Hopefully, we won’t have another winter of socialising in the park, but it’s probably a good idea to expect the worst. Designs that go beyond the black classic are worth investing in – look for strong colours or prints, or an interesting texture to see you cheerfully through this winter and beyond.
For party season, renting a coat is a good trick: it allows you to make a statement without any commitment. For a party where you might be huddled outside, it means your outfit is exciting, even if no one sees what you’re wearing underneath.
Coats are, of course, one of the most expensive parts of our wardrobes, so buying secondhand is savvy. Check out the vintage market for a vibrant mix of colours, fabrics and quirks. And take the handbrake off – look for a coat that starts conversations.
Lauren Cochrane
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Buy
Blue recycled wool, £225, cosstores.com
Style over a burgundy dress for a modern colour clash.
Tan houndstooth print, £349, whistles.com
Eye-catching but subtle.
Khaki quilted, £79.99, hm.com
Update your walking look – and stay warm – with an oversize quilted coat.
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Rent
Faux-fur checkerboard, from £54, by Stand Studio, hurrcollective.com
Autumn is the perfect time for a cosy cover-up – add a knit and boots.
Wrap style with pearls, from £69 a month, by Mother of Pearl, onloan.co
Classic with modern detailing, perfect for elevating the everyday.
Red satin, £154 for three days’ rental, by Burberry, frontrow.uk.com
Stand out at an autumn wedding with this showstopper.
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Thrift
Yellow trench, £230 by Rejina Pyo, wearesott.com
Perfect for adding some colour to a neutral wardrobe.
Pink fringed, £57, beyondretro.com
Wear bold pink with a classic black jumpsuit for (outdoor) cocktail hour.
Tan faux sheepskin, £11, thrift.plus
Great for giving your everyday look a lift. Style with blue denim and chunky boots.
