I don’t know if I’m alone in this, but every year when the rest of the UK seems to be in mourning for the end of summer, I’m happily waltzing around my bedroom lovingly clutching the winter coats that have been trapped in hibernation for seven months. Each one comes laden with memories, and each one packs its own personality when worn.
There’s the oversize trench from & Other Stories that never fails to make me feel like I’m in an old Audrey Hepburn movie or my vintage leather coat, which gives any outfit a sassy ‘70s twist. There’s also the statement-making burgundy patent trench for when I need a subtle pop of colour and the quilted coat for cosy minimalist cool. A white tee and jeans can have a million different flavours depending on your outwear item of choice.
As autumn creeps in and the mercury plummets, coats are often the only thing we see of our outfits, which is probably why I’ve collected so many over the years. While I love having the variety to choose from, there have been five styles in particular that I return to again and again—wardrobe fail-safes that have stood the test of time and survived the battering of many a wet and windy British winter. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for your new-season outwear, scroll down to see the coat styles I swear by.
