Best winter coats

I am aware that with our weather still clement it may be difficult to think about buying a winter coat. I have spent several hours this week touring the shops and researching online to find the best winter coats. However as the saying goes “the early bird catches the worm.” The best colours and styles sell out very quickly, consequently, it is never too early to start the search. Your coat will probably be the most important item in your wardrobe. It may well take up a considerable amount of your budget so it is it is going to be an important decision.

Important considerations when purchasing a coat

The first essential factor will be that it suits your lifestyle. Do you want a formal or casual coat? The second consideration will be does the style and colour suit you. The fabric you choose will depend on whereabouts in the world you live in. If you live in a northern climate you will probably need a heavier weight fabric than if you live in more temperate climes.

Details of above: Red coat by Boden // Yellow wool coatigan John Lewis & Partners // Raspberry wrap coat John Lewis & Partners // Double face collar camel coat John Lewis & Partners // Cinnamon coat Nordstrom // Camel wrap coat Nordstrom

John Lewis & Partners have some great winter coats but be quick as they are selling out fast.

There is a wide choice of coats this year. Personally, I like to wear a brightly coloured coat as you can see from the pink Hobbs coat I bought last year (link). This season you can choose from the warmer tones such as browns, deep plums and classic camels.

Remember that when you meet somebody for the first time you will often be wearing a coat. As first impressions are important make sure that your coat sends the messages you want it to send.

MarksandSpencer has a mid-season sale at the moment I saw a couple of great trench coats when I was in the store.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

Anonymous says:

21st September 2018 at 16:45

It has been snowy off and on for a week. It's not too early to start looking for a winter coat.

A few fall and winter coats are necessary in this climate, from lighter weights to heavier parkas. When the weather fluctuates from day to day, having a too-hot coat can be almost as bad as a too-light coat.

Those colours are brilliant!
Brigitte Aubrey says:

21st September 2018 at 17:42

You are definitely so much more stylish than I am. I bought last year a Didrikson Parka, water- and windproof and terribly practical but stylish it ain't. However, I am walking a lot on the South Coast and it suits me. Strange when I was younger and still living in Munich/Germany with temperature very low in the winter it would have never occurred to me to buy something practical! If I had more use for a styulish coat I would go for the Raspberry one.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  22nd September 2018 at 12:31
  
  Hi Brigitte I mostly wear my pink winter coat around London. If I am walking along the Thames tow path or in the country I too will wear a Parka. I have my eye on one from Cos at the moment.
Mary says:

21st September 2018 at 19:45

I gave away my full length 100% cashmere coat years ago and have always regretted it. This year I fancy a short cashmere jacket but wonder whether it will get much use. The trouble is, very casual, almost grunge, dressing seems to be taking over. At the moment I am wearing my down jacket, as everyone else around here seems to be doing right now. It's beautifully warm and light but not stylish like the above coats.
You look so smart in your red coat.
- h says:
  
  22nd September 2018 at 12:34
  
  Hi Mary
  I thought of giving away my old MaxMara cashmere coat this year have changed my mind and think I will keep it even though it is 15 years old. I saw a similar style in Marks the other day but fabric needless to say not as good. I think a short cashmere jacket sounds lovely. I get a lot of wear out of my thick grey wool one I bought a few years ago. I will be featuring jackets next Monday.
Ariss says:

22nd September 2018 at 08:58

I love long coats. They are certainly an investment piece but worth it. Mine is from Cos.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  22nd September 2018 at 12:37
  
  Hi Aris
  
  Your coat sounds really nice. Cos have some great coats this year.
LA CONTESSALA CONTESSA@GMAIL.com says:

28th September 2018 at 15:16

WE seldom have the need for a coat here in California!I have a few and can not part with them.They take up so much closet space!!!!!!That sweater coat is all need that you met me in!I have 4 of those!!!!!!Josephine tell me to TOSS the COATS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!XX
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  28th September 2018 at 16:16
  
  Yes, I would definitely recommend tossing your coats if you don't need them. Here in the northern climes, we are getting ready to wear ours.