Given it’s been such a weirdly warm Autumn so far (20 degrees at the end of October people), it’s likely you may not have got round to doing the obligatory annual coat purchase yet. Well it’s time we stop delaying the inevitable as given the nature of the fashion industry and the great British high street, in a few weeks time all the good ones will be out of stock and bikinis will be landing in stores by Christmas….

So, in an attempt to make the whole process a little more palatable, I thought I’d highlight my favourite coats with a few tips and a shopping selection for each one. These aren’t necessarily driven by this season’s trends; these are the coats I look to year after year without fail. And longevity is even more important when you’re thinking about spending a little more on something designer or at the pricier end of the high street. Although I will say it doesn’t really come down to price; I’ve got a second-hand designer camel coat I got for £250 that I wear religiously, and a a vintage fur coat I found in a bargain bucket in Paris 10 years ago for 40 euros, both of which have been worn to death. Still, there’s always room for one more…

 

The Parka

My parka collection consists of a Woolrich Arctic Parka which pretty much saved my soul last winter, and the new fleece-lined parked from Hush that’s so soft I’m almost inclined to wear it as a dressing gown. Army green and black are my go-to colours for this casual weekend staple that makes running to the corner shop for a loaf of bread in your pyjamas much for doable.

Shop the best of parkas below…

 

 The Faux Fur

 

With British designer Shrimps storming the market this season, faux fur is better than ever. From stripes and clashing colours, to more natural, classic versions, the faux fur jacket is ideal for throwing on over a slinky dress or leather trousers before you got out. You can wear a silky camisole to a Christmas dinner or drinks party without getting hypothermia on the way over there. And you’ll feel like Jerry Hall and Kate Moss’s love child in the process.

 Shop the best of faux fur below…

 

The Cocoon

 

Does what it says on the tin which is pretty much cocoon you in cosiness. Rounded shoulders, wider sleeves and a mid-length hemline make these compact, suits-all, heat generators. I’ve cheated a bit and thrown in shorter, peacoat styles too… As ever, neutrals are my favourite. Olive, khaki, smoky grey, black and pale fawn will all slot into your existing wardrobe nicely.

Shop the best of cocoon below…

 

The Leopard Print

 

You know I love a bit of leopard print after more than one or two instances of it here….  It really goes the distance, looking just as good with jeans and trainers as it does with a little dress and opaque tights. Just be picky about the type of faux fur and colour. Beware of anything too fluffy or pale in colour. If in doubt, refer to the real thing on the Discovery Channel… purely for market research I’ll add!

Shop the best of the leopard print below…

 

The Camel Coat

 

I’m not sure what I’d do without a camel coat in my wardrobe. The cost per wear of the vintage BA&SH coat I got via Vestiaire Collective last year is now down to zero it’s had so many outings. And I’m still very much in love with it…  If you like wearing black and grey in winter like me, do yourself a favour an buy a camel coat. It means you can live in your favourite neutrals without feeling like a dark cloud all winter.

Shop the best of camel below…

 

The Longline

 

I wasn’t sure what to call this one. It’s a bit masculine, a bit crombie, and a bit oversized. Basically classic, long, wool overcoats that always look great… Sharper and more tailored than the Cocoon, its ideal on days you want to feel more pulled together.  My current favourites are pinstriped (I have the Tibi one) for an extra edge of power dressing. Makes for the perfect contrast when teamed with sporty trainers and big, baggy jumper.

Shop the best of long line below…

 

The Shearling

 

There’s no denying natural materials are the best at fighting the cold, and the humble sheep knows where its at when it comes to keeping warm. There’s nothing cosier than a thick, fleecy shearling coat on those days you fear your nose might never recover.  Go to Acne for the best of the best or look to Topshop for an affordable version. Failing that, you can guarantee Portobello market will be fully stocked with plenty of vintage 70s shearlings all winter long.

Shop the best of shearling below…

The Blanket

 

We have Burberry to thank for making going out in your bed throw socially acceptable. Fringey, drapey and inescapably 70s, the blanket coat (or clanket as I like to refer to it) is everywhere right now and I’m personally loving it. While there is undeniably the danger of looking 5 sizes bigger than you are, get it right and these cloak-like cover-ups feel wholesome, earthy and very, very chic. I like camel (no surprise there) or dark grey, but they’re also a great way to add a bit of colour to your outerwear roster. The one I’m wearing from H&M sadly seems to have sold out, but I’ve found some great alternatives at ASOS and Topshop below if you’re searching.

Shop the best of Blankets below…

 

Ph. from my archive, ArtyFilles, MijaMija, WeThePeopleStyle and Pinterest