They're Here: The 6 Popular Coat Trends That Will Define Fall and Winter

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(Image credit: Courtesy of R13)

Can you feel it? Yep, crisper weather is creeping in whether we like it or not, and before we know it, we'll be transitioning from the light jackets we're living in now to heavy-duty outerwear. That's right. It's time to talk about coats. As much as we lament the transition from fall to winter, the upside is that we get a fresh batch of coat trends to relish in.

As style people, we're always looking to our favorite retailers and fashion friends on Instagram to inform what's new and what's next. And when it comes to coat weather, we've officially spotted six new trends that will be the most important for the season ahead. From the fresh leather toppers to the new-age puffer coats and shackets that make the seasonal transition much easier, continue on to read our 2021 outerwear report and to shop our favorites within each category.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada; Courtesy of Hermès; Courtesy of Stella McCartney)

It had been a few years since bomber jackets were in the spotlight, and per the predictability of the trend cycle, it was about time they made their return. The styles we're seeing this time vary in silhouette (Prada's were notably oversize, while Stella McCartney and Hermès presented shorter, cropped styles), but the overarching theme is the sleek and put-together styling.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Heron Preston)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Isabel Marant; Courtesy of Tom Ford; Courtesy of Lanvin)

As events and parties come racing back onto our calendars, it only makes sense that occasion outerwear would as well. Designers such as Tom Ford and Lanvin are offering up pretty peacoats and dressier toppers that honestly make for strong looks on their own.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Isabel Marant)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Simone Rocha)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini; Courtesy of Jil Sander; Courtesy of Kwaidan Editions)

If you ask us, the best part about this time of year is the ability to wear lots of leather. While the past few seasons have been all about classic black leather pieces, we can't deny that there's a return to bright and bold hues for fall 2021, with primary colors like cobalt blue and cherry red at the forefront.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Staud)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Helmstedt; Courtesy of Lemaire; Courtesy of Nehera)

Coats so puffy and cloud-like that you're tempted to take a nap in them—that's the vibe for fall and winter. Plenty of designers, from Balmain to Bevza, are on board, showing quilted puffer coats in their collections that ranged from over-the-top voluminous pieces to understated and sleek silhouettes with a touch of puffiness.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Balmain)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bevza)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Simkhai; Courtesy of Thebe Magugu; Courtesy of Marni)

From ponchos to capes and luxurious knit wraps, there's no denying an overall theme of being wrapped up in a cozy outer layer. If last year was all about loungewear for the indoors, this trend indicates that we're still in our cozy mood but are ready for something that can be taken outside, too.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Nanushka)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of No. 21; Courtesy of Dior; Courtesy of Rokh)

While animal prints, in general, are relatively trend-proof, classic leopard print specifically is bubbling up as a coat trend to watch this fall. Per the dozens of designers who featured leopard looks in their collections, we fully expect them to have a moment again this season, but as a timeless piece in and of itself, it's a "buy now, wear forever" kind of thing.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Rokh)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Etro)

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Up next, see the two-piece outfit trend that's already defining fall style.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.