Coat trends 2023: Stylish outerwear to see you through autumn/winter

These are the coat trends 2023 our fashion expert thinks you need to know about

A composite of models on the runway wearing coat trends 2023
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The coat trends 2023 are set to give your wardrobe a stylish pick-me-up. The first impression of any outfit, nothing elevates a look more than some chic outerwear, and the 2023 runways were full of head-turning styles.

Choosing the right coat is no mean feat. As we head towards autumn, you'll want to consider the type of coat you need to carry you through the last of the warmer weather before winter arrives. After all, you don’t want to ruin a perfectly put-together outfit with an ill-fitting coat. Timeless, neutral designs worthy of a spot in any capsule wardrobe are always the strongest investment and when it comes to the latest autumn/winter fashion trends 2023 there were plenty of coats that were both directional and functional, creating future classics that you can wear for several seasons.

The best trench coats never go out of style and were a key player in the 2023 coat trends, alongside other classics such as checked coats and elegant black designs. Statement styles were seen in the form of faux fur textures and cosy quilted numbers as a runway favourite. Perfect for throwing over a more low-key look and making it all about the outerwear.

“When shopping for a winter coat, prioritise practicality and versatility to ensure you make a wise and stylish investment. Natural materials, such as leather, wool and cashmere are excellent durable choices to keep you warm. Check for reinforced stitching and quality zippers and buttons. Keep in mind that a coat that pairs well with both casual and formal outfits offers more styling options, making it a valuable addition to your closet. Whichever trend you think should be part of your wardrobe, think about your own personal style above all,” explains Yenia Hernández Fonseca, Stylist, Luxury Fashion Expert & Contributor to Margo Paige.

1. Bomber jackets

A composite of models on the runway wearing coat trends 2023 bomber jackets

Saint Laurent / Tod’s / Isabel Marant / Miu Miu / Versace

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Live out your best Top Gun life in a leather bomber jacket. The runways were awash with this cool silhouette, spotted on Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant and Versace. The combination of the sporty bomber shape with a luxe leather fabric gives this retro classic a high-end update. Many designers opted for oversized styles for that ‘borrowed from the boys’ look with statement padded shoulders and giant pockets. 

“Wrap yourself in oversized bomber jackets with boyfriend silhouettes, sculpted shoulder pads, and billowy sleeves, as seen in Saint Laurent and The Attico's FW23 collections. This season's bomber trend reaches new heights with relaxed shearling aviator styles, croc-embossed finishes, and biker attitudes,” says Yenia.

An edgier alternative to the ever-reliable best blazers, bomber jackets can be layered over most autumnal outfits from your best jeans to flouncy frocks. You may want to offset the more voluminous shape and opt for a fitted bottom half - a silky slip skirt will add a feminine contrast to the boyish design - or veer towards more cropped hems to avoid feeling swamped by the boxy shape.

2. Faux Fur

A composite of models on the runway showing coat trends 2023 faux fur

Stella McCartney / Bally / Michael Kors / Max Mara / Bottega Veneta

(Image credit: Getty Images)

An autumn/winter mainstay, barely a year goes by without the mention of a faux fur coat. By far the most indulgent of the outerwear family, these fluffy coats are glamorous and head-turning. This, in turn, makes them incredibly easy to wear. The coat is the outfit so minimal styling is needed, especially as the coat seems to cover most of your look anyways.

Designers really went all out this fall with bold colours for a dose of dopamine dressing as seen on Bally and fierce prints spotted on Stella McCartney. Take note from Michael Kors and opt for a tonal look, sticking to a soft palette of similar colours. You can even try a bit of robing like Max Mara - letting the coat hang over your shoulders so your outfit can be seen.

