Whilst we still have the occasional bright spell, it's safe to say the temperature has officially dropped. Mornings are now set to single digits, and all of us are looking for ways to bundle up as the winter chill rolls in. Of course, a duvet-like puffer jacket is always a good option, but on days when you want to balance elegance and warmth, a great coat always rises to the occasion. Now, I've spent hours scrolling through the new-season offerings to find the very best wool coats for winter 2026.

Winter is one of my favourite seasons to get dressed for. Whilst some think the cold days require a high level of styling, I've always relied on classic staples to see me through, and a wool coat is one of my most hard-working winter staples. The innately polished look means that whatever I'm wearing underneath—from smart tailoring to relaxed loungewear—can be transformed in an instant to look considered when a great wool coat is layered on top. Just add a cosy scarf and gloves, and you're ready to go.

When shopping for a great wool coat, there are two things I always consider. The first is the look of the coat, and if you want your purchases to go further, I'd stick to classic silhouettes and timeless designs. Think a refined wrap style, clean lines and neutral palettes that will ensure the style goes with everything in your wardrobe, whether you layer in bolder shades or minimalist hues underneath.

The second point is the composition. This can vary whether you're investing in a designer buy or shopping on the high street, but there is a selection of more budget-friendly styles with higher wool content that will bring the insulating properties we want in a great wool coat. Luckily, I have the time and expertise to sift through the thousands of winter coats on offer to hand-select the very best wool coats. Below, you'll find a selection of new arrivals as well as some returning best-sellers that continue to hold their refined credentials year after year. Now, scroll on to shop the best wool coats for winter 2026.

Shop the Best Wool Coats for Winter 2026

1. COS Belted Wool-Blend Funnel-Neck Coat

2. Max Mara Manuela Icon Coat

3. & Other Stories Long Wool Coat

4. By Malene Birger Trullem Wool Coat

5. Toteme Scarf Doublé Coat

6. Zara Wool Blend Coat

7. Aligne George Coat

8. H&M Wool-Blend Tie-Belt Coat

9. Reformation Freya Coat

10. Mint Velvet Heritage Check Coat

11. The Frankie Shop Gaia Coat

12. Reiss Elodie Scarf Coat

I generally take an open-minded approach to style, making room for both new-season trends and time-tested staples rather than ruling out entire categories altogether. However, I must admit, I do have one exception: puffer coats.

Perhaps it's a hangover from childhood, when I'd spend hours running around fields before bundling into the warm design, but I've always found the silhouette distinctly casual—too much so to earn a place in my adult wardrobe. Instead, my own coat rotation leans towards sleeker, more elevated silhouettes, and this week, Sienna Miller stepped out in one of my all-time favourites.

Swathed in a floor-skimming suede trench coat, Sienna put together a cosy look that felt brimming with relaxed elegance. Supple and sophisticated, suede's softly textured finish lends an inherently luxurious feel to an outfit, while its natural matte quality keeps things from feeling overly formal or polished, as a similar style in black leather might.

Of course, I'm not suggesting puffer jackets don't have their place in a winter wardrobe. For brisk dog walks and chilly morning commutes, their practical appeal is hard to argue with. But when it comes to building a more elegant, evening-ready rotation, this is the outerwear style I'd be investing in instead.

As ever, Sienna has given me plenty of inspiration. Read on to shop the suede coats I'm backing this season.

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There’s no doubt that one of the hardest-working pieces in any winter wardrobe is a great coat. But there’s one thing that might just rival it in terms of airtime: a reversible coat. And after Zara’s sell-out reversible jacket became one of last season's most talked-about buys, the brand has brought it back for winter—this time in coat form.

You might remember the jacket in question. One side teddy, the other faux leather, it did the rounds on Instagram thanks to the simple appeal of two genuinely chic pieces of outerwear for the price of one. Now, just as temperatures are dropping, Zara has supersized the concept into a proper coat. One side has a sleek leather-effect finish, whilst the reverse is sumptuous faux fur complete with a chic oversized collar. The longer silhouette makes it feel even more luxurious, and I can already picture it with straight-leg jeans, cashmere knits and leather boots.

For me, it’s exactly the kind of high-street buy Zara does best: practical, expensive-looking and clever enough to earn serious wardrobe mileage. Keep scrolling to shop it for winter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop Cobalt Coats and Jackets:

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

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

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

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

1. Boxy Wool Coat

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

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2. Crew-Neck Jumper

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

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3. Straight Jeans

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

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4. Knee-High Boots

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

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5. Bowling Bag

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

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6. Pleated Skirt

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

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7. Fringe Scarf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop the Penny Lane Coats Trending in 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

Shop More of the Best M&S Winter 2026 Buys

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

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

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

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

7 Jacket Trends Set to Dominate Winter 2026

1. Funnel-Neck

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Each autumn, when we all lug out our outerwear from storage, we're usually met with the ever-faithful black coats, and maybe the occasional navy or chocolate brown alternative. This season, however, brings with it coat colour trends that will make even the most staunch minimalists reconsider. 'Tis true—there is always room for the classics. Yet, a bright red coat or a sultry marine green leather trench makes an intriguing case for why they're worth adding to our autumn capsule wardrobes.

