As the temperature drops and the layers come on, winter's arrival signals a shift in style – a time when outerwear becomes the star of the show. The ultimate statement coat is the hero in your winter wardrobe offering more than just warmth and function. It's about power, elegance, and standing out.
When it comes to making an impact, a great coat has always been more than just an afterthought; it’s the first and often the only piece people see. This winter, designers are embracing the dramatic, the luxurious, and the unconventional to create coats that turn heads.
Volume is everything. Oversized shapes, structured shoulders, and exaggerated proportions are having their moment. Think long, sweeping wool coats that billow as you walk, or cocoon coats that envelop you in plush fabric shielding you from biting winds. These bold silhouettes not only make a statement but also give an air of drama, instantly elevating any outfit underneath.
Winter 2024 is all about indulgence. We’re seeing an obsession with rich textures, sumptuous wools, buttery leather and eco-friendly faux furs that beg to be touched. If you’re looking for something tactile, shearling coats or sleek leather offer a bold contrast and a hint of rebellion. Leather continues to reign supreme, with long, sleek leather trenches and shearling-lined jackets taking over the runways. It’s all about pairing the tough edge of leather with plush, cozy elements like shearling collars or lining. The juxtaposition of textures makes these coats as chic as they are practical. Look to Bottega Veneta and Acne Studios for inspiration – think rich chocolate browns, deep burgundies and classic black leather, elevated by oversized cuts.
More than ever, consumers are considering the environmental impact of their wardrobe choices. Designers are responding by creating eco-conscious coats that don’t sacrifice style. Recycled wool, plant-based leathers and innovative down alternatives are transforming the world of winter wear. Brands like Stella McCartney and Nanushka lead the charge in sustainable outerwear, offering statement pieces that are as kind to the planet as they are to your wardrobe.
More than just a barrier against the cold, this season’s outerwear offerings embody confidence, creativity and craftsmanship.
The statement coat is an emblem of self-expression. The rules are simple: go big, go bold, and don’t be afraid to let your outerwear do all the talking. From voluminous silhouettes to bold textures, here’s my guide to what to look for.
THE WOOL COAT
In AW24, bigger is undeniably better, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the oversized wool coat. Designers like JW Anderson, Pheobe Philo and The Row have doubled down on exaggerated proportions, offering coats that cocoon the body in a sleek, minimalist silhouette.
This coat is all about nonchalance—pair it with tailoring and a turtleneck for effortless sophistication, or throw it over a slim evening dress for a high-contrast look. Whether in classic camel, deep charcoal, or even this season’s key burgundy shades, the oversized wool coat promises both warmth and runway-ready elegance.
THE SHEARLING COAT
Shearling continues its reign as a cold-weather essential. This season’s shearling coats are all about opulence, with designers embracing the plush material in both natural tones and rich, jewel-like hues. Isabel Marant and Chloé are leading the charge with shearling coats that blend luxurious comfort with a distinctly bohemian edge.
Expect to see shearling trim on oversized aviator jackets, full-length coats with dramatic collars, and even patchwork shearling for an artisanal twist. The key to this trend? Texture. Layer it over silk slip dresses or crisp wool trousers for a tactile contrast that feels both indulgent and modern.
THE CHECK COAT
Check coats are making a bold return for AW24, redefining the ultimate winter staple with patterns that range from subtle glen plaids to eye-catching oversized checks. Designers are embracing heritage patterns but with a twist, blending classic tailoring with unexpected colours and textures for a fresh, modern edge. Rich colour palettes – think deep charcoals, forest greens, and vibrant reds – add warmth and vibrancy, while oversized silhouettes bring a cozy, enveloping feel that’s perfect for layering. Wool-blend fabrics offer both style and practicality, keeping the chill at bay without sacrificing elegance. Whether styled with tailored trousers for a polished look or thrown over chunky knits for laid-back sophistication, a check coat this winter is the go-to for anyone looking to make a statement.
