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Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
As the summer sun dissipates, while some of us are still making the most of our floral dresses, others may be happy that temperatures are finally starting to drop.
With back-to-school in full swing, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobe and get ready for the season ahead. That means finding a basic winter coat.
We hear from fashion experts about the best styles for both the office and walking the dog, what to invest in, and which design details to avoid at all costs.
How long do winter coats last?
“A good quality coat can last more than five years if well looked after,” says Holly Watkins, fashion expert at second-hand shop One Scoop. “You should dry clean it once a year and spot clean it during the season to minimise wear and tear. Storing coats in plastic bags during the summer will help keep moths away!”
According to Evolena de Wilde d'Estmael, co-founder and CEO of Faircado, when it comes to the longevity of a coat, the fabric and construction of the garment are critical. “One thing we can say with more certainty is that an item made cheaply by a fast fashion brand is not going to last as long as a piece made with more care and from higher quality fabrics.”
Which fabrics to invest in?
When it comes to winter coat fabrics, natural fibers are the best choice. “The higher the natural fiber content, the warmer the coat,” says Watkins. “Look for wool, alpaca, mohair and cashmere. A total nylon or polyester content of 10-15% is fine, as this should prevent the wool from pilling, but any higher than that and the fabric won’t be warm.”
“Buying a secondhand winter coat is a no-brainer,” says Wilde d’Estmael. “You can find unique, high-quality pieces at much lower prices than if they were new. Buying used is also fundamentally better for the planet.”
According to recent data from Clearpay, vintage trench coats in particular have seen a massive 429% increase in sales over the past year. The draw of this style is Burberry’s iconic 100% cotton trench coat, which is purchased at a fraction of the retail price.
Urban Outfitters Light Before Dark Double Breasted Trench Coat, £44 (was £89)
Brown wool-effect trench coat from Tu Clothing, £45
Styles that work for the office and for walking the dog.
Investing in a winter coat means it should work for (almost) every occasion. That means it should be waterproof, warm and comfortable. and It can be elegant or casual style, if it is not too much to ask.
“Vintage or second-hand Barbour jackets are great because they look better the older they are,” says Watkins. Waxed jackets, a style often sported by the Princess of Wales, can be paired with a cream knitted jumper, smart trousers and Chelsea boots, but also look good with chunky woollens and wellies.
H&M Waxed Twill Jacket, £54.99
The styles that will triumph in autumn/winter 2024
If you’re looking for a new coat with a modern twist, faux fur and animal print are the biggest trends for this autumn/winter. Data shows a 219% year-on-year increase in faux fur sales, driven by British icons such as Suki Waterhouse and Alexa Chung, who consider faux fur a winter staple.
Following the red and leopard print craze, animal print coats have seen a 530% increase in sales according to Clearpay. Fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell says: “As consumers become more conscious of sustainability and uniqueness, trends such as vintage and faux fur coats are booming.
“The surge in sales of bold colours and patterns also highlights the desire to inject joy and self-expression into the darker, colder months.”
Gini London leopard print faux fur coat in rust from New Look, £125
