Our editors love the Swedish brand COS, especially for two specific items: cashmere sweaters and outerwear. Executive shopping director Bobby Schuessler and associate editorial director Eliza Huber are two of its biggest fans on our team—both of which have chic, elevated style.

Every fall and winter, there's one item from the retailer that ends up going viral. For example, last year, I kept seeing the now sold-out Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat all over TikTok. This year, the Wool-Blend Mock-Neck Jacket has been trending so far.

Going through the coats and jackets section, I also found two other pieces that stood out: the minimalist black Double-Faced Wool Scarf Short Jacket and the statement red Sculptural Cotton Swing Coat. Below, shop these and more COS coats and jackets.

My Favorite COS Outerwear

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Another day, another standout Zara drop. The retailer is famous for of-the-moment new arrivals, so it's no surprise I'm back with another dedicated edit. I was doing my weekly browse, as one does, and while all of its new arrivals are strong, I noticed one category that's particularly noteworthy right now: the coats. Although we're still a few weeks out from the official start of winter, Zara is ahead of the curve with so many gorgeous options I simply had to share.

Zara's coat range touches on all the season's biggest trends. Think jacquard textures, faux-fur collars, velvet silhouettes, frog-closure details, and, of course, funnel necks galore. Its selection is so good right now I can virtually guarantee certain styles will be sold out before temperatures start to drop. To ensure you don't miss out, I've put together a list of the best options for winter 2026. Keep scrolling for 33 standout Zara coats that are sure to go quickly.

Not a leather jacket, not a bomber. In 2026, the chicest dressers are trading those in for house coats. Don't believe me? Jennifer Lawrence, just stepped out from her New York digs in one of the chicest iterations on the market right now. Topping the wish lists of every fashion person I know, Colleen Allen's covetable House Coat (£2500) comes in a floor-skimming silhouette, rendered in a vibrant acidic yellow shade, complete with a supple velvet finish.

Not dissimilar to the ornate jacket and opera coat trends that have gained traction this season, the house coat offers a similarly glamorous feel in a more pared-back package. The sweeping silhouette and sumptuous fabric bring plenty of drama, whilst the fundementally unfussy design keeps things wearable.

Styling hers over a simple white tee with black trousers and a woven bag, Jennifer kept the rest of her look understated. She swept her hair back with an oversized scrunchie, shielded her eyes with black sunglasses and finished with a pair of velvet slipper-style flats, making the statement coat feel laid-back and cool.

An easy way to elevate a simple winter look, the house coat is one trend I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more of this season. Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence's latest look, read on to discover the house coats I'm eyeing up right now.

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Winter is coming, which means one thing: It's all about the coat, whether you choose a statement fur-trimmed jacket or an elegant wool topcoat. Once the temperature drops below freezing, you'll be running to J.Crew for a new winter coat, and with its new arrivals, there's plenty to choose from. If you want my expert shopping opinion, I'd go with the Valentina Scarf Coat, which features a built-in scarf (a trend that was widely popular with the fashion crowd last season and is expected to win favor again), or the 1986 Barn Jacket in Faux Shearling, which is a nostalgic reimagining of the iconic 1986 J.Crew barn jacket with furry flair.

If neither of those piques your interest, keep scrolling for a thoughtful edit of the best J.Crew coats for winter. Whichever one you decide on, promise me you'll pair it with an equally chic J.Crew new arrival, like the Vintage Wool Rollneck.

Shop the Best J.Crew Coats for Winter 2026

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We're quickly approaching winter travel season, and there's no harm in starting to think about cold-weather airport outfits now. A great place to look for inspiration is stylish celebrities who are regularly spotted at airports around the world, and Katie Holmes is one of the latest, paying a visit to JFK earlier this week.

