It’s November, which means temperatures have officially dropped, and I’m swapping the lighter jackets I’ve relied on for the past two months for something much more substantial. When it comes to finding the perfect winter coat, I have a few non-negotiables: it needs to be warm enough to withstand the elements, versatile enough to wear on repeat and, of course, chic enough to elevate whatever I’m wearing underneath. Naturally, my first ports of call are always Zara, H&M and COS—three high-street brands that consistently deliver when it comes to expensive-looking outerwear.
Each has its own strengths. Zara has become something of a destination for viral outerwear; just think of the reversible coat that’s already sold out twice, or the checked trench that disappeared from shelves within days last year. And this season is proving no different. From sweeping wool coats with elegant wrap belts to reversible styles and plush faux fur jackets, Zara’s new-in section is brimming with the kind of statement-making outerwear you’ll want to wear on repeat. H&M, meanwhile, has taken a slightly more trend-led approach, with leopard-print faux fur jackets, cropped pea coats and fashion-forward silhouettes that could easily pass for designer. Then there’s COS, which continues to master the art of understated luxury. Think longline tailored wool coats, sculptural funnel-neck silhouettes, cropped scarf jackets and elegant shawl-collar styles that feel both modern and timeless.
So, whether you’re after a classic wool coat you’ll wear for years or something a little more directional to refresh your winter wardrobe, I’ve rounded up the very best styles worth considering from Zara, H&M and COS right now.
Shop Zara, H&M and COS Winter Coats
From the funnel-neck detail to the tie belt, this whole look is a masterclass in how to look elegant this winter.
Between the sleek navy hue, the slightly oversized proportions and double-breasted design, this coat proves why COS’s outerwear is superior.
Just in time for party season, layer this faux fur shawl jacket over every outfit.
Two elegant coats in one—the best-selling reversible style is finally back in stock.
A wool coat is a shortcut to immediately looking polished this winter.
The brown melange hue is so good.
The fur trim does a lot of the heavy-lifting on this otherwise simple coat.
Break up your usual palette of dark hues with this light beige coat.
The dark rich brown hue combined with the wool-blend finish is so expensive-looking.
The funnel-neck detail adds the perfect point of interest to this otherwise simple coat.
Mark my words: this will be gone by the end of the week.
Shop More Zara, H&M and COS Coats
Proof that often the simplest coats are the most elegant!
A sophisticated wool jacket that’s perfect for office days.
Inject some drama into your winter wardrobe with this chic faux fur jacket.
A pea coat is inherently so French-looking. Just add a pair of straight-leg jeans and loafers.
Warm and chic!
The shawl collar gives this an expensive-looking edge.
The deep red is so rich-looking.
From the cropped design to the funnel-neck details, Zara’s cropped jacket makes looking put-together this cold spell effortless.
For when the coat is the outfit.
The herringbone pattern adds a decisively heritage feel to this coat.
