There's no true explanation for my recent hyperfixation; after all, it is only July, and the NYC forecast isn't calling for faux fur, but it'd be fair to say my sudden interest in fall outerwear was sparked by seeing Taylor Swift in an Auter peacoat. While my current outfit rotation consists of a Montce bikini, linen shorts, and a lace-trimmed cover-up, the idea of a cozy fall coat sounds appealing. If you're familiar with the celeb-backed brand, it makes sense that an Auter piece was the one that made this NYC fashion person pray for fall.

For those few unfamiliar with Auter, here's a quick crash course. Celebrity stylist Rob Zangardi founded Auter in 2025 on the conviction that "the coat makes the outfit," he told us in a previous Who What Wear interview. Its collections span faux-fur beauties, effortless bombers, luxe trench coats, and Italian leather jackets. Zangardi's attention to detail and dedication to quality make this a go-to for celebrities and an obvious choice for autumn wardrobes.

If you take one thing from Swift's styling, an Auter coat calls for a chic pair of knee-high boots. Outside of the recent newlywed, celebrities such as Lily Collins and Jennifer Lopez have been known to rock Auter pieces.

So if you're like me and all this talk of outerwear has you excited for the change of season, I suggest getting a head start on your wardrobe. Below, shop the best fall jackets from Auter. Spoiler: The high-neck Italian Wool Peacoat and coffee color Drawstring Leather Jacket steal the spotlight.

Shop the Best Fall Jackets From Auter

Contrary to what Timothée Chalamet remarked about opera being a dying art form, the street style is proving that this centuries-old creative discipline is more relevant than ever. At least, on a sartorial front, that is. Indeed, as understated and sophisticated as they are, opera coats are proving to be quite the covetable item amongst minimalistic dressers with a penchant for everyday opulence.

Sleek, clean cut and calf-grazing, this effortlessly elegant coat style offers a luxurious styling solution for days when you want to encase your ensemble with an exterior layer inspired by the uniform of chic New York societies like Lee Radziwill, Babe Paley or C. Z. Guest. (Practically anyone who Truman Capote dubbed his “swans”.)

As the name suggests, this coat style derives from the outerwear worn by glamorous women to operas. Whilst once exclusively relegated to the cloak rooms of grand theatres like Venice’s Teatro La Fenice or Vienna’s Wiener Staatsoper, a modern desire for subverting conventions has made this piece appropriate for more mundane settings.

You need not feel like Cher attending a performance of Puccini's La Bohème alongside Nicolas Cage in Moonstruck when wearing this trend. Instead, adherents of this trend are proving just how established this silhouette can look in the aisle of a Bayley & Sage, at after-work drinks, or just cruising around your local park whilst walking your dog. The latter is on the extreme end of the spectrum, but when you have a jacket as effortlessly elegant as this, why wouldn’t you want to show it off?

This thought is precisely the reason why opera coats have become so relevant. To the Marty Supreme star’s point, occasions like watching the ballet and pursuing fine arts are becoming more of a luxury, so why not reclaim this indulgence by wearing the more extravagant pieces you might save for these grand occasions during more ordinary outings? Better still, opera coats are mostly rendered in fine fabrics like sumptuous velvet and glossy silk, meaning they lack superfluous details that make them difficult to style.

As a result, they serve as a proverbial blank canvas that can be paired with anything from stovepipe jeans and loafers to gauzy knitwear and ballet flats. Proving this point perfectly are the self-effacing styles currently available to shop. From gorgeous cotton-blends from Dries Van Noten to a knee-length version from Reformation made with fabric that moves like liquid, scroll through to shop the best opera coats that would even have Maria Callas’ heart fluttering.

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I'm a self-proclaimed outerwear connoisseur. Or at least, that's how I explain my never-ending collection of trendy jackets and coats. No look feels complete without the addition of a chic coat or jacket styled over top. They make an outfit, which explains the number of outerwear styles that have reached icon status over the years. Though none seem to be as classic and synonymous with spring as the trench coat. Since the advent of the garment in the late 1800s, it hasn't lost its charm. And while I have my fair share of trenches ready to go every spring, I'll admit I crave trench coat alternatives every now and then.

Please don't take this as shade thrown at the impeccable trench. However, with all the cool styles of coats and jackets in existence, my own creative whims just won't settle for a uniform when it comes to outerwear. I love a reliable rotation, and knowing what fashion-people-approved trench coat alternatives exist, it's easier to put together a variety of outfits for the season that feel less same-y and more unique. There will always be a place for trench coat outfits, but the following options are equally as stylish when you're ready to hang up your gabardine for a day or two.

If you love length, a silk coat will provide a similar silhouette. If you love the components of a classic trench but are craving a fresh take, a cropped trench coat might suit. Or if you're looking for something totally different, cropped jackets, denim jackets and blazers are at the ready. The ideas are endless, but the following five are a great starting point when you're looking to swap out your trench for equally chic trench coat alternatives.

5 Trench Coat Alternatives to Try This Spring

1. Technical Jacket

Style Notes: Oh, do I love the swish of a technical jacket. They're light and bring movement and shape to your outfit through a more athletic lens. But despite the casual appearance, technical and utility jackets are capable of feeling a little more elevated. Take Danielle Jinadu's look, as seen above, as an example—with trousers in a matching shade and contrasting accessories, you get a very stylish outfit.

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2. Cropped Trench Coat

Style Notes: All kinds of cropped jackets are trending this year from bombers to quilted jackets to trenches. They're a great alternative to standard-length trench coats, which aren't always necessary on warmer spring and summer days. The cut sits nicely with high-waisted trousers or voluminous skirts and is a fun way to play with proportions. London-based content creator, Liv Madeline's choice of a buttermilk button-down underneath hers plays to both the cropped and butter yellow trends.

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3. Silk Coat

Style Notes: If you love the length of a trench coat but would like to up the whimsy, I present to you silk coats. This flowing pieces look gorgeous draped over nearly any outfit and are the perfect light layer for this time of year. I'm taking Débora Rosa's vanilla-coloured option (pictured above) as a great example of how to make an all-black outfit feel fit for spring and summer.

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4. Cropped Leather Jacket

Style Notes: Leather jackets are one of my all-time favourite go-tos for making an outfit feel sleeker. A cropped version (and one in a cool cream or grey like multi-hyphante creator Absiola Omole's seen above) is an exceptional way of making this specific style of outerwear work for warmer seasons, as they don't feel or look as heavy as their relaxed and bomber-style counterparts.

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5. Denim Jackets

Style Notes: Denim jackets are so easy to style, and it's this versatility that makes them a wonderful alternative to a trench coat. They can be laid back when you pair them with cool cargo trousers, as seen above, or you can dress them up slightly by opting for a dark indigo shade for both your jacket and trousers. Like trench coats, denim jackets will always remain timeless.

