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.

There's something about a great fall jacket that can make even the simplest outfit feel infinitely cooler. And while black jackets tend to get most of the attention, there are plenty of other options worth considering this season. From rich chocolate-brown leather to unexpected pops of color and interesting textures, the latest arrivals are making a strong case for branching out beyond the usual neutrals. In fact, some of the best jackets I've come across lately don't involve black at all.

Fall 2026 is bringing an especially good selection of outerwear, with designers and brands leaning into beautiful shades of burgundy, olive green, camel, and even softer hues that feel surprisingly easy to wear. Beyond color, it's the silhouettes and details that make these jackets stand out. Think sculpted waists, cool oversized shapes, interesting collars, and luxe finishes that can completely change the look of an otherwise straightforward outfit. Whether worn with relaxed denim, tailored trousers, or a sleek skirt, these styles have the potential to become the most-worn pieces in your closet.

If another black jacket has been sitting in your shopping cart, consider this your sign to explore a few alternatives first. Ahead, I've rounded up the chicest non-black jackets worth investing in this fall, from versatile everyday finds to statement-making styles that deserve a little extra attention. Keep scrolling to shop the pieces that might just convince you to give your black outerwear a break.

Shop the Best Non-Black Jackets

Sézane's New In section is filled with colorful additions to its Knitwear Gallery, such as scarves, hats, and gloves in pops of red, turquoise, cobalt blue, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. Standouts include the Louise Scarf and Owen Gloves, as well as a variety of sweaters, from crewnecks to cardigans.

"With these latest additions, the Knitwear Gallery becomes an invitation to have a little fun with winter dressing, whether that means adding a bold splash of color to a neutral look or wrapping up in a timeless cold-weather staple. Consider it the art of staying warm, the Parisian way," the brand states in a press release.

Beyond the knit pieces, there's staple outerwear in the new arrivals, such as the Matthias Coat, a 100% wool scarf coat, and timeless trench coats, including the Jonas Coat and Bobby Jacket.

Keep scrolling to shop the best of Sézane's new arrivals.

Shop Sézane's New Arrivals

I've been spotting leopard-print jackets everywhere lately, and I'm starting to think they might just be autumn/winter 2026's most unexpectedly useful capsule wardrobe addition. Perhaps it's because I'm still trying to eke out every last minute of jacket weather before committing to a proper winter coat, but there's something about a little printed layer that feels particularly right for this in-between moment. Let me explain.

Leopard-print coats have long been a classic, of course, but I’d argue jackets feel like the fresher proposition. M&S had a particularly chic style with a stand collar and faux-fur cuffs that seemed to be all over my Instagram feed before promptly selling out (it's coming back, thankfully), and ever since, I've been noticing them everywhere.

What I find interesting about leopard print is that, for something that can feel so statement-making, it's remarkably democratic. Minimalists love it, maximalists love it and everyone in between seems to have found a way to make it work. I think that comes down to the colours: black, taupe, caramel and ochre are all shades that already sit comfortably within a fairly classic wardrobe. Put them together in a big-cat print and suddenly your neutrals have a little more personality.

It's also why a leopard-print jacket can be surprisingly easy to style. You could wear one with a printed skirt for a more directional, pattern-clashing moment, or throw it over blue jeans, black loafers and a simple knit. Both work, but and both make you look considerably more likely to be photographed outside a fashion show. While a black blazer would be perfectly sensible with either aforementioned combination, a leopard-print jacket makes the whole thing feel a little less predictable.

Whether you opt for a neat, boxy silhouette, a faux-fur finish or something with a little extra texture, it's an easy way to make your existing wardrobe feel fun again. I'm very much in favour of anything that does that without requiring me to buy an entirely new outfit. So, scroll on to see my edit of the best leopard print jackets this season.

Shop the Leopard Print Jacket Trend

Shall we talk about faux fur? Paris has finally dropped enough degrees for the subject to be decent again.