This is by no means blasphemy against the tried-and-true coats that return year after year, but in fashion there often comes a period of time when you itch for something slightly different, and it seems outerwear could use a tinge more colour. It's not just me: maximalism is back for 2026.

The vertiginous prints and bold layering of boho appeared earlier this year, pushing quiet luxury out of the narrative, and the same happened over the summer. Maximalist trends made their mark, so it was only a matter of time for autumn and winter's version to appear. This year, much of it is through outerwear. Just look at the carpet coats and cobalt blue jackets that took the beginning of autumn by storm.

Black, grey, brown and beige were undoubtedly features on runways for autumn/ winter 2026, but there was a marked increase in outerwear constructed in various new colours—even shades that haven't been seen in years (ahem, purple). Bright apple red and cobalt are both present. A new shade of green has drifted in, too, alongside mulberry and soft white.

Even designers renowned for their quieter palettes could be swayed to include louder colours and those featured in this roundup. Celine sent a purple leather trench down its runway, and Jil Sander, a purple blazer. Even Toteme had a single, soft white coat shining as a warm beacon amongst its line that heavily leaned toward black and grey.

So, let's lock in and explore the coat colour trends that are joining us for the colder weather and making this time of year leagues more vibrant.

The 6 Major Coat Colour Trends of 2026

1. Soft White

Style Notes: This colour trend answers the question of just how much we can dilute butter yellow before it disappears. Soft white is proof that people are still reaching for warmth in their wardrobes, but maybe not necessarily in the brighter, more saturated butter yellows of spring and summer. It brings more comfort than stark, pure white tones and cancels any notion that white can't be worn past early September, as this hue was meant for white winter outfits. Ultra-plush fur coats at Chloé were perfect visual examples of the warmth this colour exudes, but you don't need tufts of fur to get the point across. Joseph, Tom Ford, Fendi and Proenza Schouler had sharp, tailored coats on their runways in the hue, yet soft white still came across as one of the cosiest colours going.

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2. Apple Red

Style Notes: Poppy red was set to be a strong colour this year and featured heavily in this summer's colour trends. But the orange-tinged shade is getting a more autumnal update for the new season. Apple red has cooler, bluer undertones, which undoubtedly feel right for the changing landscape and temperature. Runways have reflected it, too, moving into this slight change of tone. Though it's often reserved for a pop of colour, bright red as a coat magnifies the unexpected red theory and adds a maximalist aesthetic to your outfits. It's bold and certainly garners attention, but it's surprisingly easy to style. You can go all out with a fur coat à la Michael Kors, but you can also adopt a trench or tailored coat, like Balenciaga did, and pair it with neutrals or bold contrasting hues for a more everyday approach that's still vibrant.

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3. Mulberry

Style Notes: This season typically brings with it some variation of a rich burgundy, and this year mulberry is the chosen shade. It has a mix of brighter red and purple undertones and sways further from the chocolate brown hues that sit beneath an oxblood. It also feels distinctly autumnal. Michael Kors leaned heavily into the red-tinged version, whereas brands such as Hermès developed sleek leather coats in a slightly darker colour. Regardless of what specific shade you choose, it matches well with a few other of 2026's colour trends and neutrals such as brown and navy.

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4. Marine Green

Style Notes: In a sea of olive and khaki, another certain shade of green grabbed my attention this season, and that's marine green. Evoking images of sea glass and darker points of ocean waves, it's a water-inspired colour that feels appropriate for autumn dressing, especially after aquamarine took charge in summer. Marine green sets itself apart from other shades because of its cooler undertones that give it an appearance closer to teal. It looks great as a leather jacket or coat, as we saw swishing down the runway at Giorgio Armani. It also serves well as a more structured blazer coat, which appeared at Etro and Lacoste. For other pairings, this shade holds its own but also stands out with charcoal grey and navy.

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5. Purple

Style Notes: Just a year or two ago, I was discussing with a fellow editor the long absence of purple. Every year, new shades were crowned trendy, and purple never seemed to be part of the initiation. This year is different. In spring we saw inklings of the purple colour trend, and toward the end of summer celebrities backed purple, too. It's not necessarily one shade of purple that's trending either, but essentially the whole spectrum. Whether you like lighter shades, such as lavender or lilac, or prefer a darker tone like aubergine or royal purple, they're exceptional options for creating a more colourful autumn capsule wardrobe. All forms of coats received a vibrant purple transformation on the runways, including at Pierre Cardin, Celine, Burberry and even a handful of draped trenches in a range of purple shades at Issey Miyake's show.

