Herringbone, check or double breasted, classic coats never go out of style Helen Seamons Sun 3 Nov 2024 08.00 GMT Share The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. It’s always good to be prepared for anything the weather throws at you. Your coat purchase is arguably the biggest spend in your wardrobe and the aim is to buy something that lasts several years and sits out trends. This season more than ever designers and stores are championing classic styles in a neutral colour palette that will seamlessly work in your wardrobe. Whether you opt for a long tailored coat, a style that dominated the Milan runways, from clean lined and ankle-length at Gucci to all-black at Valentino and oversized boxy 80s styles at Emporio Armani. Or choose functionality with a water-resistant trench or puffer coat that will keep you cosy. check coat with belt £189 Harry Lambert X Zara, zara.com View image in fullscreen Check, £189, Harry Lambert X Zara, zara.com Change up a neutral colour for a check and stand out from the crowd. This trench is from Harry Lambert’s Cutie Circus collaboration with Zara and features a curved collar detail and generous patch pockets, the fit is cut slightly loose. Wear with a bold sweater and wide leg cords and trainers. Grey coat £250, cossstores.com View image in fullscreen Oversized, £250, cos.com The drop shoulder creates a relaxed shape that allows for layers underneath. The minimal cut works well over officewear or to smarten up a more casual jeans and hoodie look. Black Weekday coat View image in fullscreen Black, £135, weekday.com If in doubt opt for classic black. It can be styled up or down to work for smart and casual occasions. Top tip: keep a lint roller by the front door for a quick refresh before you leave the house. Brown trench, £299, massimodutti.com View image in fullscreen Trench, £299, massimodutti.com A classic trench is a failsafe for elevating even a tracksuit and trainers look. Tie the belt behind and wear open for a nonchalant billowing effect. In blustery weather pop the collar up and button up. Chesterfield grey melange coat View image in fullscreen Chesterfield, £129.90, uniqlo.com Part of the JW Anderson for Uniqlo collection this wool-blend coat is inspired by traditional Donegal tweed, it offers a wallet friendly way to tap into the popular heritage trend. Looks great over knitwear or layered over a shirt look with workwear trousers and sturdy boots. Check coat £329.95, lesdeux.co.uk View image in fullscreen Check, £329.95, lesdeux.co.uk If you’re looking for more of a statement coat, change up a neutral colour for a bold check, (also available in a terracotta and black colorway), style with a cap, sweatshirt and chinos for a preppy spin. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Fashion Statement Free weekly newsletter Style, with substance: what"s really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved Enter your email address Sign up Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion check car coat £398, reiss.com View image in fullscreen Car coat, £398, reiss.com Traditionally shorter in length, a car coat sits above the knee. This take is 100% wool in a classic dogtooth check with a contrast brown under the collar and on the concealed button stand. It’s neat style makes it an ideal coat choice for smarter occasions. Coffee coat, £195 Kin johnlewis.com View image in fullscreen Coffee, £195, Kin, johnlewis.com This chocolate brown, classic double-breasted coat made from a warm woollen blend has wide lapels giving it a vintage edge. Best styled by keeping things traditional and layer with a heavy-gauge knit and cotton drill chinos paired with a chunky boot. Military style khaki coat View image in fullscreen Military, £199.99, superdry.com For fans of military inspired fashion, it’s both functional and stylish. Not to mention, the heavy wool coat provides the perfect amount of warmth for the autumn weather. Tailored with a comfortably relaxed silhouette makes this a timeless classic and a perfect everyday urban option. Stone coloured oversize puffer coat View image in fullscreen Oversized puffer jacket, £75, asos.com A puffer coat is the closest thing you’ll get to staying in bed, ideal for an early morning start and a long day travelling. The long line oversized silhouette and drawstring hood make this a top coat for the coldest winter days. Blue tweed double breasted herringbone coat View image in fullscreen Blue herringbone coat, £229, arket.com This wool blend coat with a herringbone pattern is an elegant everyday option and works well both over suits and with a more relaxed day-to-evening look. The double-breasted knee-length style with slanted front pockets and added small coin pocket inside goes the extra mile on elevated detailing. Car coat View image in fullscreen Car coat, £500, Gant, johnlewis.com A robust take on the car coat silhouette in an Italian wool blend, style up with a check scarf and smart boots. Available in sizes S – XXXL this is the perfect cold weather coat that will last for many winters to come. Explore more on these topics