I'm serious about winter coats. As per most of my acquirements, clothing is forever and when it comes to outerwear, I'm even more discerning. When shopping for coats, I ensure that they're comfortable, in keeping with my personal style and of course, bear pockets! I tend to opt for muted tones as they compliment most looks and despite being 5 ft 4, I'm leaning into the sweeping lengths that have dominated the catwalk this season. Aesthetics aside, the first thing I look for in outerwear is a substantial wool content and the higher, the better! Whilst being bundled in a woollen coat is a dream to banish the winter chill, it has to be acknowledged that a substantial wool content often equates to a higher price tag, especially when looking for RWS-certified wool.
I've been known to scour the web looking for coats comprising 100% wool and whilst it's no mean feat (especially if you don't want to spend in the hundreds) last year, I was lucky enough to invest in a wool and lyocell blend coat from none other than COS.
Whilst I would first recommend wool coats, wool-blend coats are an alternative if one, you have less budget to play with and two, you're sensitive to prickly textiles. You needn't spend a bank-breaking amount for something high in quality. For something budget-friendly, look for a wool content of 50% plus and have a feel of textures. One of my first coat investments was this exact piece by & Other Stories 7 years ago, and whilst I grimaced at spending that amount on a single item, it's a steadfast piece in my collection that I've relied on every single winter, meaning my cost per wear has dwindled significantly.
When it comes to the styles on offer, winter brings with it a slew of the timeless robe style coat. In one fell sweep, you're uniform and you can team it with elevated footwear, or casual knee-highs. Last year's raglan coat is also worth noting. Raey presented us with its cocooned iteration with significant wool content and this year we've been presented with inspired high-street. Least forgetting the traditional heritage-inspired wool coats—Princess of Wales textiles, herringbone and twill, all of which differ from the brushed styles.
There is a coat for all but if you're like me, it's nice to have a couple to alternate between at the time when they become the focal point of an outfit. Carry on reading to see the best wool coats that have caught my attention ahead of winter. It'll make you want to wish the last of the summer sun away.
Shop Wool and Wool-Blend Coats:
This looks so expensive.
COS impresses me every single year with its coat selection, and 2024 is no different.
A icon.
Navy always looks so chic.
I love a smart. double-breasted style even when paired with leggings and a sweatshirt.
The funnel neckline is both chic and practical for when the temperature inevitably plummets. It is the UK, after all.
Just gorgeous.
Max Mara has singlehandedly cornered the belted coat market. The coats are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
I've had an & Other Stories wool-blend coat for 7 years now and I wear it every winter.
Aligne always manage to master outwear. The Gilda trench is one of its best-selling items and the wrap coat offerings are equally as impressive. This classic coat is available in three colourways.
How gorgeous is this chocolate brown?
A relaxed androgynous offering, courtesy of Weekday. It's smart suiting in coat form.
Toteme are masters of refinement. Their outerwear is unassuming but ever so suave.
This tone is incredibly unique.
This colour is flattering on all skin tones.
This looks stylish worn open, belted or undone.
The trench-style coat has a place in autumn and winter. Take it from French women. Also, note the faux fur collar too.
Wool coats aren't synonymous with puckered textiles, this twill offering from Jigsaw has a high wool content and a belt to cinch in the waist.
Mackage offers a nipped in waist design in double-faced wool. The tailoring is ever-so-sharp.
I wholeheartedly approve of this cosy wrap-around style.
I'm always impressed with the Curated's offerings. It's rare but many of the coats are composed of a merino wool and cashmere mix.
The brushed wool and off centre fastening loans this coat the most subdued element. This style is also available in five colourways.
The scarf coat is back and better than ever. This pinstripe iteration is undeniably sleek.
In the winter outerwear becomes the focal point of an outfit so a burst of colour is always welcomed.
I always look out for 100% wool styles for winter.
The colour is lustrous!
It's fair to say that we can't get enough of Raglan coats this season.
A suave style if ever you've seen one. In 2023's cocoa brown, of course.
The pin-tuck and hourglass silhouette is a trend currently dominating the outerwear realm.
Take note from Raey on the styling. Chefs kiss!
This subdued herringbone style is beautiful. It pairs wonderfully with brown accesories.
Such a gorgeous hue.
I'll always have a robe style coat in my collection. It's sleek, and easy to throw on top of any ensemble.
The exaggerated shoulders loan this an '80s style look that's reminiscent of power suiting.
The nipped-in-waist accent is a feature of many of 2023s most lauded designs.
Sometimes it's in the colour and this rich brown tone looks incredibly luxe.
Next Up: We Try Before You Buy: The Best Winter Coats of the Season
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