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6. Blazers

Style Notes: When it's too warm for a jacket but you're in need of a chic finishing touch, you can always lean on a blazer. Take this linen version, which is a breathable and polished option for the season and works well with capri leggings—another trendy item.

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Inevitably, every spring, the trench coat comes back without fail. I see it as the foundational coat of the season, an enduring layer that never goes out of style.

Shopping for a trench coat is, of course, subjective, and there are so many kinds to choose from, no matter what your taste is. I personally prefer a single-breasted version in black, so that's what I'm currently looking out for. Other options include double-breasted styles, belted or unbelted designs, funnel-neck shapes, patterned fabrics, and a range of lengths and colors. The list goes on.

Some of my favorites are Rue Sophie’s Lea Belted Trench Coat, Barbour’s Maia Waterproof Trench Coat, and Skims’ Oversized Trench Coat. For maximalists, there’s Damson Madder’s Anja Reversible Shower-Proof Trench, English Factory’s Animal Print Trench Coat, Helsa’s Upper Westside Trench, and Lisa Says Gah’s Olson Trench Coat.

I’ve rounded up a range across various price points, from H&M’s for $55 to Burberry’s at $2295.

Shop Trench Coats

Gird your loins! It appears that Anne Hathaway is already entering Andy Sachs mode as she begins gearing up for the press tour of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Though not an official stop on the promotional odyssey, the actress was spotted overnight in Milan wearing an ensemble that can only be described as warranting one of Miranda Priestly’s rare, approving nods. (Remember, there has been only one smile on record, and that was Tom Ford in 2001.)

Whilst out for dinner with her family in the Italian fashion capital, the 43-year-old eschewed every part of her inner sciura, which is a word describing the well-heeled and elegant women native to the city, for an outfit formula that certainly turned heads. Indeed, donning a leopard-print coat from Michael Kors Collection and flared white pants from Alo Yoga, the star completed her look with a pair of platform wooden clogs.

After making its comeback in Chemena Kamali’s debut collection as creative director for Chloé, the bohemian style has certainly worked overtime in rebuilding its public image. Once relegated to ‘70s costume parties, only worn to tend your garden, or exclusively seen in the shoe arsenals of those who take orthopaedic health very seriously, clogs have toiled hard to shed these connotations and be taken seriously as an incredibly chic, albeit still controversial, spring shoe choice.

Who better to plead this case than Hathaway herself? After all, the Academy Award winner knows all too well about garnering the appeal of the mainstream after being collectively ‘cancelled’ and, more fittingly for her character in the upcoming sequel, how the right style can completely overhaul your image. Still, she’s not alone in her adoration for this chunky silhouette. From Lily Rose-Depp wearing a pair of Dr. Scholl's for a stroll through New York, Jennifer Lawrence ditching The Row and Dior for a felted pair you can buy on Amazon and Amal Clooney making this her beach shoe du jour during a recent trip to Saint-Tropez, there’s really no better proof that clogs are worth your attention.

Sure, they might not lean into the Carmela Soprano elegance of Hathaway’s prowl-worthy jacket or the polish of her Slim Aaron-esque denim, but when you can’t have the Chanel boots, why not settle for clogs? Artistic, effortless and a little bit dramatic, scroll on ahead for the best styles to shop this season.

Shop Anne Hathaway's Leopard-Print Coat, White Jeans and Clogs:

It's been over three months since I first laid eyes on Alexa Chung wearing a butter-yellow jacquard opera coat as a dress to a Christmas dinner in London hosted by musician and producer Mike Skinner. The silk-taffeta coat had a cocoon-like shape similar to popular styles in the early 1900s, as well as a fur collar and cuffs, which Bulgarian designer Viktor Gichev, who works at One of a Kind vintage archive in London's Portobello Market, crafted using repurposed mink. It also featured a frog closure, or pankou, which are braided knots that stem from China's Tang and Song Dynasties and are traditionally found on cheongsam garments, and tassel embellishment.

I haven't stopped thinking about it since. It's been no help that most of those three months have been spent spotting similar ornate, silk coats with fur trim, on other It girls, including Margot Robbie during the Wuthering Heights tour, Kate Moss outside of the Ritz Paris, Tish Weinstock on the catwalk at the Conner Ives show during London Fashion Week, and now, on Zoë Kravitz, hand-in-hand with Harry Styles after his stint hosting Saturday Night Live last weekend. I'm guilty of forgetting the magic of fashion sometimes, whilst in the midst of it 24/7, but when you see pieces like these, it's impossible not to be filled with awe.

Gichev's designs, which are all made-to-order, have become the talk of many fashion circles, with comments of appreciation arriving under his posts from names like Camille Charriere and Adwoa Aboah. He makes them in his free time, designing Paul Poiret–esque pieces out of repurposed fabrics, like ornate curtains and more. In an interview with British Vogue, he described his practice of "letting the fabric talk."

Essentially, instead of conceptualizing a garment and then sourcing materials, he finds his antique fabrics first and lets them dictate the shape they'll be crafted into. It's this method that's responsible for the unique shape and bespoke nature of Chung's coat.

On Alexa Chung: Viktor Gichev coat

It's no wonder that this outerwear style is appearing everywhere right now—it's proven to be perfect for the confusing winter-to-spring transitional season we're currently living in. The silhouette is similar to an Afghan coat (later nicknamed a Penny Lane coat after it was featured on Kate Hudson's character of the same name in Almost Famous, circa 2000), but far more lightweight and delicate, since it's made of antique silk, as opposed to warm sheepskin like the sort that originated in Ghazni, Afghanistan in the early 20th century. What this modern interpretation lacks in practicality, though, it makes up for with artful aesthetics and unexpected versatility, with wearers styling their versions with everything from denim to gowns.

Arguably the most notable designer of today's silk coats is Conner Ives, a fellow London-based creative with high-profile friends. Moss, Weinstock, and Kravitz's lavish top layers have all come from Ives, who was born and raised in New York but moved to the UK to study at Central Saint Martins. Charriere has also posted photos wearing one of his designs, and Jennifer Lawrence wore one on the red carpet at the end of last year with a custom Armani Privé gown during her press tour for Die My Love. His designs are simultaneously everywhere and nowhere—forever discussed among stylish people, but never overexposed due to the handmade nature of his designs.

Tish Weinstock walking in the F/W 26 Conner Ives show.

