In fashion terms, there is something uniquely potent about the power of an investment buy—an item of clothing that is able to hold its value and beauty and keep us coming back for more, season after season. In a world of micro-trends, next day delivery and more shopping options than one could ever need, the gentle plod of a timeless piece is not to be underestimated.
For the weather-beaten Brit, the coat has to be one of the items of clothing that carries the heaviest load in our wardrobes, as it needs to get us through at least 6 months of the year (if not more) and must be warm enough to keep out the chill while still looking the part. Perhaps more so than other bits in our wardrobe, a coat is also an item that is least likely to be swept up in the changing tides of seasonal trends, so it really is worth putting the time in to find the right one.
From trenches and biker jackets, to blazers and camel coats, there so many options in the outwear world that have stood the test of time, particularly when they come courtesy of certain brands. A Burberry trench or an Acne shearling are pedigrees in their categories, and the standard by which countless other brands follow. With winter in full swing, the Who What Wear editors put our heads together to come up with a definite list of the stylish outwear buys that are worth the investment. They might come with a hefty price tag, but they’re sure to make their worth back in cost-per-wear. Scroll down to see our shortlist.