As anyone who has ever traveled during winter knows, you're going to have to wear your coat or jacket on the plane unless you have limitless luggage space. That's exactly what Holmes did, and the outerwear trend she chose—a printed coat/jacket—is quickly becoming an It item this season. Holmes opted to wear a cropped black-and-white checked coat with her white button-down, jeans, and black loafers. Instead of wearing a coat or jacket in a solid neutral that subtly blends in, she made it the focal point of the otherwise simple outfit. Even if you decide to wear something casual for your winter flights, such as leggings or sweats, a printed jacket or coat will elevate your outfit in an instant.

The verdict is that a printed coat—whether checked, brocade, or animal print, to name a few popular options—is the key to chic winter airport outfits. Keep scrolling to shop my carefully selected favorites.

As Seen on Katie Holmes at JFK

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As someone who wears sneakers more during the winter than any other time of year, I'm always on the hunt for fresh ways to style them. Elegant styling ideas, in particular, are what I seek out for my winter sneaker outfits. As Jennifer Lawrence just displayed while out in NYC, it doesn't take much to give your sneakers an elegant upgrade with winter pieces, especially the two she just paired with her jeans and Vans Authentic Sneakers.

The items in question are a camel coat and a long pendant necklace. The former adds a chic, classic touch, while the latter adds a trend-forward one. Both are easy to throw on as you're heading out the door, and the amount of low-key elegance they add to any sneaker style is undeniable. See for yourself via Lawrence's outfit and shop camel coats, long pendant necklaces, and sneakers to wear together this winter.

On Jennifer Lawrence

On Jennifer Lawrence: Dior sunglasses; Loro Piana Dwight Belted Silk Coat ($6025); Vans Authentic Shoes ($60)

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In my opinion, winter's arrival is no excuse to resign yourself to a rotation of black, beige and brown. As the days grow drearier and the nights draw in, I'd argue it's actually the perfect time to introduce some colour into your wardrobe, if only for the mood-boosting benefits. Which is exactly why I'll be taking my winter styling cues from Hailey Bieber, who this week brought a welcome pop of cobalt blue to an otherwise all-black outfit.

A favourite shade among fashion insiders, this punchy blue is poised to have a major moment this season, as a wider shift towards bolder, more attention-grabbing colours gathers momentum.

Among the first celebrities I've spotted embracing the trend this season, Hailey Bieber swapped the predictable beige wrap coat for a sleek, single-breasted style in the striking shade. And while Bieber might be among the first to champion the colour this season, brands are already delivering chic outerwear in the vibrant hue—all signs that this trend is one to watch.

If you're looking for an easy way to breathe new life into your winter rotation, read on to shop the cobalt-blue coats I'm recommending below.

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I'm not trying to brag, but I get a lot of compliments on my winter outfits. To me, there's an easy elegance to cold-weather styling, and as someone who works in fashion, I'm often asked for advice on building the perfect capsule for polished winter dressing that feels effortless. Of course, every wardrobe edit needs its slightly “trendier” pieces, and even as a minimalist, I like to dip my toes into trends now and then to add interest to my looks. However, I’ll forever be a classic dresser at my core, and whilst it's all well and good to hop on the latest fad, the most put-together collections are built on those ageless staples that can be relied upon time after time.

Most recently, some of the women in my life wanted my help curating a winter capsule wardrobe that's versatile, easy to throw on and timeless enough to stand the test of time. And after a quick browse of my saved folder on Instagram, I was able to create an easy but chic winter wardrobe that feels fresh for 2026 but remains classic enough to wear on repeat for years to come. Think elevated basics that can be dressed up and down with ease, mixed and matched to create a wide range of looks and, most importantly, will never look tired.

The best part? I'm sharing the exact edit below—shopping links and all! So if you, too, are in the mood for an elegant wardrobe refresh for the new season, keep scrolling to discover my seven-piece winter capsule wardrobe. From designer outerwear investments you’ll reach for year after year to affordable accessories that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, below you’ll find the staples that will see you through the rest of 2026 (and way beyond).