Ives' fall/winter 2026 show opened with Weinstock wearing a yellow, demi couture silk tapestry coat that, according to an Instagram post by the designer, was created using large, hand-embroidered silk tapestries dating back to the Qing Dynasty, which took place between 1644 and 1911 in China, marking a period of prolific cultural and artistic achievements, according to the National Museum of Asian Art. Motifs from these preserved tapestries were cut out and hand-appliquéd onto the silhouette's silk crepe satin base to create the resulting outerwear. "A mind-numbing amount of work realized by a team that feels as passionate about craft as I do," Ives wrote. "All made locally in London."

The most recent sighting was of Kravitz, who wore a light-blue, short version with a sheer slip and vintage Manolo Blahnik sandals (sourced from The Vintage Marché). Her coat was custom-made and crafted with faux shearling derived from a wool-and-recycled polyester that Ives had on hand as dead stock from previous production. The look immediately went viral, and not only because she and Styles are one of the buzziest couples of the moment. Her coat was the star of the show, which also says a lot given that Styles had on a leopard-print Chanel jacket by Matthieu Blazy, one of the most talked-about designers in all of fashion this year. Kravitz's look was, of course, styled by her longtime stylist Danielle Goldberg.

On Zoë Kravitz: Conner Ives coat; vintage Manolo Blahnik shoes

This coat's appeal? The richness of its craft and appearance. With the price of clothing rising every day, when we invest, we want our purchases to still feel worthy of the high cost, and coats like this (whether you purchase one new from Ives or Gichev, or go the secondhand route, sourcing John Galliano–era Dior or vintage Sue Wong from eBay) will always be a good investment. So much care and time went into making them into one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art and future (or current) heirlooms. Of course, they'd be appreciated by the people who love fashion most.

Keep scrolling to shop the best versions available right now, old and new.

Preorder the Conner Ives Silk Coats

Sightings

On Kate Moss: Conner Ives Fox Fur-Trimmed Silk Robe Jacket ($9200)

Valentino haute couture 2026

On Jennifer Lawrence: Custom Armani Privé dress; Conner Ives Fox Fur-Trimmed Silk Robe Jacket ($9200); Hunting Season The Lola Bag ($595); Aquazzura sandals

Get the look: Afghan coat + graphic T-shirt + dark-wash jeans + mini bag

On Margot Robbie: Archival John Galliano spring/summer 1992 coat; Manolo Blahnik shoes; Jessica McCormack jewelry; Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses

Styled by: Andrew Mukamal

Get the look: Silk coat with fur trim + leopard-print knee-high boots

Valentino fall/winter 2026

More Similar Styles

The United Kingdom certainly holds up its end of the bargain when it comes to national stereotypes. We’re fiends for an afternoon cuppa, will travel for a pub roast and will chat incessantly about the weather. The latter is certainly a valid concern for a country marked by perennial grey skies, constant threats of showers and a frigid cold that plagues us for nearly half of the year.

In 2026 alone, the Met Office reported that certain parts of England and Wales have seen rain every single day thus far. So, it’s not hyperbolic to say that whenever someone who calls this place home is out and about, some sort of practical jacket trails close behind. The most useful of these functional staples is, undoubtedly, a raincoat. Although not the sexiest style to invest in, it cleans up for its sheer ability to withstand the rain, hail, shine and snow that curses this corner of the globe.

“Practical pieces to protect against the elements have never been more relevant,” says Emma Hill, founder of London-based womenswear label Damson Madder, citing that the modern pressures placed on the daily lives of denizens have resulted in an increased demand for clothes that sit at the intersection of style and utility. (Even if these stressors include rushing to your small plates reservation at some fashionable restaurant on a Lime bike when the TfL is delayed.)

As a result, the best raincoats on the market are those that have evolved to suit contemporary tastes whilst still providing the essential defensive purpose they’ve been built for. “I definitely believe that function and fashion can co-exist,” says Hill. “Throughout our design process, we consider the quality and practicality of our garments, whilst still making things that people are actually excited to wear; combining practical details with exciting prints, silhouettes and additional sign-offs like extra pockets and reversibility that make every garment extra special,” she adds.

Many brands are also seizing the opportunity to shift a sensible garment into something worth coveting. Because if wearing a raincoat is inevitable, why not select the chicest option available?

To celebrate the 170th anniversary of its trademark Gaberdine trench, Burberry tapped tastemakers like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Daisy Edgar-Jones to prove that the former front line uniform has become the wear everywhere. (Daniel Lee later centred the style in the heritage brand’s recent autumn/winter 2026 collection pretended during London Fashion Week.)

A little further afield, Scandinavian brands like Denmark’s Rains and Sweden’s Stutterheins are creating cool raincoats that respond to the environment they’re featured in, not rebel against it. Even in the United States, ready-to-wear brand Roucha is taking a stand on ensuring pragmatism doesn’t come at the expense of polish.

“Most raincoats have been designed like utility jackets, with very little focus on how they actually look,” explains Roucha founder, Jill Wenger. “Too often they’re positioned as just functional—neutral, safe, something you grab at the last minute when it rains—without real consideration for silhouette or style, and they just end up feeling uninspiring.”

But as fashion editors who know all too well the pitfalls of investing in dreary raincoats that make your mood feel as glum as the weather, we’re here to prove that purchasing a stylish raincoat can be an uplifting experience. From the high-street wonders you’ll forget can shield you from torrential downpours to the fit-for-purpose styles you’ll gravitate towards even when there are zero clouds in the sky, uncover the best raincoats for women ahead.

The 9 Best Raincoats for Women, As Tested by Fashion Editors

• The Best Button-Up Raincoat: Sézane Gabrio Coat, £295
• The Best Zip-Up Raincoat: Roucha Janssen Jacket, £286
• The Best Premium Raincoat: Ganni Leopard Nylon Parka Coat, £475
• The Best Technical Raincoat: Rains Suva Hardshell, £289
• The Best Raincoat With Hood: & Other Stories Technical Nylon Hooded Parka, £189

1. & Other Stories Technical Nylon Hooded Parka

Style Notes: "My friend once told me her trick to bringing joy to grey days is to wear happy colours, and I'm taking this advice with me as we near the arrival of spring showers. This season, & Other Stories is bringing a bright infusion to rainy days with this bold rust-coloured jacket. Truthfully, I tend to stick to the neutrals, but bundling up in this capacious jacket, I felt ready for any change in weather in both practicality and style.

"In terms of technical details, & Other Stories has it spot on with a hood, funnel collar, zip and popper buttons to keep you dry underneath. The jacket is fairly lightweight, which is ideal if you want to simply throw it on over your pre-styled outfit, but it wouldn't be the most insulating piece to reach for. The long length also features an elastic hem to enclose the wearer further. Personally, I think this would be a great option for summer festivals, partly due to the excellent shade and also the lightweight form." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

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2. Ganni Leopard Nylon Parka Coat

Style Notes: "After a record-breaking amount of rainfall in 2026, it’s fair to say I’ve thought more about my rainy-day wardrobe this year than ever before. And if a shake-up from gorp-girl techy anoraks and dated trench coat shapes is what you’re searching for like me, look no further than this cinched GANNI raincoat.