A wool coat can go unnoticed. Faux fur—never. It suggests money in the family, a scandal no one brings up at dinner, or, at the very least, a personality slightly more interesting than average. You put it on to stay warm and walk out with a story to tell.

This season, it changes identity depending on what you put around it: mob wife like Scorsese's heroines, chic grandmother à la Margot Tenenbaum, impoverished Normandy châtelaine…

In France, what we love most is to contradict it: the most theatrical coat possible with jeans that have seen better days, a gray sweater, and hair that has clearly not crossed paths with a brush. The more the faux fur does, the less the rest of the outfit should look like it's in on it.

The Mob Wife

Long before TikTok gave it a name, Karen Hill in Goodfellas, Ginger McKenna in Casino, and Carmela Soprano had understood the narrative power of a very big coat. Long, brown, black, or leopard and worn with sunglasses even when there's no sun. To avoid looking like a costume, I wear it with straight-leg jeans, a white T-shirt, and loafers. No blow-dry, no sky-high heels, and no jewelry likely to get snatched on the metro.

The Stole

Technically, it isn't a coat. Worn this way, it covers neither the arms nor the stomach nor anything genuinely useful, which guarantees it a place of honor in a fashion wardrobe. Seen on the Gucci F/W 26 runway, it brings back a very 1950s, deliciously decadent allure. Throw a long faux-fur scarf over a black dress, a men's coat, or a denim jacket—above all, not too carefully.

The Coat Stolen From Your Grandmother

Then there's a whole family of imitation mink, fox, and astrakhan. No animals were harmed, only the available space in your closet. These are the most interesting ones because they look like they lived before us. They recall Margot Tenenbaum in her Fendi thrown over a Lacoste polo dress. The French version is Madame de Foucault, the lady of the manor in your grandparents' village in Normandy. With its faint imaginary whiff of mothballs, this one is among the musts of my winter. It has just enough authority that you don't need to add anything but wide-leg jeans, a white T-shirt, and black boots. It already tells an entire lineage.

Touches at the Collar and Cuffs

For those who'd rather play it more discreetly, there are the details. A few centimeters of faux fur at the collar or cuffs is enough to unsettle a jacket that's a little too well-behaved. On a leather jacket or a khaki one, a big brown collar instantly says Penny Lane in Almost Famous, a film character who has always inspired me. At the cuffs, it works on a very sober coat or a close-fitting cardigan.

The Long Black Coat

I've owned one for several seasons. It's long, black, slightly dramatic, and the easiest to mix if you want to go incognito. This means it had already won before I'd even worn it. With worn-in jeans and black boots, it does all the work. In the evening over a slip dress, it works too, but I prefer it in broad daylight. There's something of Marianne Faithfull about it, of a wealthy witch, of a Parisian you suspect has a car waiting for her, even as she heads down into the metro.

The Quiet Faux Leopard

Leopard has long suffered from an overly enthusiastic entourage: red lipstick, heels, a wide belt, a blowout. I prefer it in slightly muted colors, with imperfect spots and an almost classic cut—somewhere between Fran Fine in The Nanny and Kate Moss leaving a London pub, minus half the accessories. I treat it like a camel coat, wearing it with black, gray, or denim.

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.

Shop Shoes

Shop Outerwear

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.

Shop the Trend:

2. Check Prints

Style Notes: If you’ve already started your new-season shopping, you’ve likely noticed checks are everywhere at the moment, from edgy plaid skirts to preppy argyle knits. But the “dark academia”-inspired outerwear in the print spotted on the likes of Burberry, Chanel and Emporio Armani is by far the most compelling to me. An eye-catching pattern in neutral hues that still feels wearable to a classic dresser like me; I’ll be using this jacket trend as an easy way to add interest to my jeans, skirts and trousers this season.