I Just Built a Polished Winter Capsule Wardrobe With These 7 Staples

1. Boxy Wool Coat

Style Notes: I’ve spent this unusually long autumn longing for the days when my heavier outerwear styles can act as the focal points of my outfits, and for winter 2026, there’s nothing that will bring instant polish like a boxy wool coat. Not only is this more tailored silhouette a proportional dream, bringing definition to an outfit, but the sharp shoulders will look considered and intentional, even when paired with the most casual of staples. Personally? I’ll be using this all-round excellent outerwear style to dress up my jeans and relaxed jumpers for the office.

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2. Crew-Neck Jumper

Style Notes: No knit feels quite as versatile as a crew-neck jumper. The rounded shape helps to balance out shoulder width without making, plus this smooth neckline fits seamlessly under coats, jackets and blazers. Not to mention, they can be dressed up and down for any occasion with ease, from pairing well with jeans and ballet pumps for the day to a slip skirt and knee-high boots for an evening out with friends. Of course, you can find expensive-looking iterations at every price point; however, to keep your outfits looking polished, prioritise natural fibres and muted hues.

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3. Straight Jeans

Style Notes: I was very grateful for my linen and cotton trousers earlier in the year, but as soon as temperatures started to drop, I packed them away to make room for my trusty denim. Comfortable, easy to style and timeless, a pair of jeans has a place in my capsule wardrobe no matter the time of year. My silhouette of choice for winter 2026? Elegant straight and stovepipe cuts that feel smart enough for the office and also bring that ‘90s edge that I love. And the best part is that this staple looks expensive at any price point, from budget-friendly H&M buys that can easily pass as designer to investments from Khaite and Saint Laurent that you’ll keep forever.

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4. Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: Boot season is finally here! And the first pair I'll be reaching for is sleek knee-highs that practically create my outfit for me. Heels or flats, leather or suede or croc, I know I'm going to live in this footwear staple from now until next spring. Not only will they look extremely chic with a pair of leggings or straight-leg jeans tucked into them, but they’ll also bring a sense of comfort when I’m wearing a miniskirt and want slightly more coverage. The gorgeous burgundy Jimmy Choo pair below has been on my wish list for years now, but there are also plenty of more affordable options that I currently have my eye on.

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5. Bowling Bag

Style Notes: If you appreciate a good handbag as much as I do, you probably agree that the right bag has the power to completely change your outfit. And after hours of browsing the feeds of my favourite fashion influencers, it turns out the trending silhouette for winter 2026 is not actually new by any means, but rather the classic bowling bags that have dominated the wardrobes of chic dressers for years. It’s timeless, elegant, and roomy enough to fit all of my essentials. To keep your outfit looking expensive, stick to natural materials like leather and suede, as well as neutral hues that won’t date.

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6. Pleated Skirt

Style Notes: When jeans feel a little too casual, I always reach for a midi skirt, and pleated iterations in particular have found their way back into the wardrobes of elegant dressers for winter 2026. Gone are the days when this preppy style was considered "dated"; now, pleated skirts are very much appreciated for their ability to bring an instant sense of polish to an outfit, pairing well with boots, heels and loafers alike. They’re sleek and polished, and the length sits well within my comfort zone as someone who tends to stick to the more modest side of dressing.

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7. Fringe Scarf

Style Notes: Every capsule wardrobe needs at least one trend-led item to keep things feeling fresh and current, and for winter 2026, I’m all about the fringe scarf. A statement accessory that somehow also manages to feel inherently sophisticated, a fringe scarf will look good draped around the neck or waist this season. It’s the perfect staple for minimalists, bringing texture and movement to an otherwise pared-back outfit without the need for the bold colours or busy patterns that feel a little too out there for pared-back dressers like me. Not to mention, it gives a subtle nod to the "opera dressing" aesthetic that’s set to dominate this season.

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In fashion, it's not the big things that determine whether your style is enviable. Usually, it's the minute details, like how you tuck a shirt into jeans or the vamp you choose on a pair of pumps. In today's particular case of "she gets it," Olivia Munn proved this point, specifically selecting not just any car coat—a style that's trendy in its own right—but a trapeze car coat, and that distinction makes the outfit.