"I don’t believe in half-arsing things when it comes to dressing for the elements; it’s not a Margot-in-slip-dress-on-the-moors situation, it’s an in-as-many-layers-as-possible situation. Which is why I loved the head-to-toe silhouette of this animal-style jacket, you feel completely protected from the wind and the rain with the maxi length and full coverage hood. Nothing elevates the breakfast run on a Sunday quite like a leopard-print moment!" — Annie Wheatland-Clinch, assistant social media editor

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3. Damson Madder Matilda Raincoat

Style Notes: "Surely the chicest way to endure spring’s sprinkles, Damson Madder’s gingham raincoat offers the utilitarian finish that living in the UK during the spring months calls for, without sacrificing the playful styling energy that so suits London’s streets.

"Intentionally designed to be oversized—shop a smaller size if you’d like a neater fit—the various toggle fastenings allow for size customisation, whilst the hood detail, taped seams and zip detailing bring a functional finish. Worn with capri pants or a pencil skirt, the pairing cuts a city-ready silhouette, but when worn with heavyweight trousers or comfortable leggings, this jacket will add personality in droves. Whilst the beige jacket feels a little more wearable for daily drizzle, the bright pink style will lift your mood no matter the forecast.

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4. H&M Rain Parka

Style Notes: "I have to admit, before H&M’s rain parka, I hadn’t owned a raincoat since my school days. With bright yellow nylon coming to mind, I just didn’t think they could look chic. This midi black raincoat, however, is right up my street.

"It’s sleek enough to wear with my tailored trousers for the office, as well as relaxed enough to work well for casual days out as well. Not to mention that the black will very predictably pair well with my muted wardrobe. And at under £100, you can’t go wrong with this timeless style that will last in your wardrobe for years to come. My only note would be to size down as this coat has a significantly oversized fit." – Brittany Davy, junior writer

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5. Sézane Gabrio Coat

Style Notes: "When I first tried Sézane's Gabrio coat, what struck me most was how different it felt from a traditional trench or jacket. Instead of the usual structured silhouette, it’s designed almost like a cape, which immediately gives it a relaxed, slightly Parisian feel. The loose fit makes it incredibly easy to layer over chunky knits or tailoring, and the length adds just enough drama without feeling heavy. I particularly enjoyed the removable scarf detail—it’s a small touch, but it gives the coat a slightly more styled feel when you want it.

"Because the coat is unlined and made from a water-repellent organic cotton fabric, it feels light enough for spring but still protective when the weather turns unpredictable. It possesses that quiet, understated elegance Sézane does so well, and feels like exactly the sort of piece you end up reaching for again and again." — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor

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6. Roucha Janssen Jacket

Style Notes: "Despite growing up in Sydney’s beachy suburbs, you’d be surprised to learn that the city does encounter its fair share of rain. But rather than it being pithy downpours, it’s quite common to receive torrential storms that stop everything in its tracks. So, whilst England is always misty and damp, I know that I don’t have to completely bundle up in layers of nylon to avoid getting wet.

"This funnel-neck Roucha style proves that in spades. The material is lightweight but completely water-resistant, and I adore how complementary it is to whatever you’re wearing with it. I chalk this up to the trend-forward shape and shade. The poppy red colour certainly sparks joy on miserable days, and the funnel-neck silhouette helps you feel both secure and contemporary." —Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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7. Rains Suva Hardshell

Style Notes: "Chic and raincoat aren’t two words that normally go hand in hand. However, the Rains Suva Coat might have changed the game. The trench coat shape moves away from the deeply unflattering anorak-meets-bin-bag silhouette you'd see on traditional raincoats and feels perfect for days in the office. I also loved the practical length and sizeable hood, which were ready to keep me dry on the commute in." — Megan Storey, social media editor

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8. Free People Singin' in the Rain Packable Pullover

Style Notes: "It’s often hard to find the line between fashion and practicality when shopping for raincoats, but this Free People one can do both. I love the funnel-neck silhouette and the boxy shape. The off-white colour makes it super versatile with any outfit, and the yellow piping is a cool extra detailing, giving it that ‘gorp-core’ aesthetic. I picture myself wearing this with a pair of Solomons and slouchy jeans." — Natasha Wilson, video editor

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9. Sister Jane Soren Check Anorak

Style Notes: "Since moving to London, I’ve come to realise how integral a storm jacket is to the uniform of the city’s coolest men; Liam Gallagher in his Stoney Island number, Fontaine DC’s Grian Chatten and every guy you’ll find hanging at Hackney’s Moth Club on a Saturday night. So, when I came across this Sister Jane style (which is technically a men’s piece), I was intrigued as it felt so antithetical to the gorp-core, all-black styles I’ve become accustomed to.

"With a sweet check print—a pattern adopted by brands like Friends With Frank, Barbour and Damson Madder—and scalloped-edge ribbon piped along the edges, I instantly gravitated towards it for the way the silhouette subverts traditionally masculine codes. This piece felt girlish, sweet, and like a subtle way to add some escapism into my everyday wardrobe. I did find it slightly challenging to style, just as it’s not a piece I really ever wear outside of wet-weather days, but I also enjoyed how seamless it was to layer. Plus, the wax-effect exterior and made sure I was well covered in case there was any chance of a shower, while still adding a touch of whimsy to my look." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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What are Some Key Considerations When Buying a Raincoat?

According to Hill, the main factors to consider when buying a raincoat are weight and waterproofing. "You’ll want something that is breathable for warmer months, and something heavier-weight and more durable for the winter." However, if you're looking for something that you can wear year-round, opt for a style that strikes a balance between both. Wenger echoes this statement: "Opt for a lighter shell in warmer months and ensure there’s room for knitwear in winter. The silhouette should stay strong regardless of season and move with you throughout the year."

How We Tested

Who What Wear UK's editorial team rigorously tested the best raincoats to find styles that sit at the intersection of utility and elegance. Moving beyond basic functionality, the testing process focused on real-world factors like water resistance, weight (for portability), and layer-ability, which are crucial for navigating unpredictable weather conditions. After looking at the most popular styles, we whittled it down based ease, functionality and usefulness, assessing how each piece could withstand constant showers.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Cool girls everywhere, from L.A. to London, are trading in this spring classic for a chicer cropped version. The trench coat, an undeniable wardrobe staple, has undergone a major makeover. Needless to say, the cropped trench coat trend is dominating spring 2026 coat racks.