Shop the Trend:

3. Faux-Fur Collars

Style Notes: I’m well aware that faux-fur jackets are in no way a new trend. But if full-on furry coats feel a bit too out-there for you, you’ll be pleased to know the A/W 26 runways were filled with faux-fur collars that still incorporate an expensive-looking feel without the full-on drama. Houses such as Gabriela Hearst, Ferragamo and Balmain showcased trim collars on a mix of leather, suede and even velvet jackets, proving that this style is a great choice for those looking for a more subtle take on the faux-fur trend.

Shop the Trend:

4. Midnight Blue

Style Notes: The runways have spoken (more specifically, the Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Hermès runways): midnight blue is one of the biggest colour trends set to dominate winter 2026. Arguably the closest shade to the black I practically live in between autumn and early spring each year, these beautifully deep blue jackets dominated the collections.

Effortlessly elegant and expensive-looking at any price point, navy jackets are the perfect choice for those of us who own far too many black coats already and want to freshen up our wardrobes, but also don’t want to venture too far out of our comfort zones. Not to mention that this sophisticated hue is as good as any neutral, pairing well with both classic and bold colours alike.

Shop the Trend:

5. "Lived-In" Leather

Style Notes: To me, nothing's more versatile than a leather jacket, but it really comes into its own as the years go on and the leather starts to soften and develop. For winter 2026, names such as Miu Miu, Private Policy and Ottolinger showcased several “lived-in” styles that already look like they've been worn for years. Of course, the easiest way to get this look is to simply buy a pre-loved leather jacket; however, the market is currently filled with a number of buttery-soft, distressed iterations that are brand new but will give you that vintage look you’re after.

Shop the Trend:

6. Cinched Waists

Style Notes: Waisted silhouettes have been huge in the past few years, and they’re going nowhere for winter 2026. Shown by Elisabetta Franci, Max Mara and Lanvin, cinched-in outerwear adorned the runways in the form of blazers, wool jackets and patent finishes. An instant outfit elevator, a jacket with a cinched-in waist is not only flattering, but the waistline provides a polished finish that will dress up any jeans, skirts, or tailored trousers this season. And the best part? This elegant outerwear style will look expensive regardless of price point.

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7. Velvet

Style Notes: Texture arguably plays the biggest role when it comes to winter dressing, and this year, sumptuous velvet is taking centre stage in the world of trending jackets. Of course, you’ll have to reserve this expensive-looking fabric for days when it isn’t raining, but the dimension it adds to an outfit is undeniable. I must admit, this is a fabric I’d usually refrain from pulling out until the festive party season; however, Ralph Lauren, Elie Saab and Casa Preti have convinced me to wear it starting now, throughout winter and well into early spring.

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Every fall, I reach for my long trench coat on autopilot, and every fall, it does exactly what it's supposed to do. But this year, I keep noticing the most stylish women I know have quietly swapped theirs for something shorter. The cropped trench hits right at the hip, which means you can actually see your jeans, boots, and bag. I instantly knew I had to try it for myself.

To be clear, your classic trench is still a staple, and you should keep wearing it. However, at this moment I'm pressing pause on buying another one so I can put that money toward the cropped version, which feels like a modern upgrade. Below, see how the chicest women are styling cropped trench coats and shop my favorite picks at every price point.

How to Style It

If you're looking for off-duty energy, this is the look to start with. It's the kind of outfit I'd wear to run errands and end my day with a spritz and a friend.

Here's proof that a trench doesn't have to feel sweet. This one is cool and a little mysterious and has major "main character leaving the party" vibes.

This feels like a Saturday with nowhere to be. It's relaxed and a little undone in the best way, like she just tossed it on and walked out the door.

This is the outfit I'd wear to a gallery opening and then straight to dinner without thinking twice. It's crisp, a little sporty, and polished without feeling stiff.

Fun, flirty, and very ready for a night out—this is a look I styled that takes the most classic piece in your closet and makes it feel playful again.

