Jules B 
It’s October, and that means the mission to find the best outerwear is on. With unpredictable weather, it’s important to select the outerwear staple that will see you through the rain, sun and wind. You need something hard-wearing, but the goal is to find key pieces that offer both practicality and style. When you find a coat that ticks all of the above, you’ll struggle to remember how you managed without it.
During the seasonal shift, coats become a key component to every outfit. And because they’re key, you won’t fail to discover a range of styles to elevate your outfits. From trusty trenches to snuggly puffers, there’s an outer piece to suit all forecasts and styles.
Here, we bring you our pick of the best coats for chilly days and even chillier nights.
The signature trench
If you haven’t already, it’s time to dig out the trench. The trench coat epitomises transeasonal dressing, offering a throw-on solution when a knit or sweater alone doesn’t cut it. The mid-length coat, usually made from a waterproof fabric, is designed to keep you warm and dry when navigating wet and windy weather.
Originally made for military wear, the trench coat means business. It’s a safe option that you can layer over countless knits for the final touch of your autumnal ensemble. And with flattering details like waist belts or practical ones like storm flaps to roll off the rain, there’s no smarter bet than the trusty trench.
The fun faux fur
It might not serve you well in the rain, but there’s something special about snuggling up in faux-furry garments. The look and texture alone embody cosiness, but there’s also a sense of fun to be had, particularly with the modern elements brought you by the likes of Freed, Jakke and Stine Goya. With faux fur coats, you can play with colour and pattern if you’re looking for a quirky piece to show off your personality.
The powerful puffer
If your goal is to stay warm this season, you can’t go wrong with a puffer coat. These puffy garments guarantee insulation since they’re padded to perfection with down or synthetic fibres. There’s also a range of options available depending on the level of warmth you want to achieve. You might prefer a floor-length puffer to keep the legs warm or a shorter piece for a toasty top-half.
The cosy quilted coat
Quilted coats are another transeasonal option because you can opt for lightweight and heavier styles. Just as you’d wrap up in a quilted blanket, a quilted coat can lock in warmth and leave you feeling snug. At the same time, these coats are capable of delivering a flattering silhouette, particularly those that come with a self-tie belt at the waist. From GANNI’s shiny quilting to Holland Cooper’s houndstooth pieces, there’s something for every taste.
The refined wool coat
You know the autumn/winter season is here when the wool comes out. When the woolly knits aren’t enough to defeat the cold, it’s time for that top layer. From short and smart to longline and tailored, a wool coat can quickly convert a plain outfit into a stylish and sophisticated uniform. And depending on the month, you can switch between light and heavier wool coats to ensure you’re dressed for the temperature.
The smart blazer
Blazers are an all-time favourite this time of year. They offer versatility, with a selection of cuts, fabrics and designs. For instance, a wool blazer in an oversized fit works well as a layering piece over knitwear on cold autumn days. Meanwhile, blazers with sequins or made from dreamy fabrics like velvet make ideal evening jackets. When it comes to blazers, the choice is yours to make. Opt for classic tailoring with the likes of Eddy & Ivy, explore preppy looks with Rag & Bone or add an edge with Zadig & Voltaire.
The warming waistcoat
Sometimes a sleeveless coat is enough to take the chilly edge off. Gilets and waistcoats are perfect for adding a final layer of warmth while bringing together an entire ensemble. They also allow you to play with patterns and textures, particularly when worn over statement knits. Consider a waistcoat when dressing more formally or choose a bodywarmer to meet the weather’s requirements.
Explore the full range of women’s coats and jackets at Jules B.
