In this latest post in my series about building a capsule wardrobe I’ve decided to concentrate on warm, stylish winter coats.
And when I say warm, I mean properly warm… Not just smart, long wool coats but padded, quilted and down and/or feather lined coats. There are some parts of Europe that are seeing temperatures way, way below freezing at the moment, and although in the UK we’re having the odd milder days it’s been I’m-cold-to-the-bone on many occasions.
Today was bright and sunny – rather gorgeous weather for an early morning walk in fact – but wow my face was frooooozen.
Luckily I was wearing my trusty padded parka which I invested in several years ago, and how glad am I that I did? Admittedly it’s a little bulky and not the smartest coat I own, but it’s still stylish (I always fondly think of 1970s scruffy schoolboys when I see a parka with a furry hood) and negates the need for hundreds of wooly layers underneath – the coat does all the (insulating) work.
So here I’ve chosen 16 stylish winter coats that will keep you properly, truly warm. Many of them are on sale (such is the time of year) so act fast if you need one – now’s actually the perfect time to snap one up.
SHOP THE EDIT (ABOVE):
I’ve also picked a wide range of colours, styles and budgets. I’m quite proud of the fact that there are only 3 black coats amongst all 16 (who wants to constantly buy black coats all the time?!) – you’ve also got grey, burgundy, khaki, red, navy and (off) white in there.
Many of them have furry hoods because that’s just what you need when the air is biting cold and the wind is threatening to freeze your ears off: Get that hood up, zip the coat right up to your chin and battle those elements.
You’ll be toasty warm inside.
Always have cold hands like me?
Here’s a top tip for keeping your hands really, really warm:
Wear fleece gloves (just a cheap pair is fine) inside thick mittens – preferably sheepskin or leather mittens because they don’t let in any cold. I find mittens actually keep your fingers warmer than gloves do because they’re all next to each other keeping the other ones warm (aww)… gloves separate your fingers out and you lose the heat. But wear the two together and you will reap the rewards of warm hands, I promise you!
WHICH OF THESE WARM WINTER COATS DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
Please note: All prices and available sizes information correct at time of publishing (19/01/16). E&EO.
Phase Eight Fur Trim Puffer Jacket
Was £189.00, NOW £149.00
Sizes 8-18
They say: Stay warm and cosy in our longline feather filled puffer coat. With a showerproof finish, stretchy cuffguards, a zip-up front and detachable hood. Finished with an optional stretchy belt with metal clasp and faux-fur trim.
I say: I love the military-style touches of this coat and the bold gold trims.
Topshop Sheepskin Lined Parka
£595
Sizes 6-12
They say: Stay super warm all season long in this patchworked parka jacket lined in supersoft genuine sheepskin. An investment piece for your capsule wardrobe, this cosy coat will protect you against the winter chill for seasons to come.
I say: Pricey, but talk about an investment – a classic khaki parka never goes out of fashion. The multi-coloured sheepskin lining is gorgeous and will be super warm.
Kenneth Cole Faux Shearling Lined Puffer Coat
Was £129.35, NOW £85.28
Sizes XS-XL (also in Black)
They say: A slender belt nips in the waist of this slim and chic puffer coat lined with plush faux shearling inside the cozy hood and draped lapels.
I say: This coat is surprisingly smart for a puffer coat – the crossover style and belted waist make it a great choice when you need something one level up from a chunky parka.
Bruce by Bruce Oldfield Quilted Coat
£199
Sizes 8, 10, 14, 16
They say: A feminine take on a quilted coat, this Bruce by Bruce Oldfield piece will ensure you stay warm without compromising on style. In a long, A-line silhouette, this piece features an oversized stand collar, side pockets for practicality and a belted waist with a rose gold-tone clasp. Layer it over both smart and casual ensembles for a sleek and flattering look.
