anderson trench. The puffed sleeves were enough to make anyone reconsider their classic trench and make a beeline for any oversized belted version. Of course, it’s not just beige trenches that got the souped-up treatment—there were also larger vinyl versions too with large loose sleeves.
2. The Maxi Coat
Clockwise: Max Mara, Balenciaga, Kristina Fidelskaya, Balenciaga
This could really refer to any kind of oversized coat, but in this case, it’s about a seriously long piece of outerwear that only allows footwear to be seen when buttoned up. This isn’t the most practical of coats, however, as speaking for those of us under 5’3”, these styles can end up dragging on the floor. Opt for a long coat, but make sure you won’t be falling over it by getting it hemmed if needed.
3. The Hot-Pink Coat
Left to Right: Jacquemus, Valentino
The hot-pink trench coat (oversized, of course) from Jacquemus was another piece that got people talking during fashion week. This time, it’s less about the style of coat and much more about opting for a bold colour. Pink might not be for everyone, but you can guarantee it’ll make a statement.
4. The Fluffy Coat
Clockwise: Max Mara, Stella McCartney, Stella McCartney, Celine
Fluffy coats come around every year, but this time it’s not just of the faux-fur variety. While Stella McCartney’s versions have caught our eye, there’s also Max Mara’s turquoise alpaca wool teddy-bear coat that we’re seriously considering.
5. The Cape
Left to Right: Valentino, Celine
The cape hasn’t been around for a while, but now it’s back, and we’re more than ready for 2019’s version of it. Instead of a twee schoolgirl vibe, this time it’s chicer. Over at Valentino, there were floor-grazing styles, but Celine’s version was part laid-back, park rock ’n’ roll.
Want more? Check out the rest of the biggest autumn/winter 2019 trends here.
Opening Image: Getty

Elinor Block was one of the earliest team members of Who What Wear UK, starting her tenure working across both Who What Wear and Byrdie, which were owned by the original parent company, Clique, at the time. Her specialism in fashion and beauty established her multifaceted role as Assistant Editor, which she developed over six years from 2016 to 2022 to become Deputy Editor. She is now the Head of Editorial at fashion tech company Drest.
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