A chic trench coat outfit is a reasonable expectation for spring, but this shrunkated silhouette has unlocked something in the fashion set. Whether it's worn as a top with a column skirt or French-girl capris, or cinched with trousers, or unbuttoned with cigarette jeans, the lightweight jacket is a fresh alternative to its floor-length counterpart. These shortened trenches run the gamut—from cape-esque silhouettes to funnel-neck styles to oversize belted ones.

See how fashion people are styling the cropped trench coat trend, and then shop the best cropped versions below.

The Spring 2026 Cropped Trench Coat Trend

On the Style Set

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With the constant attention on luxury fashion, it's clear that many stylish people have their sights set on ways to elevate their closets with expensive-looking pieces each season. One way I have noticed fashion people do this with relative ease, is by incorporating a particular color into their outfit rotations: camel. The classic hue is well-known and documented for the rich and polished flair it adds to any look. With that in mind, I set out to find the best of the best camel fashion finds this season.

After scouring my favorite online haunts like Nordstrom, J.Crew, Zara, and H&M, I came up with a chic list of camel fashion finds that are guaranteed to make your outfits look more expensive in 2026. Think elevated jackets, sweaters, pants, shoes, skirts, bags, and more. Each piece is incredibly versatile, which makes it harder to pick a favorite. Keep scrolling to shop 30 camel-colored picks that will lead to many compliments in your future.

Shop Chic Camel Fashion Finds for 2026

The beginning of spring 2026 is in sight, and fashion people are already busy planning their outfits for warmer weather. One key part in the planning? Transitional pieces that get them through any end-of-winter style rut. My own prep is usually done with the help of some of my favorite fashion influencers on Instagram. I recently saved some chic outfit ideas from England to California that fit the bill, and I think you'll appreciate them just as much as I do.

Below, I break down five standout transitional looks that are easy to re-create when you are in need of inspiration over the next month or so. Each outfit has a great mix of elevated basics that come together to create effortless ensembles. Think white T-shirts, elegant outerwear, cool jeans, trendy yet classic sweaters, and more. Keep scrolling to save and shop each look.

Outfit #1

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Outfit #2

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Outfit #3

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Outfit #4

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Outfit #5

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Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

With temperatures in the single digits in New York, it would be only fitting that we talk about one of the only layers that matters to brave the cold: coats. While I’m partial to a head-to-toe down puffer to combat the elements, there’s something about having an arsenal of different coats in your closet to elevate your mood and make you feel better (and warmer) in the winter months. I’ve come to find that certain winter coats are classics to grab based on the mood, the meeting, or the day.

With every winter season, I try to revisit my coat closet to see what I can purge versus not, but these are the styles I’ve been holding onto, as they feel more classic to withstand the test of time. All of them are great on the way to work, or on the weekend, chasing around your littles. You know I love nothing better than an item that can be dressed up or dressed down. Disclaimer: While doing this story, I realized I do not own a gray coat, which may be a miss. The journey continues…

Black Puffer

You know the saying: Don’t fix what ain’t broken. This is a tried-and-true item that I have tried to resist for years, only to come to find it’s the #1 staple to getting through a cold winter. The one I am wearing is the Super Puff from Aritizia, and it is as good as the hype.

Camel Coat

To offset the black puffer, one needs a classic brown or camel coat to balance it out for those days when you need to feel a little more put together. An additional layer may be required underneath on single-digit days, but it always makes for a good look. I am partial to a belted style, but numerous classic looks in camel or brown will do the trick.

Furry Coat

Penny Lane in Almost Famous? In my mind, this vibe is always a classic.

Plaid Coat

I’m partial to Isabel Marant’s coats, this one from 2015 and still going strong.

Black Coat

A black tailored or belted coat works with everything. Magic.

Fun Puffer

If you have a long classic puffer, you obviously need to balance it out with something more fun when you need to pull yourself out of those winter blues. I’ve been living in this Zara one with a side tie.

Casual Coat

live in this Dôen coat since it’s easy to throw on and extremely thick for the weather. Think elevated parka, or quilted coat to match the season, once it gets too cold for your lighter jacket.

Tailored Coat

This style has been in my closet since before I had a baby, and I never get sick of it. The tailored look ties everything together—whether it's over a blazer, sweater, or gym clothes on the weekend. Dress it up or down.

Shearling Coat

A must-have that never goes out of style and is most definitely warm. The hunt is worth it on this one: Find a shearling style that works for your body type (short or long) and color that most matches with your wardrobe, and just go for it. My biggest complaint about shearling is that some are easier to move around in than others, especially when commuting, so shop around and ensure arm mobility when schlepping all your items along.

I genuinely thought my winter shopping was finished—coats included. My closet felt complete, cold-weather outfits felt covered, and I had fully accepted that anything new would have to wait until spring. Of course, the universe and the internet had other plans. Enter the brown faux-fur coat, the rich-looking outerwear trend that instantly made everything I already own feel more elevated, intentional, and, frankly, expensive.

What makes brown faux-fur coats so compelling right now is how nuanced they feel. The shades range from deep chocolate to warm espresso to soft caramel, and every version reads more understated than black but just as polished. There's something inherently luxe about the texture paired with brown—it adds depth without screaming for attention. The result is a coat that feels glamorous yet wearable and is equally suited for casual daytime looks and dressed-up winter evenings.

Perhaps the biggest selling point is how seamlessly this trend fits into an existing wardrobe. A brown faux-fur coat has the rare ability to elevate even the simplest outfit—think jeans, a knit, and boots—while also complementing tailored trousers, sleek dresses, and everything in between. It's cozy without looking bulky, statement making without feeling try-hard, and undeniably chic. If winter shopping had an unofficial encore, this would be it.

How to Style and Shop Brown Faux-Fur Coats

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Turtleneck + Jeans + Oversize brown bag

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Fitted black sweater + Dark jeans + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Oversize sunglasses + Denim button-down shirt + Jeans + Uggs

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Turtleneck sweater + Jeans + Pointed-toe black boots

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Oversize sweater + White T-shirt + Jeans

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Gray crewneck sweater + White T-shirt + Long necklace + Jeans + Black boots

Get the look: Brown faux fur–trimmed coat + Leather pants + Black pointed-toe boots

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Black top + Brown trousers + Suede loafers

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Oversize T-shirt + Sweatpants + Sneakers

Get the look: Brown faux-fur coat + Oversize sweater + Green trousers + Knit socks + Sneakers

It's abundantly clear by the looks of my closet and my many Who What Wear stories that a European sensibility reigns supreme throughout. My favorite fashion follows on social media, from places like Copenhagen, Paris, London, Helsinki, and more, continually inform my must-have list for many of my personal shopping moments. The same was true of my perusal of the Nordstrom Winter Sale—I kept an eye out for discounted gems that a fashionable European would add to cart right now.