I say: If you thought the last coat was smart, check this one out. It’s so gorgeous and sleek you could wear it to the opera over your evening gown. I don’t normally gush over black coats but this one is absolutely beautiful. What a bonus it’s quilted for warmth.
Parka London Long Padded Jacket
£250
Sizes XXS-L
They say: Quilted durable fabric, padded lining for extra warmth, faux-fur lined hood with trim, concealed zip fastening, press-stud placket, functional pockets.
I say: I love this parka if only for the hood alone: It might be one of the biggest, chunkiest, most luxurious-looking faux fur hoods I’ve ever seen. The coat’s colour is a really yummy warm khaki too.
Eliza J Water Resistant Down Jacket with Faux Fur Trim
£231.10
Sizes XS-XL (also in Black)
They say: High-loft down fill and an extended silhouette provide winter-ready warmth in a sleek channel-quilted coat topped with an insulated collar and cozy hood trimmed in fluffy faux fur.
I say: Navy makes such a nice change from black without being over bright, and this one comes right down to the knees and doesn’t look too bulky due to the flattering slim fit.
Vince Camuto Down & Feather Fill Coat
Was £282.84, NOW £172.38
Sizes XS-XL (also in Black)
They say: An inset bib topped with a knit stand collar adds warmth to a cold-weather coat that wraps you in cozy down/feather fill from shoulder to shin. Zip-detailed princess seams and an elasticized belt accentuate the long, shapely design and an attached hood extends the chill-chasing protection.
I say: When a coat is filled with down and feather that’s music to my (chilly) ears. Similar to the last coat but in a steel grey and without the fur trim, this one has a belt to keep you from looking too Stay Puft Man-like.
Cole Haan Quilted Jacket with Faux Fur Trim Hood
Was £241.45, NOW £120.64
Sizes XS-XL
They say: A lush faux-fur-trimmed hood tops this cozy quilted jacket styled with an offset closure with snap and zip plackets that block every blustery breeze. A lofty mix of down and feather fill traps warmth for a pillowy, insulating outer layer you’ll reach for all season long.
I say: Another coat with down and feather filling for added warmth, I love the colour combination of the burgundy with the rich caramel-coloured faux fur trim.
Jaeger Faux Fur Trim Parka
£250
Sizes 6, 8, 14, 18
They say: Cosy, cool and practical in equal measure, parkas are essential for the transitional months (because British weather is unpredictable at best). Designed with a faux fur trimmed hood, this one has an on-trend curved, stepped hem and a loose fit making it ideal for layering over chunky knitwear or layered tops.
I say: Jaeger make beautiful clothes, especially coats, so a parka by this classic British brand is going to be a winner. Again, a great colour fur trim on the hood compliments the green beautifully.
La Redoute Long Padded Down Coat
Was £139.00, NOW £55.60
Sizes 6-22 (also in Blush Pink, Khaki Brown and Black)
They say: Best quality long hooded padded jacket. Zip fastening under press-stud placket. Hood with faux fur trim (removable). Buckled belt through belt loops. 2 press-stud pockets at the sides.
I say: With 60% off this coat is such a bargain – you’ll get the quality of a pricey coat but with a super cheap price tag. It’s a really soft dark blue (they call it ‘Midnight’) and the removable faux fur trim makes it more versatile.
Karen Millen Faux Fur Trim Padded Coat
£275
Sizes 6-14
They say: Cut from wool, and with exaggerated faux fur trims at the hem and the collar, this padded jacket is the acme of chic. Wear with your most polished day-to-night ensembles.
I say: This is a “wow” of a biker jacket – the mixed textures and fabrics with those incredible fur trims are what make it. Perfect if you need a jacket to wear over dresses in the winter.
Bruce by Bruce Oldfield Quilted Jacket
£179
Sizes 8-18 (also in Navy)
They say: Reinventing the classic quilted jacket, this Bruce by Bruce Oldfield design has a feminine and contemporary twist. With a rope quilted pattern, this piece features an oversized stand collar that can fold downwards, side pockets for practicality and a belted waist with a high-shine clasp. Layer it over both smart and casual ensembles for a sleek and flattering look.