Top Styles

History is said to repeat itself, and nothing reflects that more than the runway. Without fail, you can find a few "new" trends each season that seem pulled directly from the past. Despite these trends' former status as dated or vintage, some of the season's most coveted and sometimes controversial ones inevitably end up being the best reflection of the current cultural, political, and fashion landscape. One of the best recent examples of this phenomenon? The return of the military jacket. Yes, you read that right! The staple that defined indie sleaze fashion—the band jacket, the Napoleon jacket, the military jacket, or whatever you like to call it—is suddenly everywhere again. It might be shocking news to take in, so we'll give you a second... Okay, back to scheduled programming.

Given that all fashion trends eventually come back in style, it was only a matter of time before this controversial outerwear made its comeback. But what exactly makes the military jacket a compelling trend right now? Well, that you'll have to decide for yourself. We've compiled our receipts to show this jacket trend is really back, and we're sharing a few examples from the spring/summer 2026 and fall/winter 2026 collections. Of course, that might not be enough to sell the skeptics, so we've rounded up outfit ideas and styling tips that can make any critic change their mind. And if that's not enough to sway you to give this trend another chance, we've curated a small edit of the best military jackets for fall. Let us convince you to put down the leather jacket or, at the very least, learn why this jacket trend is like a time capsule.

On the Runway

Long before the sharply tailored silhouette became a divisive trend of the '00s, the horseback militia in 18th-century France wore it during Napoleon Bonaparte's reign. The military jacket didn't truly conquer the closets of the masses until the rise of indie sleaze on the runway. During the aughts, creative directors such as Alexander McQueen and Hedi Slimane sent models down the runway with disheveled hair, smudged makeup, oversize tees, and low-rise skinnies—all styled with ornate Napoleonic jackets. Time has passed, but amid growing nostalgia and sociopolitical uncertainty, it's no surprise that military jackets have resurfaced in recent collections and even in the closets of fashion people. On the runway, we can trace the style's comeback to two specific collections: Dior's S/S 26 menswear show and McQueen's S/S 26 womenswear show. Both runways nodded to the history of the jacket itself and how it's evolved from a functional staple for men serving in the army to an off-duty staple for style icons in the aughts.

That acknowledgment of history has opened a new chapter in the jacket's evolution, as we've seen countless designers since give the silhouette a contemporary spin through tailoring and styling. For example, we saw an elevated take on the "indie sleaze party girl" look at Khaite's F/W 26 show, where models wore military jackets with dramatic shoulders, cropped hemlines, and intricate embroidery, styled with sleek leather pants and pointed heels. At Balmain, we saw a delicate tug-of-war between menswear and womenswear tailoring through the styling. The rigid tailoring of the military jacket and cigarette trousers was juxtaposed with a loose silk tank, sheer stockings, sleek pumps, and oversize sunnies. These modern renditions of this dated outerwear have given a new generation a chance to test-drive this trend, but that hasn't come without its challenges. We're mainly trying to figure out how to wear the military jacket for fall in a contemporary way. Luckily, inspiration isn't scarce. Keep scrolling for styling ideas and shopping recommendations.

How to Style a Military Jacket

WEAR: Military Jacket + Animal-Print Skirt + Thong Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Lean into visual contrast by pairing this menswear staple with more womenswear separates, like a tailored animal-print skirt and fun accessories. Let's just say Bonaparte could never pull this look off.

WEAR: Military Jacket + Oversize T-Shirt + Baggy Shorts + Sandals + Slouchy Handbag

Styling Notes: Even if you're a staunch fan of The Row, remember the Olsen twins were the original indie sleaze girls, so yes, you can adopt this fall jacket trend. The secret is to give this style a minimalist spin by pairing a loosely tailored military jacket with an oversize T-shirt, baggy shorts, and sandals. It's a look they'd surely wear now.

WEAR: Military Jacket + Baby T-Shirt + Capri Pants + Mules + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Feeling nostalgic? Lean into the sentimentality of this jacket trend by pairing it with Y2K-inspired separates: capri pants, a baby T-shirt, backless mules, and a shoulder bag. Sure, you might not have a time machine, but this styling formula can do the same thing.

