When it comes to investing in a new season wardrobe, the winter coat will be without a doubt your most important purchase. It has the power to instantly freshen up your look, while staying with you season after season. But finding outerwear that hits the sweet spot between being trend-led and timeless can be a tricky feat. Which is why I’ve rounded up five signature coat styles from Karen Millen that not only tick the autumn/winter 23 trend boxes, but are undeniably timeless, making them the ultimate investment buys.
The Puffer Jacket
Long favoured by the outdoorsy crew for its practical warmth, the puffer jacket has now been elevated to a fashion must-have, making a regular appearance on the catwalk at fashion month. Whilst for the past few years it was at the forefront of the athleisure trend, this season it has been given a luxe makeover thanks to bold colours and premium fabrics. The puffer jacket often gets a bad reputation for being hard to wear, but it’s actually far more versatile than you’d think. For an effortlessly cool party look, throw a cropped neon style over a silk cami dress, adding a pair of crystal sandals for good measure. For winter walks, pair your favourite straight-leg jeans and dad trainers with a longline quilted coat in a monochrome shade. If you’re pushing the boat out, I personally love the belted leather trench above for a dressier option that will work for the office as well as a night out.
The Trench Coat
There’s a reason the trench coat is so iconic: you won’t find a harder-working wardrobe staple. It will see you through every season, come rain or shine, and go with everything you own, from dresses to suits and jeans to joggers. If you’re a traditionalist at heart, then you won’t go wrong with a classic beige trench. The key is size up as a chic oversized look. If you’re after something a little more fashion-forward, then have a play around with prints (try leopard and ponyskin), colours (olive and metallics are in for AW23) and fabrics (leather or satin for that ultra premium feel). It’s a versatile enough coat that it’s worth investing in a couple of different styles to switch around depending on your mood.
The Leather Blazer
When investing in forever outerwear, I always look out for three things: colour, cut and more importantly, fabric. There is no arguing the timelessness of leather. Like a fine wine, it gets better with age, especially when cared for properly. In terms of cut, the blazer is the jacket you’ll no doubt make the most use of - just ask any stylist or fashion editor. While wool will never go out of style, leather gives the blazer an unexpectedly modern twist. Try an oversized black longline blazer over a suit, or for something edgier, a fitted hot pink jacket with a silk skirt. If blazers are too twee for you, then you’ll love this other icon: the leather biker jacket. This season, it comes in a variety of styles and colours which will all add a rebellious touch to any outfit.
The Teddy Coat
The teddy coat will keep you warm and stylish during the colder months. It’s no coincidence that its name takes its cue from your favourite childhood soft toy: this particular style is known for its cosy faux-fur shaggy fabric. For the new season, Karen Millen has re-imagined the staple in a plethora of shapes and colours. Looking for something dressy? Try a longline belted black coat. Want a more casual look? The biker-inspired short coat is a great option. If you like your outerwear to work hard though, try the hybrid belted gilet, which can be worn with or without its quilted under-layer.
The Camel Coat
If there’s one coat style you should never scrimp on, it’s the camel coat. The epitome of timeless elegance, it not only suits everyone, but instantly elevates even the most casual of outfits - I actually love pairing mine with joggers and chunky trainers. If you were to wear one coat for the rest of your life, I would make it a double breasted wool coat that falls just above your ankles. However, there’s no harm in injecting a bit of trend-led fun in it. The shearling wrap coat below gives serious Almost Famous vibes, while the leather trench is a cheeky take on a classic. The perfect way to embrace coat season in style.