THE FLUFFY COAT
The fluffy coat featured heavily across the runway collections as the statement piece of AW24, redefining cozy luxury with a bold silhouette and tactile appeal that turns heads and embraces warmth. Perfectly straddling comfort and edge, this coat’s voluminous, textured layers evoke a sense of retro glamour while feeling undeniably modern. Designers like Gabriela Hearst and Erdem are experimenting with knitted wool oversized cuts, plush faux furs, and unexpected colourways that range from creamy neutrals to jewel-toned brights, making it easy to pair with everything from sleek leather trousers to cozy knits. Whether styled as a maximalist addition to an evening ensemble or a casual layer over denim, the fluffy coat is versatile yet unapologetically chic, capturing the essence of effortless winter style with its lush, inviting feel. This season, it’s not just a coat; it’s the ultimate sartorial hug that’s as stylish as it is functional.
POWER PUFFERS
The puffer coat has once again cemented its place as the ultimate winter essential, merging practicality with a sophisticated edge that redefines cold-weather dressing. This season, designers elevate the puffer beyond its classic utilitarian roots, embracing oversized silhouettes, cinched waists, and rich, textural fabrics that add a dose of luxury to its functional warmth. Think high-gloss finishes, quilted leather, and unexpected details like metallic zippers or a super long length that offer a modern twist. Warm yet impossibly chic, the puffa coat is no longer just about insulation; it’s about making a bold, stylish statement that holds its own from city streets to après-ski.
THE LEATHER COAT
The leather coat is a returning staple for winter style for AW24, merging warmth with bold sophistication for a modern edge. This season, designers are embracing a range of silhouettes, from structured trenches to oversized cuts, each enhanced with contemporary details like exaggerated collars, sleek hardware, and cinched waists. Leather’s natural insulation is ideal for winter, while rich hues—think deep burgundy, chocolate brown and classic black—add warmth to the coldest days. Versatile and effortlessly chic, the leather coat can transition from day to night, pairing just as seamlessly with sharp tailored pieces as with party wear.
THE MILITARY GREAT COAT
The long wool great coat is set to be the ultimate winter staple for autumn/winter 2024, merging timeless appeal with modern functionality. Rooted in military heritage, this full-length coat exudes an effortless sophistication with its structured silhouette, wide lapels and double-breasted or single-breasted closures. Crafted from luxuriously thick wool, it offers unparalleled warmth, while the long cut not only makes a dramatic statement but also provides extra protection against the chill. This season, designers are refreshing this classic with subtle, contemporary twists: think oversized proportions and rich earth tones like deep olive, navy and camel. Perfect for layering over everything from tailored suits to chunky knits, the great coat is the epitome of versatile elegance, making it a must-have for the winter wardrobe of anyone looking to blend sophistication with practicality.
THE SCARF COAT
The shawl scarf coat emerges as another standout winter coat for AW24, blending elegance with enveloping warmth in a single, stunning piece. This design reimagines outerwear with a voluminous shawl collar that can be worn as a scarf, draped effortlessly for an instantly sophisticated look or wrapped tightly for maximum warmth against the season’s chill. Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, wool blends, and buttery-soft alpaca bring both comfort and style, while rich, neutral tones—think deep olive, slate grey and camel—make it versatile for any wardrobe. The shawl scarf coat combines functionality and high fashion, offering a layered, cocooning effect that’s perfect for braving winter’s elements without sacrificing style. It’s a defining statement piece, capturing the essence of elevated simplicity and cozy sophistication.
THE BARN JACKET
Barn jackets, once a staple of rural workwear, have become a surprising hero in the world of winter fashion, embodying both rugged functionality and refined style. Known for their durable, often waxed or canvas exteriors, and quilted or flannel linings, barn jackets offer the kind of warmth and resilience that’s perfect for unpredictable winter days. The boxy, slightly oversized cut makes it easy to layer over chunky knits or cozy sweaters, bringing a relaxed, effortlessly chic silhouette that’s both timeless and modern. This season, designers are updating barn jackets with luxe materials, from wool and leather accents to unexpected pops of colour, elevating them from practical outerwear to a true statement piece. Whether in earthy tones or darker hues, a barn jacket pairs beautifully with denim, tailoring, or even feminine dresses, making it a versatile choice for any winter wardrobe.
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