WEAR: Military Jacket + High-Neck Blouse + Wide-Leg Trousers + Sandals + Slouchy Suede Bag

Styling Notes: You don't necessarily have to embrace vintage-inspired styling from the aughts to wear this jacket in your everyday life. Simply start by turning to your most trusted staples. Pair your military jacket with a blouse, trousers, and a few trendy accessories for a straightforward formula that you can wear anywhere, even to your favorite antique shop.

WEAR: Military Jacket + Tank + Balloon Pants + Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: Make this jacket style feel brand-new by wearing it with one specific runway trend: boho chic. Lean into the eclectic elements of the outerwear by pairing it with balloon pants, ballet flats, and a stack of bangles. You'll look like you just walked in Chloé's last runway show.

WEAR: Military Jacket + T-Shirt + Baggy Jeans + Loafers

Styling Notes: If you prefer to avoid wearing too many trends, consider screenshotting the outfit above as your styling inspiration. You can draw attention to your military jacket without doing too much by playing with textures and proportions. Start by investing in a military jacket in luxe suede or intricate jacquard, then style the tailored piece with an oversize T-shirt and super-baggy jeans for a chill take.

WEAR: Military Jacket + Flannel Shirt + Low-Rise Jeans + Ankle Boots

Styling Notes: Not yet convinced your leather jacket is ready to retire from service? We get it. Rather than ditching the staple altogether, try swapping in a leather military jacket this season. You can make it even more approachable by styling it with some of your other favorite fall staples—e.g., a flannel shirt and ankle boots.

WEAR: Military Jacket + Matching Trousers + Pointed Heels + Barrel Bag

Styling Notes: When in doubt, you can't go wrong with tailored separates in similar, or even matching, shades. You can make your office attire feel revolutionary by pairing a military jacket with tailored trousers, pointed heels, and a barrel bag. It's further proof for the skeptics that this jacket trend will stand the test of time.

Shop More Military Jackets

As an avid collector of outerwear, I will forever stand by the power of a great jacket. With the welcome arrival of autumn and a quick wardrobe audit, I've found I'm in need of a cosy, well-tailored piece I can rely on for longer. There are plenty to choose from, but I'm always drawn to the staying power of minimalist fashion, hence why the best Róhe jackets have been living in my mind lately.

It's relatively easy to step into any store or scroll through a site and find a minimal, neutral-coloured jacket. What's not as easy is finding something with these elements and an additional "it" factor. It could be the slight change in structure, the removal of a button or a change in proportions that seems quite subtle and unnameable at first but makes a jacket look so much more interesting without resorting to bright colours or bold prints. After exploring Róhe's jacket collection, it's something I've found the Amsterdam-based label excels at.

From the Mandarin Double-Faced Wool Jacket's bold silhouette to the Reinvented Leather Funnel-Neck Jacket, which perfectly demonstrates the power of a refreshed classic, Róhe is speaking to the segment of the fashion set that loves polished minimalism. The brand achieves this unspoken appeal whilst balancing timelessness through a range of contrasts. Its site describes this quest for equilibrium: "high-end yet grounded, elegant yet practical, visionary yet structured"—and it certainly delivers on all fronts.

Not only are the wool, cashmere and leather jackets well-equipped for cold autumns and winters, but they carry a presence that leaves you feeling put-together and confident, even whilst layered up.

This likely comes down to co-founder Marieke Meulendijks' ethos for getting dressed. She told Liberty, "My approach to building a wardrobe is the feel of empowerment. I’m more of a shy person, so for me it's important that clothes give me a sense of calm empowerment."

This energy extends into Róhe's outerwear and certainly earns it the title of quiet-luxury outerwear. With its collection of "reinvented" classics, you can find familiarity in a trench or a bomber jacket, along with true adoration for the design thanks to unique features, such as a detachable double collar or leather button closures. It's these details that make investing in one worth it.

If you're looking to elevate your jacket collection, scroll on for 11 styles from Róhe you'll wear for many years to come.

Shop the Best Róhe Jackets for Autumn/Winter 2026