Student Life Fashion

HOW TO LOOK STYLISH AND SMART WHEN IT’S COLD

Winter has officially started! Coats are a staple in any wardrobe and this season we have been overwhelmed with choice.

Perhaps one of the most worn items in our wardrobes in the colder months, rivalled only by ankle boots and chunky knits, there’s simply no denying the power of great outerwear. Everyone at some point will have owned that single cover-up that keeps us warm and boosts our mood on the greyest of days. They are perfect for making a simple jean, tee and trainer combination feel stylish with minimal thinking. Not only does a good winter coat keep you warm and snug as the temperatures plummet, a cool coat can also add some extra style points to any look.

Coats are the foundations to any winter wardrobe – whether you’re in the market for something casual that you can throw on quickly or a more formal look, there is something out there to suit every style. There are so many choices this season, with different patterns to cropped faux fur, puffers to parkas and trench coats to tailored numbers, there is certainly a style for everyone!

To help you decide, turn over for some of my top picks of the chic and stylish coats to see you right through until spring, whatever the weather!

WOMEN

TEDDY BEAR COAT

Teddy Bear coats are cosy, warm and definitely on trend right now. The oversized style allows you to layer with knits underneath when the weather gets really cold. You will always find one to suit your style whether it is single or double breasted. They come in a great range of colours from pretty pastels to punchy hues. For a more casual style, try a cropped version in a rich autumnal hue (mustard, rust coloured or beige).

LEOPARD FAUX FUR COAT

Animal prints have been all over for the past few seasons and are certainly a firm favourite of mine. There is a great choice of lengths, patterns and colours to suit all shapes and styles.

Pair with high necked blouses and knits for a fresh look on this iconic staple coat.

DOUBLE BREASTED COAT

Camel coats have long been considered sophisticated and the obsession shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Style this with cosy knits, trousers or an LBD with strappy heels for an evening look.

VENDELA COAT

Grey, belted with a cute collar and a slightly cuffed sleeve – this one is all about the little details. These coats keep the cold away in the really chilly months as they’re made from a warm wool blend. With a wrapping belt and two slanted pockets, style with jeans and trainers or a dress and heels – on repeat!

MEN

CHECKED OVERCOAT

Heritage designs and more specifically, checked print have been popular for a number of seasons, squaring up on everything from trousers and shoes to tailoring and knits. However, it’s on outerwear that such motifs offer the most bang for their patterned buck. Capable of turning what is a simple, classic piece of outerwear into a heroic piece, a check coat is the easiest way to ensure you won’t get bored of your buy.

PUFFER COAT

Once a staple of mountaineering types, the puffer jacket is now a definite streetwear necessity. The innovation in technical jackets means a puffer can be worn like any other coat would be – equally perfect over a suit on a weekday, or with a knit, boots and jeans at the weekend.

WINTER BOMBER

If you think knee-length overcoats only belong in spy movies, there are plenty of cropped styles around that offer a modern edge. Bomber and varsity jackets have become the go-to short styles. There is a huge variety of these across all the menswear collections from simple and refined to embellished, patterned and bold.