3. All black

A composite of models on the runway wearing coat trends 2023 all black

Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini / Chloe / Lanvin / Balenciaga / Victoria Beckham

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The sensible winter coat is about to take centre stage and our mothers can all breathe a sigh of relief. Black coats were all over the catwalks in a variety of styles from military-inspired at Philosophy Di Lorenzo, edgy leather at Chloe to tailored wool coats at Lanvin, proving the black coat is the one style staple you can't afford to pass up. A go-to if you’re busy crafting your dream minimalist capsule wardrobe, or looking to tap into that Quiet Luxury trend, this coat is practical, effortless and guaranteed to last a lifetime. And a black coat doesn't have to be boring either. Floor-sweeping and oversized designs will create a sense of drama.

“You can never go wrong with a sharp, tailored black coat. The key investment of the season is a longline silhouette with a defined waistline and sculpted shoulders, made in buttery leathers or weighty wools. The black power coat was a dominant trend of the FW23 catwalks, as seen at Khaite, The Row, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Alaïa,” says Yenia.

This trend is really worth the investment so look at well-tailored designs with a high level of wool for extra warmth and you’ll thank us in years to come when you’re still rocking this timeless look.

4. Checkmate

A composite of models on the runway wearing coat trends 2023 checks

Christian Dior / Etro / Akris / Saubt Laurent / Stella McCartney

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Checks are unmatched when it comes to prints, and is always a much loved look and they were very much on the agenda for the coat trends 2023 too, seen at Christian Dior and Etro. The cosiest of patterns, a checked coat is as traditional as your Halloween pumpkin so a great style to invest in if you’re looking for longevity.

Available in many guises from bold tartan to dogtooth, there’s a check print for every closet. Stick to muted hues if you want a more subtle approach that’ll go with every winter outfit, or lift your look with a colourful check. Take note from Christian Dior and clash with other prints such as florals and polka dots or go matchy-matchy for a head-to-toe preppy look a la Akris, we love the best white trainers finish at Stella McCartney too. Proof these coats can be casual and smart.

5. Trench

A composite of models on the runway showing coat trends 2023 trench coats

Tory Burch / Rokh / Gucci / Givenchy / Akris

(Image credit: Getty Images)

An in-between seasons hero piece, the trusty trench coat is a no-brainer and one you can certainly start adopting now for the coat trends 2023 as the evenings draw in. For autumn/winter 2023, expect a glamorous, floor-sweeping upgrade as seen on Rokh for a more powerful look, layered over a pair of slouchy leather trousers.

While the Burberry trench coat is the most iconic of them all, this silhouette has been adopted by many high-street brands making it readily available for all budgets. Keep it traditional with storm flaps and double-breasted silhouettes or opt for a more pared-back look with simple button designs and a contemporary oversized fit.  

Designers mainly stuck to neutral shades making it easy to pair with any look, adding polish to denim or sharpening up your workwear capsule wardrobe

“As seasons change, trench coats will be in everyone's sartorial repertoire in no time. Look for oversized silhouettes, statement shoulders, and sharp collars. Take cues from Fendi's AW23 collection and dress up yours with sequin embellishments to up your everyday rotation,” says Yenia.

6. Padded

A composite of models on the runway wearing coat trends 2023 padded

Max Mara / Luisa Spagnoli / Hermes / Miu Miu / Chloe

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Call it our comfort blanket, but our love for the puffer coat is not fading any time soon. The closest we’ll get to leaving the house with our duvet, padded coats have been a cold-weather constant with designs such as The North Face Nuptse jacket becoming a cult hit over the past few seasons and designers are keen to keep puffers relevant for 2023.

Traditionally a more casual coat, the runways saw a slightly smarter, more elegant approach with belted silhouettes and a more muted palette. Hermes opted for a sleek semi-quilted design complete with a smart leather belt and one of the top autumn/winter handbag trends 2023 - a bucket bag - all in tonal shades. Lean into this look and pair your puffer with colour-coordinating boots and tights for an on-trend puffer jacket outfit.

“Blazers and padded coats continue to be a trend that aren’t going away anytime soon. The quilting technique that goes into some padded coats (the White Stuff one’s included) ensures warmth without it weighing you down. Pack down hoods and funnel collars are also handy in making sure you’re prepared for whatever turn the weather might take,” says Jakki.

Charlie Bell

Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.


She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.


With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.