Munn, who has been on a fashion tear lately, wearing both archival Giorgio Armani and fall/winter 1992 Bob Mackie for the 2026 Academy Museum Gala this month, was spotted in New York doing it again, but this time in a far subtler (yet still impactful) way. The actress wore a simple black turtleneck with tailored trousers and sleek ankle boots for a day of press. She finished off the look in a perfect way for the impending winter weather: with a trapeze car coat.

WHO: Olivia Munn

What makes this exact car coat style so noteworthy is the polish and glamour it provides to every outfit. It feels reminiscent of a different time in fashion, when clothes had a little more swing to them and it didn't matter where you were going; you always had on something elegant.

The best example of her trapeze car coat, in my opinion, is Nour Hammour Jane Coat, which seamlessly combines the casual nature of a trench coat with the opulence that comes with an exaggerated A-line shape. The way it moves is really the key, and this particular car coat is nothing if not graceful in motion.

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As if overnight, winter seems to have arrived, and if you're anything like me, you might have spent this morning rummaging through the depths of your wardrobe for last season's coat to ward off the chill. With outerwear on my mind, I've been keeping an eye out for the new-season silhouettes that feel most relevant for winter 2026.

Right on cue, Alexa Chung stepped out in London wearing the very coat trend I've got my eye on for the season ahead. Strolling through leafy London streets, the model and presenter wrapped her jeans-and-T-shirt outfit in a long-line grey coat, finished with a covetable fur-trimmed collar.

Tracing the nape of her neck, the fluffy detail brought some drama to her otherwise understated look, in keeping with Alexa's typically unfussy approach to dressing. Fur-trimmed finishes have been emerging as a key trend this season, as designers embrace more ornate details, a touch of whimsy and a little extra drama in our winter wardrobes.

Even better, Alexa skipped a fresh-from-the-runway design in favour of an elegant wrap coat from high-street favourite Aligne. Opting for the brand's George Faux-Fur Collar Wrap Coat (£295), she picked hers up in a pale shade of slate grey, but the in-demand style also comes in navy and black. If you're tempted to introduce a little more drama into your winter wardrobe but aren't quite ready to embrace the opera coat trend, this feels like the perfect everyday alternative.

Whilst Alexa used hers to elevate the humble jeans-and-T-shirt combination, I can see this style working just as well layered over a sleek, figure-skimming dress.

Inspired? Read on to shop Alexa-worthy coats below.

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I truly believe there are few wardrobe items quite as chic as a long-line, ankle-grazing coat. Draping over an outfit, these encompassing coats bring polish and cohesion that, in my eyes, have always worked best with a boot. So, when I spotted Dua Lipa strolling down the street in a long-line trench and trainers, I couldn't help but take note.

I'd have assumed that trainers might take away from the sleekness of a maxi coat—I would have been wrong. Her black pair, free from bold colours or fussy details, felt as streamlined as the dark grey coat above them, creating a considered pairing.

Layering a pale grey hoodie beneath her winter coat, she finished the outfit with black leggings, whilst the dark trainers reinforced the outfit's pared-back feel in a way that white trainers simply wouldn't have.

A long-line coat remains one of my favourite ways to elevate an outfit through winter, and Dua has reminded me that boots simply aren't the only way to style them.

Last fall, I asked a colleague where their coat was from, and to my surprise, I was met with the age-old response: "It's from Zara." It was a simple yet chic black high-neck wool coat. Another category I remember this happening with over the years is the brand's shoes. Since our editors and readers are longtime Zara fans, I went through hundreds of the retailer's product pages to curate an edit of the best outerwear and shoes right now.

For fall 2026 coats and jackets, my mind first went to classic wool coats, and while scrolling, I found many different silhouettes depending on your preference: high-neck, oversize, double-breasted, single-breasted, and belted. Another staple of the season is trench coats, with a variety of timeless options available for $119.

In the shoe department, knee-high boots, ballet flats, sporty Mary Janes, and pointed-toe kitten heels are the standouts, starting under $60. Shop these and more ahead.

