We have to admit, winter coats aren’t always the most exciting items in our wardrobe. Too often they come in uninspiring, neutral colourways and shapeless silhouettes. However, this year, the offerings on the high street are so good, that we can’t wait for the weather to get cooler so we can wrap up in our favourites.
Looking to invest in some new outerwear this season? The YOU Magazine fashion team has isolated four foolproof trends that are guaranteed to make you look expensive — with minimal effort.
Trend 1: Borg fleece
Fashion director, Sophie Dearden
Borg is a great option for anyone looking to inject a touch of luxury to an everyday outfit. It looks like shearling (which always tends to be on the pricey side) and is cosy and warm, without adding too much bulk.
Fashion director Sophie Dearden’s top pick is from Next and, with its duffle-style fastenings and faux leather paneling, feels much more expensive than its £82 price tag. ‘I have wanted a borg coat forever, but they have always been out my budget or looked very cheap,’ says Sophie. ‘I’ve worn this a few times now and each time have had people ask me where it’s from.’
£100, White Stuff
£60, George at Asda
Trend 2: Burgundy
Fashion bookings editor, Lila Flint Roberts
‘This style of coat marries the colour of the season (burgundy!) with the shape of the season,’ explains fashion bookings editor Lila Flint Roberts. ‘It’s so wearable and, thanks to the faux fur details, will instantly jazz up any outfit.’
Rich berry tones like burgundy are always a great colour to watch out for if you’re on a budget, but want to look expensive. They feel very glamorous and look great against any skin tone. Our favourite burgundy pick (above) is from New Look and is very flattering, with its belted waist and structured shoulders.
Take inspo from Lila and style it with double denim, so as not to detract from the statement style.
£50, Peacocks
Trend 3: Scarf coats
Junior fashion stylist and writer, Jessica Carroll
From Toteme to Hermes, the scarf coat has been on almost all of the major catwalks this season, meaning we immediately assume they’re expensive the second we spot one out and about. Thankfully, the high street is now catching up with the luxury brands and has offered up some beautiful alternatives in recent months.
This chic khaki style from River Island was an immediate winner. ‘I love how the attached scarf detail means I don’t have to worry about finding knitwear that’ll match my coat – all the hard work has already been done for me,’ says junior fashion stylist Jessica Carroll.
Jessica paired her midi coat with jeans and metallic accessories to help keep the style feeling elevated.
Trend 4: Check
Fashion stylist and writer, Stephanie Sofokleous
Highland-inspired fashion is everywhere this winter, and a check print is the easiest way to embrace it in your own wardrobe. While traditional styles come in browns and greys, fashion stylist and writer Stephanie Sofokleous’s top pick is this blue design from Anthropologie. ‘I love a colourful check as a twist on a traditional print,’ she adds. ‘The blues with the black here have a Vivienne Westwood vibe that will work really well with my collection of chunky black boots.
As proven by Stephanie here, an easy way to make a coat feel expensive is by looking for a maxi silhouette. There’s something about the full length that screams ‘old money’.
Fashion assistant, Hope Palmer
For a more traditional check coat, fashion assistant Hope Palmer’s wool pick from M&S is a great place to start. The wide lapels, double breasted silhouette and tie belt all combine for a sophisticated effect.
Hope loves this coat for its versatility. ‘When investing in a coat, I always look for something I know I can wear on repeat. This timeless style will be brought out of my wardrobe year after year,’ she says.