Below, I share a roundup of Nordstrom sale pieces that fit the bill along with some European outfit inspiration that can easily be re-created with many of my sale finds. You'll notice that coats and jackets steal the show, as well as standout sweaters, cool flats, classic jeans, stellar dresses, and more.

Keep scrolling to check out and shop all 25 Nordstrom Winter Sale picks, plus four incredibly chic looks from across Europe. The sale ends on February 16, but I wouldn't hesitate to scoop up your favorites since they are bound to sell out fast.

Shop European-Inspired Nordstrom Winter Sale Picks

With the rising prices everywhere, I know I'm not the only one on a major budget for 2026. I'm a senior shopping editor, so it can get tricky to have enough willpower not to purchase all the chic finds I'm inundated with daily. It's for that very reason that I make sure to keep an eye out for standout affordable pieces to curb the cravings that pricier designer finds bring about. This week, I curated a list of my current winter favorites that are under $150 from retailers such as Nordstrom, J.Crew, Revolve, Zara, H&M, and more.

Ahead, you can shop an array of budget-friendly fashion picks that I can't get off my mind. Think elevated sweaters, elegant coats, cool jeans, sleek flats and boots, suede pieces, stylish dresses, and more. Many of the pieces will make you do a double take at the price tag because they look convincingly like designer items. Keep scrolling to shop 31 chic yet affordable finds for winter 2026.

Shop Chic Yet Affordable Winter Fashion Finds

The seasonal outerwear switchover is almost upon us. Soon enough, our heaviest coats will be packed away in favour of something equally weather-resistant, but a little lighter for the milder days. As ever, many of us are eyeing up the reliable trench coat to fill the outerwear gap, calling upon its innate elegance and ability to take on spring showers with ease.

For 2026, a fresh trend has been applied to the trench coat, one which even the most dedicated minimalists are inclined to call upon for years. Already, the funnel-neck trench coat is the chicest spring coat to know about.

Over the decades, the enduring trench coat design has undergone a series of reinterpretations. Hem lengths have moved between floor-sweeping and cropped, and detailing varies from accented epaulettes and storm flaps to completely pared-back. Whichever reinvention you're interested in, all the best styles of 2026 feature a bold funnel-neck design.

The funnel-neck trend has taken over in recent months. From knitwear to leather jackets, the elongated collar has become a statement of modernity, but one that is sure to hold its place well beyond the trend cycle. As for trench coats, the funnel-neck is often achieved by a button closure at the collar, allowing the wearer to move seamlessly between a classic lapel look and the striking funnel-neck.

Already, our favourite brands have caught on. Seeing the adoration for the neckline grow over the past few months, designers from the high street to high-end have applied this design detail to their spring/summer collections, and in turn, an array of striking funnel-neck trench coats are already available. As a clear favourite amongst stylish people already, I reckon the best styles won't stick around for long. So, if you're looking to bring a modern update to a capsule classic, I'd recommend scrolling on.

Shop the Best Funnel-Neck Trench Coats

It's true. A black leather jacket is a classic wardrobe piece, and it will always have a place in a timeless capsule collection. But if you're looking for something altogether cooler, something a little more "fashion" to upgrade your 2026 jacket game—may I suggest switching up the black for a brown leather jacket instead?

Hear me out. All the best brown leather jackets are *just* as easy to add into your regular outfit rotation, considering brown has become a new neutral these days. And the upside is, you'll look like you've put 100 times more thought into your outfit. A great brown leather jacket has the power to make all those basics you already own look much more intentional and elevated. Just have a scroll through this article for proof, since I've collated some of the coolest brown leather jacket outfits I've seen recently for some helpful inspiration.

We're not talking about a flash in the pan trend here, either, since leather can be a rather hefty investment. Brown leather jackets were bubbling up all through 2025, especially oversized bombers, funnel-necks and suede versions. And some of the chicest celebs—from Hailey Bieber to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Charli XCX—have been spotted in them, only adding to the buzz. Anthony Vaccarello debuted arguably the most perfect brown leather jackets on the Saint Laurent SS25 runway, and leaned in with inclusions in the FW25 and SS26 collections too. In fact, Versace, YSL, Acne and Prada all showed brown leather jackets on the SS26 catwalks. Let me tell you—if these giants are in on it, this trend's here to stay.

Luckily for us fashion disciples, brown leather jackets aren't just a runway trend and there are options available to buy right now for all budgets. From the most expensive-looking faux versions under £100 (hello Zara, M&S and River Island), to premium high street options where, if you can stretch your budget a little, you'll bag real leather that will last longer for a great price. Fashion insiders seem to be opting to invest in styles from contemporary brands, like Nour Hammour and Rohé (this one's actually top of my wish list). And if you're after something truly special, you can look to designers like Miu Miu, Loewe and Saint Laurent for the real deal. I'm talking buttery soft heirlooms that you'll cherish for decades to come.

I did a real deep dive (no seriously, I spent hourssss) searching for the very best brown leather jackets on offer, from bikers to bombers, cropped, long-line, slouchy or structured, minimalist and distressed styles. All you have to do is scroll down to shop.

Shop the Best Brown Leather Jackets Under £100

Shop the Best Brown Leather Jackets Under £500

Shop the Best Brown Leather Jackets Under £1000

Shop the Best Brown Leather Jackets Over £1000

I just got back from Copenhagen Fashion Week with numb fingers, a full camera roll, and a renewed appreciation for a truly great coat. It was frigid (allegedly the coldest winter Denmark has seen in years, per my Scandi editor friends!) and the kind of weather that makes getting dressed feel less like self-expression and more like a winter sport. Leave it to fashion people to turn snowbanks and subzero temps into a runway of their own.

In between shows, the sidewalks told the real story. With layers doing the heavy lifting underneath, outerwear became the main event. Editors, buyers, and designers alike leaned into oversize, statement-making coats that brought their looks to life against the white, frozen backdrop. Practical? Absolutely. But never boring. These were the kinds of pieces that carried an outfit from morning coffee runs to late dinners without missing a beat.

If Copenhagen is any indication, the coat conversation is just getting started this winter fashion month. Below, scroll through the six coat trends I spotted in Copenhagen this week (and, if you're in New York and London, get to buying—you're next!)

Funnel-Neck Coats

I saw funnel-neck coats everywhere in Copenhagen, and for good reason. When it’s that cold, anything that keeps your neck warm without adding another scarf feels like a win. They gave even the most minimalist outfits a sharp, pulled-together look, especially when worn fully buttoned-up against the wind.

Scarf Coats

Scarf coats felt like a very Copenhagen solution to winter dressing. A built-in scarf means one less thing to think about, and people styled them in an effortless, slightly undone way—wrapped loosely or left hanging. It made even simple jeans-and-boots outfits look intentional while still keeping you warm and toasty.