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As soon as the temperature drops and the light, long evenings of summer start to fade into distant memory, there is one thing that instantly springs to mind: coats. Now, if you hear that word and wonder if I’ve gone mad (as it's quite clearly jacket season), I promise I haven’t. There is a shearling-trimmed silhouette perfect for capturing the cool, slightly retro energy that wardrobes always seem to circle back to when cooler weather rolls around—the "Penny Lane" coat.

Now, it must be said: this isn't the first time the style has soared in popularity. Better known as the Afghan coat, it was first popularised in the West during the ‘60s and ‘70s, when travellers returning from the Hippie Trail brought back handmade sheepskin coats from places like Kabul and Kandahar. Cosy, practical and beautifully embroidered with distinctly Central Asian design, the coat quickly became a favourite amongst the legends of the time—think Jane Birkin and John Lennon, Janis Joplin and David Bowie; who were often photographed in this shaggy-trimmed style. And as the silhouette evolved, it became synonymous with the free-spirited, bohemian sensibility of the era, making it a symbol of the artistic and wholly anti-establishment crowd that championed it.

Fast-forward to the 2000s and the style was given a second lease of life, thanks in no small part to Kate Hudson’s portrayal of Penny Lane in Almost Famous. A character (and film) so iconic that she effectively renamed a coat for an entire generation. After all, as the now-infamous line goes: “This is Penny Lane. Show her some respect”. And just like that, the Afghan became the Penny Lane, and cemented itself in fashion folklore.

It girls like Mischa Barton in The O.C., Paris Hilton and Britney Spears would gravitate to the style for its rock ’n’ roll muses and dream girl sensibility. And whether styled with straight-leg jeans, a camo print bag and Moon Boots, or low-waisted tailored trousers and a cropped T-shirt, this gloriously shaggy shearling coat has a slightly undone glamour that just makes sense.

Now in a new era obsessed with nostalgia and personality-driven maximalism, the coats are back in the cultural zeitgeist, and become a talking point all over again. In 2014, Copenhagen-based brand Saks Potts turned the style into a household name, ushering faux-fur trims back into the conversation. And today you can’t think of the Penny Lane coat without thinking of one name—Charlotte Simone. The London-based label has practically made the silhouette its signature, turning shaggy, vintage-inspired outerwear into a must-have for the modern It girl. And for Simone, the inspiration behind this cult favourite is deeply personal.

"The Penny started with a coat I found hanging in my grandma’s wardrobe," notes Simone. "I’d always loved rummaging through her clothes, but this one stopped me in my tracks. It was a true sixties piece, with the most beautiful shape, and you could tell it had been really worn, loved and lived in. I remember thinking that this is what a coat should be, something with a story, and made to last a lifetime... So when it came to designing our first coat, I kept in mind that spirit and silhouette I’d fallen for."

That same sense of nostalgia continues to shape the brand's approach to outerwear and as Simone explains, “I’ve always believed a coat can be the whole outfit, and that idea really came from my grandma.” With everyone from Kate and Lila Moss to Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski counting themselves as fans of the brand, Charlotte's Penny Lane Coats have become something of the uniform of the style-conscious.

With so many styles on the market right now, the Penny Lane coat is only going to continue to grow in popularity as the weather gets cooler. Want to try the trend for yourself? Keep scrolling to see and shop the very best on the market right now.

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There are two things I know for sure: Outfit repeating is the new "wear it once and never again," and donning a silk robe coat with capri pants is the ultimate It-girl indicator for fall and winter this year. Want to know how I know? Laura Harrier just checked off both boxes, rewearing the exact Conner Ives robe coat and capri pants that she previously wore in Paris for an after-party held during Paris Fashion Week. The ensemble—which includes the designer's viral Demi Couture embroidered robe coat with fur trim, a pair of pedal pushers, kitten-heel mules, and a vintage Hermès mini pochette bag—was then reworn this weekend for a soirée at Chateau Marmont. With an outfit this good, can you blame her for wanting to wear it again?