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6. Cobalt Blue

Style Notes: Like poppy red, cobalt blue was an enormous colour trend this summer, but it now looks a touch softer and richer for autumn. Whilst many summer cobalt garments had near-electric pigments, those for the cooler months are more akin to navy without truly treading into that territory. Cobalt shines as a trench or leather coat (just look at Sergio Hudson's liquid trench), as a satin puffer and as fur outerwear. It brightens up outfits with no effort at all. Although it's controversial, I think cobalt (and other shades of blue) pairs wonderfully with black and the runways back this, too.

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I know it’s not quite coat season, but I wouldn’t be much of a trend predictor if I weren’t looking ahead at least a few weeks. So, I’m ready to place my bets now: come November, we’ll see some of the chicest dressers working letterbox-red coats into their styling rotations.

No, they won’t completely eclipse our trusty black coats, but when fashion people want to inject a little more energy into their autumn wardrobes, I predict they’ll be reaching for this trending shade instead. And, putting my theory to the test, this week I spotted Zoë Kravitz out in an oversized wrap coat in the fiery hue. Anchoring the bold shade with reliable neutrals, Zoë layered her (sadly sold-out) The Row Cashmere Priske Coat over relaxed black trousers and a pair of black trainers. Her black leather handbag and dark sunglasses added further cohesion to the otherwise throw-on-and-go look.

Whilst purple and turquoise have been trending hard lately, red feels like an equally punchy but much more familiar shade to style. If, like me, you prefer to keep things neutral, I find that adding a red layer is just enough to keep a simple look feeling fresh without having to complicate things.

Always inspired by Zoë, read on to shop the red coats and jackets I’m eyeing up below.

Shop Red Coats and Jackets:

If there's one stylish celebrity that the Who What Wear team always takes note of, it's Sienna Miller. Of course, there are the red carpet looks that set our group chat alight, but we're also constantly taking style notes from her everyday outfits. Moving between smart tailoring and soft boho silhouettes, blending high-end pieces with expensive-looking high street wares, her wardrobe is truly enviable, and just now the style muse has stepped out in a Mango coat that we've all simultaneously added to our baskets.

It's far from the first time that Sienna Miller has stepped out in a Mango piece. Just like us, she recognises the brand's ability to make an affordable piece look like a high-end buy. Arriving at the press junket for 'War' yesterday, she was spotted wearing the Mango Tailored Wool Coat, a classic autumn/winter piece with sharp shoulders, a long silhouette and sleek grey colourway.

Crafted from a mix of cotton and wool, the coat proves once again that a series of great capsule wardrobe staples can create seriously elegant looks. In fact, the majority of her outfit comes from Mango's Selection collection. Here she's paired the coat with a simple blue shirt, untucked to bring her signature laid-back edge, with classic black trousers and a dash of red through heeled sandals. The entire look is polished and poised, and shows that a great coat can do the heavy lifting in the cooler months. To finish, a selection of Monica Vinader accessories has been added, including the Ochre ring and Heirloom necklace. As Sienna Miller-approved high street pieces tend to move fast, let's scroll on to shop her exact outfit and explore more sleek staples from Mango.

Shop Sienna Miller's Look

Shop More Mango Buys We Think Sienna Miller Would Adore

With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

It should come as no surprise that Sienna Miller is the first to style the jacket trend we'll all be wearing in a few months' time. Typically ahead of the rest of us, the actor attended a red-carpet event in London this week wearing a classic outerwear staple that's set for a major revival come the coldest months of the year.

Layered over her knee-length LBD, Sienna's camel coat added a polished finish to her look, all the while confirming that this enduring staple won't be going anywhere anytime soon. While the actor has long been lauded for her bohemian styling tendencies, I've studied Sienna's style for long enough to know that she also appreciates the importance of a great wardrobe staple—and, IMO, few come close to the easy elegance of a sleek camel coat.

Sienna might have a head start on the trend, but I'm certain it won't be long before the rest of us follow suit. She took a polished approach to styling hers, pairing the sophisticated coat with a classic black dress and pink suede heeled mules, but one of the best things about a camel coat is its versatility. Throw it over a white T-shirt and jeans for an elevated everyday look, or layer it over a slinky satin dress when you want something a little more polished.

Just watch: come November, we'll all be swaddled in camel coats, too. If you want to get ahead of the trend, keep scrolling for the camel coats I'm recommending below.

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