As temperatures drop, the need for new outerwear is heavy on everyone’s brain. What is going to be comfortable, cute, and hot are all factors that should be considered when looking for that sensational piece (after all, it’s the one item in your cold weather repertoire that will see a lot of action, because that’s the point center of each outfit). Luckily, this fall has brought out some pretty fantastic options, and the winter coat and jacket trends of 2023 also look stellar.
“I think the essential pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe are a denim jacket, an overcoat in a neutral color or pattern, a mid-length hooded puffer jacket for the coldest and snowiest days , and a dressy coat for a night out at dinner or the theater,” Sky Pollard, Product Manager at fashion rental Platform Nuly, says TZR. “These are pieces worth investing in a good quality, well fitting version as they will last you for years.” In short, investing your money in brands that devote more time to research, development and quality is the way to go when shopping for a piece that perfectly combines form and function.
Each label, of course, has its own approach when it comes to developing its version of the ultimate coat. “As a new heritage brand, our outerwear is defined by timeless yet modern functionality,” Sandra Sandorfounder and creative director of Nanoushka, said. “Our latest pieces of outerwear show creativity in layering and stylish eccentricity.”
66°North is another brand that has mindfulness in its design DNA and specializes in outerwear. “Our approach to design could be described as slow design. We rarely design items to be in the collection for just one season,” Sæunn Huld Þórðardóttir, designer of 66° North, Explain. “We are constantly updating and evolving each collection. We like to tap into our heritage and apply what is relevant here and now. It’s always nice when the products speak in tune with the times.
However, certain striking trends emerge, from year to year, either on the catwalks, seen in the street, or through consumer demand. “One trend we’ve noticed in outerwear has been the emergence of techcore,” says Huld Þórðardóttir. [ put “Pollard adds” here, reads better and less confusing] “We see at cultural events such as major music festivals that people opt for Polarhiking boots and vests that are both functional and stylish, whatever the season.” Pollard adds, “We approached outerwear this season with three main categories: menswear, coats trending and layered pieces.” She also points out that Nuuly is helpful in narrowing down your options. “It’s a great resource if you’re looking to switch up your outerwear game for the season, but don’t want to commit to a long-term trend.”
Whatever your style preference, keep reading for all our expert picks to keep you comfortable and contemporary this coming season.
Faux leather trench coats
Leather trench coats were all over the Fall ’22 catwalk, appearing in New York at Khaite and Gabriela Hearst and in Paris at Chloé and Marine Serre. And while there’s no denying the appeal of a buttery leather trench coat, there are also some amazing faux versions on the market right now. “Our Liano jacket made with our exclusive OKOBOR™ alternative leather is on trend for its oversized fit, extra-wide collar and self-tie belt,” Sandor notes of the enduring style. “OKOBOR™ is an exclusive and registered trademark of Nanushka and it took us about two years to develop,” she explains. “A new alternative to leather, it has a 100% recycled backing and a more responsible composition without the use of animal skin or derivatives – and it’s made with 80% less water consumption.”
Patterned down jackets
Puffers are without a doubt the #1 winter necessity, especially if you live in a colder climate where the forecast is well below freezing. This season, we invite you to test these parkas with prints inspired by the elements. “Usually our color inspiration comes from the nature around us,” Huld Þórðardóttir told TZR. “This season we took it literally and created a print version of the Dyngja Down. It is dressed in glaciers but remains warm.
Scarf Coats
As those cold winter days approach, you want to prepare for the cold, but also look effortlessly chic. Enter: the scarf-jacket hybrid, your answer to this outerwear conundrum. Wrap yourself in one of these cozy and eye-catching pieces that will make putting together a look on frosty mornings a breeze. “I believe in classic silhouettes with high functional design where the craftsmanship and quality really shines,” says Sandor. “I really like the [coat-and-scarf hybrid] trend for this reason. We love styling them with a full monochrome look, balancing a rich palette of camel, cream and black, for a polished take on winter attire.
Fleece Vests
Fleece jackets have been on trend for some time, appearing on the catwalks of everyone from Isabel Marant to Sandy Liang, but what looks fresh this season is its backpacker-chic sister, the waistcoat. “A slim, insulated vest/jacket is perfect for layering and is so versatile,” says Huld Þórðardóttir. “This item is a good bridge between seasons, winter mid layer and summer outer layer all in one.” What may once have been reserved for cooler outdoor pursuits, the fleece gilet is certainly making a splash with the fashion ensemble, which is putting its own spin on the trend. When choosing yours, be sure to choose one with lots of texture and try to style it with something out of the ordinary, like a long denim skirt and knee high bootsfor a modern version of prep school clip.
Minimalist overcoats
Men’s fashion-inspired coats aren’t new, but they seem especially relevant right now thanks to super luxe designs from Line and Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2022. “Menswear-inspired pieces with less tailored, boxier cuts have been in style for a while now, but we’re really seeing it stand out in outerwear this season, especially in plaid, houndstooth and herringbone fabrications,” says Pollard. If you’re a traditionalist, keep things clean with a solid neutral color; and for the best of both worlds, check out the bathrobe coat. reversible from Nanushka, so you can wear a print one day and plain the next, depending on your mood.”One of my favorites is the double wool Alamo coat,” says Sandor. “It’s very versatile and chic, you can wear it with anything, and it makes your outfit higher. I also love that it is unisex, it has been one of our Nanushka key pieces alongside the Hide puffer.