Harrier's Silk Robe Coat and Capris in Paris

On Laura Harrier: Conner Ives The Demi Couture Reconstituted Vintage Fur and Silk Robe ($8607); Hermès bag

Her look wins because it's perfect for transitional weather, whether you're in Paris or Los Angeles. Ives's robe coat is something you want to wear all the time, but pairing it with pants would be too much when temperatures are still fairly high. Opting for capris gives the coat more life. Once true fall and eventually winter hit, trade in the capris for vintage Levi's or a column skirt to combat the chillier weather.

Harrier's Silk Robe Coat and Capris in Paris

On Laura Harrier: Conner Ives The Demi Couture Reconstituted Vintage Fur and Silk Robe ($8607); Hermès bag

If you needed a sign to either rewear your favorite transitional fall outfit or invest in a silk robe coat (or both), let Harrier's use of both stir you into action. See? Looking like an It girl isn't complicated. Start the process by shopping the similar coat options below.

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If you've read any of my articles for Who What Wear before (I've certainly written a lot of them over the last six years), you'll know by now that my favourite fashion finds are the ones that look incredibly expensive, with price tags that say otherwise. Right now, M&S just cannot be beaten when it comes to securing such pieces. In fact, the new season fashion at the UK's favourite high-street haunt is so good that I'm finding myself refreshing the new-in section of their website daily, in fear of missing one of their seriously designer-looking steals.

Keeping such a close eye on the new collection stands me in good stead to share with you the best Marks and Spencer buys I think you'd be a fool not to invest in for winter 2026. Yes, autumn may have only just arrived, but we all know the best M&S pieces fly off the shelves, so I'd suggest getting ahead of the seasonal rush to avoid missing out on a standout coat you'll need when temperatures drop.

So, what are the highlights? I'm talking sumptuous faux-fur coats and beautifully cut wool outerwear; sleek leather boots, elegant flats and directional asymmetric blazers. In fact, many styles have come straight from the brand’s recent London Fashion Week catwalk show, which is bringing a distinctly high-fashion feel to the high street once again.

Below, you'll fine nine exceptional pieces that immediately caught my eye (and had me adding them straight to my own basket), plus even more of the best M&S winter buys for 2026 worth discovering now.

Shop the 9 Most Expensive-Looking M&S Winter Buys for 2026

Shop More of the Best M&S Winter 2026 Buys

I can’t be the only one who’s actually looking forward to the temperature dropping here in the UK. I’ve just always found that colder weather lends itself to a sleeker, more polished style of dressing. So, with autumn officially here and winter not far behind, I’ve decided that my first purchase of the season will be a new jacket.

You see, as someone who sticks to the more minimalist side of dressing, I like to use my outerwear as my designated “trend” pieces that can act as the point of interest in my otherwise pared-back outfits. And with this, I decided that before making any sudden purchases, I’d take a browse at the autumn/winter 2026 runway shows to find out which jacket trends are set to dominate the upcoming season.

And after hours spent scouring the lookbooks of my favourite luxury fashion houses, believe me when I say that winter’s hottest outerwear styles did not disappoint. Each trend strikes the perfect balance between looking elevated, feeling wearable and remaining classic enough to last in my winter capsule wardrobe for many years to come.

So, if you're also looking for some outerwear inspiration to help you decide what to invest in for the new season, keep scrolling below; I’ve rounded up the seven elevated but elegant jacket trends I’ll be buying into for winter 2026 (and beyond, of course).

7 Jacket Trends Set to Dominate Winter 2026

1. Funnel-Neck

Style Notes: If you want your outfits to look thought-out and intentional, look no further than a funnel-neck jacket. This outerwear style will do all of the talking for you, meaning you can keep the rest of your clothes and accessories super simple, not to mention that there’s just something about a high-neck silhouette that looks extremely polished, even when worn with more casual basics such as jeans and a classic tee. But don’t just take it from me; designers such as Victoria Beckham, Isabel Marant and Ujoh are all championing this sophisticated coat style for winter 2026.

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