Cover story

Winter is just around the corner so chill out and let us tell you about the hottest (and snuggliest) coat trends of the season

While there are many things not to like about winter (the cold, the darkness etc) there’s still plenty to get excited about, namely Christmas, comfort food, and the fashion equivalent of the Pumpkin Spice Latte – coats.

And it just so happens that this season’s outerwear trends are without exception the cosiest we’ve seen in years. We’re talking bright colours, loads of fluff and snuggly fabrics that will keep you toasty-warm all winter long.

We’ve rounded up the top five trends...

1. RED ALERT

Red is the undisputed colour of AW17, and it lends itself amazingly to outerwear, because what’s more moodenhancing than a lipstick red wool coat?

It should be oversized, in a rounded tulip shape (rather than belted), and in a weighty wool fabric.

– Dorothy Perkins red double breasted coat, £65.

– Hobbs Tilda coat, £299.

2. HERITAGE HAULS

After Balenciaga, Vetements, Stella McCartney and many other designers showed heritage checks on their AW17 catwalks, the high street followed suit (literally). Traditional tartans and tweeds have been given a “mannish” spin this season – layer with other checks and fuzzy knits for cosy-cool vibes. – East wool check coat, £299. – River Island RI Studio check piercing trim coat, £160.

3. PUFFER POWER

Once the preserve of skiers and Alpine hikers, the puffer jacket has had a highfashion makeover in recent years, and we couldn’t be more happy, because these duvet-esque coats are insanely warm AND they look super stylish.

– Pretty-LittleThing yellow ring pull longline puffer jacket, £55. – Ivy Park Pewter Bonded Puffer Jacket, £120, Topshop.

4. SHEARLING COATS

Shearling is another trend that takes a traditional textile and gives it a digitalage update. A faux shearling biker or flight jacket strikes the right balance – look for edgy leather and metal detailing, or plump for an usual colour choice, like pink or purple. – White Stuff Nene jacket, £120. – New Look cream borg buckle trim flight jacket, £59.99.

5. FUZZY FEATURES

Your unlikely style icon for AW17? That’ll be the Cookie Monster, because fluffy coats in technicolour hues are where it’s at. A short faux fur jacket is ideal for throwing on (or ‘shoulder robing’) for a night out, and outerwear this extravagant needs little by way of accessories.

– Daredevils Run jacket, £278.94, Revolve.

– Cath Kidston faux fur coat, £160.

Clockwise from below left: Model wears the River Island RI Studio check piercing trim coat; model wears Dorothy Perkins red double breasted coat; New Look cream borg buckle trim flight jacket; Hobbs Tilda coat; PrettyLittleThing yellow ring pull...