I say: A shorter jacket version of the black coat earlier, this quilted fabric lends itself to being a delicious creamy colour – I’d say it’s a little darker than winter white. Another really smart option with those wide lapels and belt.
EDC by Esprit Winter Coat
Was £129.99, NOW £90.99
Sizes XS-XL
They say: Lined, removable faux fur collar, zip fastening, zip pockets, inside pockets.
I say: A red coat with fur trim doesn’t have to look Christmassy – this will brighten up the dreariest of winter days (the lovely grey-brown fur trim on the hood is what stops it straying into Santa territory). My own parka has a similar drawstring waist which really helps to keep the warm in.
Anna Field Padded Winter Coat
£74.99
Sizes 6-16
They say: [Very lttle really except for] Faux fur hood, zip fastening, lined hood, warm padding.
I say: I adore the way the faux fur trim of the hood looks almost like a huge shawl collar – the coat then has a practical zip up neck inside the hood for even more warmth. The belt buckle gives it a smart touch.
GUESS Down Coat
£199.99
Sizes XS-XL
They say: Lined collar, zip fastening, zip pockets, inside pockets, warm 70% down, 30% feathers padding.
I say: Although this coat doesn’t have a fur trim hood, the chunky padded collar (and the whole coat) do look incredibly warm. The front of the collar snaps together at the front to make a cosy snood – a nice feature.
Eliza J Faux Fur Trim Hooded Down Coat
Was £310.44, NOW £206.87
Sizes XS-XL (also in Taupe and Black)
They say: High-loft down fill and an extended silhouette provide winter-ready warmth for a water-resistant coat that offers a sleeker, more streamlined look with a non-quilted shell. A cozy hood crowned with a fluffy faux-fur ruff completes the chill-chasing style..
I say: This colour is a very muted burgundy (they call it ‘Wine’), and the fur trim is detachable which is handy to switch the look up or take off when it rains. It goes all the way to the knees so you’re going to be kept very warm and very dry in this coat.
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Thank you!
I love them all Catherine, parkas always remind me of my directing days as I lived in the, all year round as we'd do a lot of night shoots! I'm big chested so always worry puffer coats are unflattering on me but you've got some gorgeous ones here so I'm going to consider one, thanks x
Love a padded coat, but always with a defined waist to stop me looking too bulky! Even though I live in Denmark I haven't worn my warmest winter coat for the last three winters, it's just not been cold enough (even though it was -8.5°C on monday). I don't think I feel the cold too much, real down is way too warm for me, and if I go for leather gloves with a fleece lining my hands overheat, so mine are lined with wool.
Oh wow I wish I didn't feel the cold like you obviously don't, DP! Minus 8 is unthinkable to me – anything under (+)10C is freeeeeezing to me!! I get cold hands in the summer sometimes and want to wear gloves but know I'd look daft 😉
I love the last one; the wine colour is gorgeous (mmmm, wine….) and the longer the better in my book. I'd like something that feels like a duvet! I have an angle length Burberry one in black which I bought in JUNE many years ago at Bicester Village for £80. It is on its last legs, so I'm perusing your selection for ideas…. Thanks for doing all the legwork! xx
Oh wow that was brave to buy a winter coat in june, Lisa… it always feels weird to buy something SO much out of season?!! Hope you find something you like to replace your Burberry 🙂
this is just the kind of post I was looking forward to read!, warm coats in any no-black color are usually hard to find!
thanks!
besos
There were a lot of black coats, Mrs Allnut, but the non-black colours are always the ones I'm drawn to first!
Really like your tip for cold hands, it is an issue me and my sister are often battling. We tend to wear mittens as they are warmer, but both is a really interesting idea. Must try.
Honestly it works SO well for me, Gemma – you should have plenty of room inside mittens for your gloved hands. Hope it works!