Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of post office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to.
After a disappointingly short summer, and a strangely warm start to autumn, we’re finally leaning into the cooler weather that comes with the end of the year, and that can only mean one thing: coats. It’s the only reason to get excited about darker nights or having to contend with wearing tights, and no fashion editor is exempt from the satisfaction that comes with finding The One. Of all the sensible investments you make for your wardrobe, coats are up there with bags and boots as the kind of piece that can truly last a lifetime. They can be handed down through families and, if you look after them, still look just as fresh as the day they were bought. In fact, some coat buyers are so dedicated they set about snapping up key versions in August, but we’re more inclined to turn our attention to outerwear when the weather really starts to change, and we might just be there.
For our latest We Try Before You Buy, what better time to discuss the very best coats on the market. Shearling! Camel! Leather! They all deserve a place in your wardrobe, but we wanted to make sure that we covered all of the coat styles our editors consider the best of the best. We have a mix of not only styles but also price points, ranging from investment designer buys to gems we found on the high street (thank you, M&S and COS). Our aim with our try-ons is always to give you practical tips when it comes to sizing or explain how certain details actually look in real life, so our editors have all given a thorough review of their chosen coats. So, keep scrolling to see the winter coats we think are truly worth investing in in 2023.
“This COS coat flew off the shelves last year, and was spotted on every influencer and editor from London to New York and back again. So, when we saw that it was back for 2023, the Who What Wear team knew we had to try it out. Luckily, it really does live up to the hype. It is unbelievably warm and cosy (it’s made from 72% recycled wool) and has a lovely funnel neck with a spread collar and button closure, giving it a tailored but cocoon-style silhouette that looks so chic. Shape wise, it is oversized. I’m a size 12-14 (depending on the store!) and 5’7, but this is a small. It fit perfectly over my dress but I’d want a medium if I was looking to layer chunky knits underneath it. For under £300, I think this is such a fantastic buy. Now I just need to decide between this beige hue, or the classic black… Wish me luck.” Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
“I’ve been wanting to try this Max Mara coat for years thanks to the classic colour and timeless sillhouette. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was a keeper. It has a slightly oversized fit on me (I’m 5ft3 for reference) but thanks to the matching belt, I could cinch it in at the waist for a more fitted look if I wanted. The quality is incredible and it kept me so warm, which is why this coat deserves a spot in my wardrobe for many years to come.” Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor
“As soon as the first signs of autumn approach, you’ll find me practically living in puffer coats. It’s like the socially acceptable version of being wrapped in a blanket outside —what’s not to love? This year, I’ll be in ARKET’s Sporty Down Jacket which has a glossy polyester shell and filled with recycled down for the perfect pillowy feel. I found the coat had a slightly larger fit, but this wasn’t an issue for me as it features an adjustable bottom hem. I loved the detail of the two-way zips, and really appreciated it having a hood, especially with how unpredictable the weather can be as we change seasons!” Jerrylyn Saguiped, Affiliate Manager
“As someone who thinks over every purchase she makes incredibly thoroughly, you can imagine the hours I spent deliberating over buying Toteme’s scarf coat. You know the one; the cover-up that’s dominated your social media for three winters now, and it’s appeal is showing no signs of waning. With its oversize silhouette, thick felted wool fabrication, contrast whip-stitched edging and chic, built-in scarf, in my opinion, it’s as close to perfection as a coat can get. I finally took the plunge last winter and it proved to be my most-worn piece of the season. Dare I say I was wearing it up until May this year and was overcome with joy when I pulled it out of its garment bag for the first time this month. It’s statement but incredibly wearable and versatile—I wear it on the regular with jeans and tailoring, but also with slip skirts and dresses. Easily the most-complimented item I own, I’m legitimately considering investing it one of the other gorgeous colours.” Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor
“In my opinion, a trench coat is a wardrobe staple for the autumn and winter months. It is such a versatile style, and can be dressed up and down depending on the occasion. This Massimo Dutti one comes in a classic camel colour, and I love the smart collar and belt detailing. Sometimes I find that trench coats can look a little shapeless on me, but this one had a more tailored fit that definitely gives it a more premium feel.” Grace Lindsay, Junior Beauty Editor
“I loved the oversized fit of the Raey funnel-neck blanket coat, even taking a size down from normal it fit perfectly. It was really comfortable, didn’t feel too heavy and was incredibly soft. Even though it was quite thick, I didn’t overheat when wearing the coat throughout the day. Maxi wool coats are great to throw on over any outfit to look smart but still be warm in the colder months. You can wear the coat two ways, either open and more slouchy or you can do up the buttons to form the funnel-neck for a more polished finish.” Sophie Cookson, Insights Manager
“I just can’t help it, I’m a firm believer in more is more, and when it comes to looking for a coat I’m going to wear all autumn and winter, it needs to be something that packs a punch. (Think less quiet luxury, and more head-turning buys). As soon as I saw Rixo’s patchwork suede coat it ticked every box: premium quality fabric, a flattering length, and although it undoubtedly makes a statement, the rich autumnal colour palette goes with many more outfits that you might expect. For the next few months I’d be happy wearing this with dresses, shirts, and fine knits, but be sure to size up for a fit that will accommodate chunky winter jumpers, this is a slinky, streamlined fit purposefully designed to not be too bulky.” Remy Farrell, Shopping Editor
“At this point it’d fair to assume that I’m trying to build a wardrobe filled with trench coats of all the colours of the rainbow. I’ve got the classic beige, a green, a brown and a yellow on the way. But it was only recently that I realised how much I needed a leather one. I may look like I’m trying to give Shaft or Blade a run for their money but let me tell you now, your autumn wardrobe is not complete without a leather trench coat. I’ve found that it elevates and adds a touch of edge to even the simplest of outfits. This one from Mango is perfect for night outs when you don’t want to wear a coat that’ll ruin the look, but will still do a good job of keeping you warm. Don’t be put off by the price, I know it’s a little steep for the high street, but because it’s real leather means you can buy now and wear forever.” Joy Ejaria, Social Media Editor
“The perfect black coat is hard to find, so when you meet your perfect match, you better act quickly. For me, this black Joseph coat is everything a great coat should be and more. I’m broad-shouldered, so you might think I ought to stay clear of anything with a shoulder pad, but actually, I find the opposite to be true. A good shoulder pad seems to balance out my frame, making my outfit appear structured and neat, rather than oversized and baggy. The double-breasted closure added to the elegance of the well-tailored button-down coat for a silhouette that was both comfortable and effortlessly smart. Easy to layer with a light knit or t-shirt, I’ll be coming back to this coat all season long.”
“Once again, M&S has nailed the brief. Every detail of this designer-passing coat adds to the overall expensive look. From the dark chocolate hue, that’s both on trend for the season and universally chic, to the metal closures, you’d never guess this cosy coat was from the high-street. Keep your eyes peeled for this to land in store and online later in the month, as the oversized fit is great when layering thick knits underneath during the cooler months. Alternatively, you could size down for a neater fit. The collarless design is yet another chic aspect to the silhouette, which I’ve highlighted with the accompaniment of a turtleneck (a personal favourite for the chillier months).”