Cheetah- and Leopard-Print Coats

Animal-print coats were impossible to miss against the snow. What surprised me most was how casually they were worn—styled with denim, flat boots, and leather gloves—which made them feel more everyday than statement. Bold, but not trying too hard.

Ivory Coats

Despite the icy slush and constant snowfall, ivory coats were everywhere. They brought a sense of lightness to winter outfits and stood out beautifully against gray skies and snowy streets. It felt like a confident choice—and one that paid off.

Fur Coats

With this level of cold, fur coats felt less like a trend and more like a necessity. Whether faux or vintage, they added warmth and texture instantly, often styled very simply underneath. A win in my book!

Suede Coats

Suede coats were a quieter presence this season, but once I noticed them, they kept popping up everywhere. They added a softer, more tactile element to winter looks and felt like a nice alternative to traditional wool we editors rely on time and again. Subtle, but undeniably chic.

It's usually around the mid-season mark that I like to take stock of my current wardrobe and see what pieces might be missing or in major need of a revamp. For winter 2026, I am focused on elevated basics since they can bring just about any outfit to the next level. At the end of the day, I am all about transforming my closet into a chicer version of itself, especially if I can do it in a simple, straightforward way.

With a little bit of contemplating and cold-weather outfits top of mind, I narrowed down five key basics that I would like to shop for at the moment, ranging from transformative coats to kitten-heel boots, dark-wash jeans, and more. Ahead, I break down each elevated basic with some visual winter outfit inspiration on how to wear each piece, plus a comprehensive roundup of finds that fit the bill perfectly.

Dark-Wash Denim

Shop Dark-Wash Jeans

V-Neck Sweaters

Shop V-Neck Sweaters

Boatneck Tops

Shop Boatneck Tops

Black Kitten-Heel Boots

Shop Black Kitten-Heel Boots

Long Coats

Shop Long Coats

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

Something has recently caught my eye in France. You only have to stand outside a high school at dismissal time to notice it: teenage girls no longer wear coats. Ever. Whether it’s cold, raining, or the middle of January, they’re out there in hoodies, zip-up sweaters, fitted knits, but without coats.

At first, it feels anecdotal. A generational quirk. Then you look more closely and realize it isn’t an oversight, but a choice.

The Coat, a Garment That Imposes Something

The coat is not a neutral garment. It never has been. It structures the body. It dictates posture. It creates distance. It marks an entry into the adult, social, visible world. Historically, in France, the coat has been a marker of status, even when it’s simple. It says you’re going out, facing the outside world, accepting to be seen before you’ve even spoken.

What these young girls seem to be rejecting, then, isn’t the cold. It’s everything the coat represents: tenue, both literally and figuratively.

When Outerwear Lost Its Role

Fashion hasn’t helped. For a long time, the coat has been stuck in an undesirable in-between: either too functional to inspire desire, or too conceptual to be truly wearable. Too expensive to experiment with, too serious to be playful. The result is a loss of clarity.

Add to that a visual culture shaped indoors. Today, style is built in bedrooms, in front of mirrors, on screens. But the coat is a garment of movement, of the street, of transition. It lives outside. In a world of static selfies, it no longer quite fits.

How to Restore Its Nobility

The key is simple. If the coat has lost its aura, it’s because we’ve tried to make it say too much, turning it into either a serious uniform or a conceptual statement. The solution is to return to its primary function: to structure without stiffening.

Restoring the coat’s nobility means choosing pieces that are legible but never bland. Coats that accompany a silhouette rather than overwhelm it. A long, dark coat, well cut, with a clear line. A sharp pea coat that falls just right over jeans. A coat with a slightly strong collar, subtly defined shoulders, and a discreet detail that creates presence without spectacle. It doesn’t need to be “fashion.” It doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to be right.

The coat then regains its true nobility, not one of rigidity or status, but of transition. A garment that bridges the intimate and the public. Between who we are at home and what we choose to show the outside world.

Standout Coats Worth Checking Out for 2026

If there's one thing I learned from my mom when it comes to fashion, it's the love of a good under-$100 fashion score. Since I can remember, she has been a loyal T.J.Maxx and Marshalls shopper thanks to their endless discounted gems. Lately, I've been sending her chic, affordable finds from favorites like Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M. In fact, my last online shopping trip was so bountiful with rich-looking pieces that I knew I needed to get them on her radar.

Ahead, you can get a look at the curated list I recently sent her way. It's full of pieces that are spot-on for winter 2026 and beyond, including elegant coats, cool jackets, of-the-moment sweaters, classic jeans, and sleek shoes, among other great standouts. I told my mom not to blame me if she hits her budget for the month with these pieces alone. I know I had a hard time picking just one of the pieces to add to my own closet.

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

For a long time, I believed that dressing well meant never repeating myself. Changing. Varying. Offering something new. Surprising. As if every outfit had to prove something. Spoiler: It’s exhausting. And often counterproductive.

Over time, and especially with the accumulation of images, I ended up realizing something very simple, almost brutal: the outfits that suit me best are also the most obvious ones.

Repetition, the Detail the Eye Loves

When you see yourself in photos, often, repeatedly, from every angle, you quickly realize that excess blurs the message. Too many statement pieces, too many references, too many intentions eventually cancel each other out. By contrast, a repeated silhouette creates a signature. It becomes recognizable. Almost reassuring. That’s exactly why the most stylish women seem to wear “the same thing all the time.” Because, technically, they do.

Change the Detail, Not the Equation

Repetition doesn’t mean stagnation. It relies on a very simple mechanism: Keep the structure; vary just one element. A different pair of shoes. A belt, a scarf, tied or not. Jacket sleeves pushed up or left long. A coat that’s more severe, or more enveloping.

Even the Icons Repeat (Especially Them)

What’s fascinating is that this strategy is shared by women with no budgetary constraints whatsoever. Victoria Beckham is a textbook case: same lines, same volumes, same lengths, season after season. Kendall Jenner, in a more minimal, functional register, applies exactly the same principle. Anna Wintour has turned repetition into a personal manifesto. Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Keira Knightley have all embraced rewearing—at the risk of criticism before turning it into a marker of modernity.

And then there’s Diana. That famous Catherine Walker dress worn in 1989, then again in 1992, taken apart, paired with trousers, reinterpreted. The same garment, but a different narrative.

Repeating Is Also a Political Stance (But Chic)

Today, repetition has almost become subversive. In a system built on permanent novelty, drop obsession, and the overproduction of images and clothes, preservation becomes a form of gentle resistance. This isn’t about morality. Or guilt. It’s about common sense.

Keeping your clothes, learning to wear them differently, wearing them in, loving them over time, it’s more economical, more sustainable, and let’s be honest, far more elegant.

