You may have noticed that clothes have become rather maximal in recent times: colours are bold, collars are big, and sequins are sparkling at all times of day and night. We seem to be intent on showing anyone who's interested that we have left behind the dark days of Not Going Out, and live in a constant euphoric state of dopamine inducing positivity. So - This 'Great Big Winter Coat Edit' is great and big in more ways than one. No longer is the winter coat the functional, wear over everything staple that we used to dig out each year when the temperature dropped. These days our coat is a key part of our outfit, and is Extra in all sorts of ways: Extra large; Extra padded; Extra fluffy; Extra colourful and Extra long. Plus a statement making coat surely makes sense : the winter coat is often the most expensive item in our wardrobe, so why shouldn't it have impact, whether thats with luxe wool details or furry candy stripes . Here's my top fifty from the high street, independents and up, whether your budget is £50 or £500. Many of these are currently reduced and most under £200. Plus remember this edit can also be used as inspo to search preloved for coats: the easy way to up-level in quality while saving pennies. ( Oh and the planet!)
QUILTED
The puffy coat is still riding high and this season patchwork, prints and interesting quilting are on the up. If you stick with neutral make it floor length or a statement shape. I'm dreaming about a Farm Rio, but this khaki Nobody's Child with floral lining is an excellent affordable option
FURRY
No of course not real, but there's a positive plethora of faux fur, faux shearling and teddy bear textures to choose from. I'm tempted by a delboy Mango but the candy striped Jakke and the checkerboard Warehouse are also calling me.
TRENCHES AND PARKAS
Some may say the sensible option, but these staples have got quirky and oversized, with collabs between fashion and traditional brands very much a thing ( Ganni X Barbour at Liberty anyone?) The Karen Millen cape mac was a discovery (and on sale!) and the floor length Aligne is both sustainable and swoonworthy.
CHECK
The checked coat feels both heritage and subversive this season, with checks getting a super sized and colourful rework. The Whistles black and white is on my list, as is the ethical Omnes green, which comes in four colour pop options.
WOOL
The classic wool coat is currently anything but, with detailing , cut, trims and linings being up-levelled. Erica Davis's fab John Lewis acid yellow has an excellent retro cut, and I love the rickrack style trim on the navy Boden. Plus can we take a moment for that River Island?!
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