34 timeless wool winter coats
A really useful edit of versatile coats that will never date (I spent hours searching so you don't have to)
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I’ve worn the herringbone wool wrap coat in the photo above (taken in Paris in 2017) for the last seven winters and I’m sick of the sight of it. This year, I’m determined to leave no stone unturned and no website unscrolled in my mission to finally buy a new winter coat. If you’re on the lookout too, don’t waste hours searching – I’ve already done it for us.
My unrelenting coat search has already led to a memorable keeping-me-humble moment at Margaret Howell in Chelsea. I asked to try a coat that I spotted in the window and as I slipped it over my shoulders, the shop assistant said, “It’s quite expensive”. It felt like Pretty Woman for the 2020s. Though, the more insulting comment was the follow-up instruction that I’d need to snip the cross stitch at the bottom of the vent before wearing it. I don’t know whether it was my northern accent or lack of obvious designer swag but I was clearly giving off poor and clueless energy that day!
As it happens, it was a perfect cut and colour, so I’ve included it regardless. It’s also the highest-priced coat in this edit at £1,645, so the dude wasn’t kidding…
Some things to note before you scroll down:
I’ve intentionally ignored puffer coats, shearling, patent macs and anything else that isn’t a classic long wool coat. This isn’t a trend-driven selection – everything was chosen for its timeless versatility and longevity. These are the coats you can wear over anything, year after year.
The cheapest coat in this edit is £199.99. I could have gone lower on the price point but the coats I chose are a minimum of 65% wool (most are higher) and I’m a natural fibres ‘til I die, kind of gal. I’d rather spend more than buy a polyester coat that makes my hair stand on end with static. I appreciate that not everyone can afford £200 upwards for a winter coat but this is a subjective edit of the styles I’d buy for myself and I prefer to invest in quality and wear things for a long time.
I’ve tried on probably a quarter of the coats in this list but not all of them, so I can’t vouch for the fit. I haven’t added a caption for each one explaining why I chose it because there’s only one reason; I liked the look of it.
Several of the below coats come in various colourways so if you like the shape but not the colour, it’s worth clicking through to see what the options are.
Many of the cuts I chose are designed to be oversized because I love a long coat that I can fit a jumper underneath. If you’re also a fan of chunky knitwear, go for a straight or A-line cut rather than a fitted or belted style, (which can look unflattering tied at the waist over a hefty cardigan).
There are several double-faced styles in there (i.e. there’s no lining - they’re wool inside and out) and they’re lighter weight, so they’re great for work, milder days or for wearing over smarter clothes and thin layers.
If there’s a coat you have your eye on but it’s a bit pricey at the mo, make a note of it for later as many of these coats will inevitably go into the sale just before Christmas.
Just under half the list is available to everyone but to make sure my paid subs are getting something exclusive, the full edit is especially for them. If you’d like to see more womenswear content here in the future, feel free to leave a comment with your requests – I love to hear from you all!
Wool, alpaca and mohair coat, dark green – £770 from Weekend MaxMara
Turtleneck wool coat, cream - £199.99 from Mango
Florence coat, black and white houndstooth check - £800 from A.P.C.
Longline coat, camel - £575 from Me + Em
Athena long wool peacoat, taupe – £365 from A Day’s March
Puff sleeve belted wool coat, navy – £700 from Harris Wharf London
Herringbone wool coat, brown - £850 from Polo Ralph Lauren
Oversized raglan sleeve coat, navy - £895 from Raey
Double-breasted wool coat, taupe - £1,100 from Acne
Double-breasted wool and cashmere coat, navy – £1000 from Veronica Beard
Voluminous belted wool coat, £225 from & Other Stories
Wool belted coat, green - £900 from S Max Mara
Double-faced wool car coat, grey - £970 from Toteme
Double-faced wool plaid Chatsworth coat, cinnamon - £1,295 from Joseph
Dylan maxi coat, navy - £905 from Anine Bing
Oversized double-breasted coat, brown – £239 from & Other Stories