As the nights draw in, the mornings get nippier and we prepare for the clocks to go back, it’s time to update our wardrobes with some new outerwear. Hooray!
Your coat of choice says much about how you will face this upcoming, chillier season. Perhaps you’ll brave it in animal print, be it zebra, python or leopard, spotted on the catwalks of Calvin Klein and Victoria Beckham or on Tank editor Caroline Issa and Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert at Paris Fashion Week. Or will you face the elements with chic practicality in a vinyl jacket from the plastic fantastic trend? Or take a nod to the '70s in corduroy? (We’re seriously lusting after the Alexachung dusky pink number with the pointy collar.) You could choose to remain classic in a smart trench or heritage check – or dive headfirst into frivolity with a silver space age number.
We’ve saved you the trouble of trawling the rails and pulled our favourites from each key trend.
Heritage check
One of the more jovial trends, heritage check allows you to update your autumn looks with some colourful check. You can go for the more subtle herringbone end of the scale or loud and proud with a pillar box red number.
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Zara Long Checked Coat, £179, available at Zara
& Other Stories A-Line Wool Blend Belted Coat, £169, available at & Other Stories
Isabel Marant Etoile Gario Oversized Checked Flannel Coat, £470, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango Checked Faux Fur Coat, £119.99, available at Mango
Rejina Pyo Cary Houndstooth Wool-Blend Coat, £895, available at Net-A-Porter
Plastic Fantastic
Nothing warms the cockles like a trend that keeps you dry. We love the selection of glossy vinyl coats and trenches available at the moment. They give a serious injection of cool when thrown over jeans and a hoodie. Go for a bright colour if you’re feeling bold.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Rains Glossed-PU Trench Coat, £160, available at Net-A-Porter
ASOS Floral Coat In Vinyl, £32.50, available at ASOS
Topshop Vinyl Mac Trench Coat, £55, available at Topshop
Alexachung Vinyl Jacket, £525, available at Net-A-Porter
Animal Print
The best thing about the animal print coat trend is the variety within – you can go super subtle in a cosy leopard print or striking in zebra or python, and it immediately gives all your existing autumnal clothes a lift.
Photo: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Topshop Zebra Print Duster Jacket, £59, available at Topshop
Zara Textured Leopard Print Coat, £99.99, available at Zara
Attico Python-Print Leather Coat, £3,420, available at Matches Fashion
Corduroy
Corduroy is no longer the territory of dad trousers, it’s one of the key trends working its way onto suiting, shirts and luckily coats this season. We love how corduroy coats manage to feel comfortably and effortlessly vintage with a nod to the '60s and '70s, yet completely fresh. It will be everywhere, trust us!
Photo: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
& Other Stories Belted Cotton Cord Trenchcoat, £159, available at & Other Stories
Ganni Ridgewood Cotton-Blend Corduroy Blazer, £230, available at Net-A-Porter
Zara Double-Breasted Corduroy Coat, £89.99, available at Zara
Trench Coats
The trench will never go out of fashion. It’s timeless, smart and practical; a coat we should all have. You can go for the classic beige or olive Burberry number or test out a silkier version as seen on bad gal Rihanna recently.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Topshop Trench Coat, £59, available at Topshop
Rejina Pyo Riley Trench Coat, £650, available at Net-A-Porter
Zara Trench Coat With Belt, £95.99, available at Zara
& Other Stories Oversized Belted Trenchcoat, £159, available at & Other Stories
Metallics
It sounds slightly intimidating but the metallic trend is wearable and fun! A silver coat over a white shirt is surprisingly sophisticated. From the super slick Opening Ceremony to a laid-back metallic puffer, there are loads of ways to wear the trend.
Photo: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
Zara Metallic Parka, £29.99, available at Zara
& Other Stories Metallic Puffer Jacket, £125, available at & Other Stories
Opening Ceremony Metallic Shell Trench Coat, £375, available at Net-A-Porter
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
6 Trends That Have Your Autumn Style Sewn Up