How Do You Do It?

My style is built around a very small core that I repeat almost identically: always the same straight, long, reliable jeans; a chic but go-anywhere brown bag; a black blazer with small shoulder pads that structures everything effortlessly; simple white or black T-shirts that act as a backdrop; the same bras and underwear, in nude, white, or black, because they’re invisible and perfect; the same socks too, chosen once and for all.

Around this ultra-classic base, I graft light but decisive variations: a long coat or a pea coat with a detail that changes the silhouette, gold jewelry that I repeat but wear differently, a detachable collar layered over a sweater or a dress, slightly playful gloves, a pair of fringe boots or low-heeled boots. The outfit stays the same, but the message changes.

Jeans, T-shirt, blazer, and sneakers say one thing; that exact same base with boots or more graphic shoes says another. That’s where repetition becomes interesting, not as a limitation, but as a solid structure around which you can allow yourself a few freedoms, without ever losing the thread.

Reliable Pieces I Wear on Repeat

Blazers

Tees

Jeans

Cardigans

Coats

Boots

Accessories

Intimates and Socks

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

There are days when being me is a full-time job. You know the kind: smiling under camera flashes, wearing an Attico dress that cuts into your ribs, pacing from opening to opening in 12-centimeter Zanottis, keeping up an intelligent conversation about the weather with a creative director while being fully aware that your toes are, technically, in an advanced state of decomposition.

And then there are the other days. The real ones. The clandestine ones. The ones that smell like spilled coffee and traffic jams on the Périphérique. The ones that start at 5:07 a.m., triggered by the scream of a small human whose energy levels would make a New York trader blush. The ones where your professional calendar says “off” but life actually consists of errands, daycare, writing a piece or two for Who What Wear, dinner at Café de Flore with friends. The ones where choosing an outfit, or looking at yourself in the mirror for more than three seconds, feels like an astronaut-level feat.

On those days, I want only one thing: to become a ghost. A well-dressed, silent spirit moving through the city without leaving a trace. A spirit with a flawless cut and fabrics that whisper “I know” rather than scream “look at me.”

Because here lies the paradox: even as a ghost, you still have standards. Mine is “the uniform.” It’s a sartorial mathematical formula; a chic invisibility armor developed somewhere between an Hermès show and a Parisian daycare. It’s the survival kit of someone who gave all her fashion energy the day before and now has nothing left but the cerebral stamina of an oyster.

If you, too, on certain mornings, dream of blending into the background while staying true to yourself, here is my secret recipe. The map lets you move incognito, without ever looking like someone who’s given up.

The Perfect White T-Shirt

Mine is close-fitting without being tight; definitely not restrictive. It has to go on without thinking, slip easily under a serious blazer, a sleeveless waistcoat à la Kate Moss in the early 2000s, or live its best life beneath a big wool sweater. The kind of sweater you’re way too hot in after twenty minutes, but will take off anyway without the slightest shame, because underneath there’s that impeccable T-shirt. The one that allows you to survive socially when you suddenly find yourself, by chance, at the restaurant of the moment—let’s say Sant Ambroeus, recently arrived in Paris —surrounded by people who are very well-dressed and very aware of it.

The Perfect Shirt

No debate here: it’s extra-large. Almost too much. We like it when it spills out, when it floats, when it suggests a carefully calibrated nonchalance. When worn under a slightly cropped sweater, it creates that subtly bourgeois layering (slightly “crossing the Seine to have dinner on the Right Bank”) without ever tipping into literalness. It gives the impression of a well-structured life, even when that isn’t exactly the case.

The Turtleneck Sweater

A radical solution to a recurring problem: the scarf. The one you lose every five minutes, leave behind on a chair, and never see again. A good wool turtleneck fulfills that role perfectly. It keeps you warm, frames the face, and reassures you. It doesn’t pill (a nonnegotiable criterion), and, above all, it can go in the washing machine at 30°C. (I hate dry cleaning, as I never have time to drop clothes off, let alone pick them up.) IMO, the ideal garment has to survive real life.

The Straight-Leg Jeans

High-waisted to avoid any unwanted surprises or unnecessary spillover. Straight because everything else is exhausting. Ultra-long, above all. They should fall perfectly over boots or gently crumple over sneakers, with that small, unintentional crease that makes all the difference. These are jeans that aren’t trying to be sexy, but end up being so anyway—through an accumulation of good decisions.

The Sneakers

Yes, but not just any pair. Collaborations, limited editions, reworked classics. Slightly sharp without being showy. Margiela, for instance, or Converse put through a Comme des Garçons filter. Sneakers that say, “I know what I’m doing, but I’m not going to explain why.”

The Bomber Jacket

A real comfort blanket. The one you grab without thinking on your way out. It needs a detail that amuses—a fur collar, slightly absurd patches, something that breaks the overly utilitarian feel. It’s the piece that makes it look like you don’t take yourself too seriously, even when everything else is very tightly controlled

The Go-Anywhere Boots

A small heel—just enough for posture and presence. They go with everything, rescue everything, and make it possible to walk fast without looking rushed. A quiet essential.

The Long Coat

Thick, in a dark shade. Black, charcoal gray, deep navy. Its main advantage? It forgives accidents. Spilled coffee, a poorly handled croissant… life. It protects clothes just as much as it protects dignity.

The Big Carry-All Bag

The one you fit your entire life into. Laptop, notebooks, chargers, glasses, and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes. It’s heavy, obviously, but reassuring. It’s a bag that says, “I could disappear for 24 hours without warning. I have everything I need.”

The Jewelry Watch

Not necessarily set to the right time. That’s not the point. It adds an extra layer of style, a slight offset, a form of very deliberate nonchalance. And besides, checking the time on your phone has become far too serious.

Ever since I started as a shopping editor, my mother has outsourced all her shopping to me. This year, I expect it to be no different. Today, over breakfast, she excitedly asked me for a New Year's closet refresh. Of course, I said yes. What was supposed to be just breakfast turned into a shopping spree, and we logged on to Nordstrom's website and went to work.

In our scrolling, we stayed cost-conscious, with most of our final picks coming in under $100. The goal was a chic Nordstrom closet refresh on a budget. This winter, I've spotted a chic cardigan trend that features covered buttons. So naturally, I convinced my 56-year-old that it's a must-have. And what looks fabulous with a cute cardigan? Cigarette jeans—the once-dated denim trend that is quickly regaining popularity within the fashion set.

Here are seven gorgeous, affordable Nordstrom finds perfect for upgrading your wardrobe in 2026. You'll find standout sweaters, elevated basics (looking at you, V-neck shirts), and the best ballet flats.

Half-Zip Sweater

My Pick

Shop More Half-Zip Sweaters