The best coat trends to buy this autumn

From a classic trench to long, tailored leather, we round up the top trends for your first big buy of the season

Heritage-inspired prints were given a modern reworking on the runways

We are officially on the cusp of autumn which means that dressing to keep the frost at bay is about to become a priority and topping the list of must-have cold weather pieces is a coat.

The first big buy of the season, a coat isn’t just an extra layer for cosseting and swathing yourself in. It’s also the first thing others will notice and has the potential to make an immediate statement about your new season style.

But with so many choices available, searching for the perfect one can be a tricky and time consuming task.

Luckily, we’ve taken all the hard work out of filtering through the latest trends with our roundup of the very best coats to protect you from the parky weather.

Trench

Trench coat with belt, £95.99, Zara

A style that’s been adopted by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Meghan Markle, the trench has long been considered a staple item that every woman should own.

This season though, the traditional coat was given a heavy dose of high fashion with everyone from APC to Altuzarra and Acne Studios putting their own stamp on it. Whether you opt for a classic creme brulee colour or one finished with cool-girl stripes, this is an investment that will never go out of style, whatever the weather.

Wear undone while the weather’s still warm or layer up the loose shape with chunky knits when it gets cold.

Animal print

Brown leopard print longline coat, £39.99, New Look

It should come as no surprise to hear that animal prints are roaming free across outerwear for autumn/winter.

Leopard is undoubtedly the most popular option to choose and luckily the high street has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors to deliver a whole bunch of speckled treats.

If spots aren’t your thing though, the good news is that snake, tiger and zebra prints are also seriously on trend.

Leather

Theory, leather coat, £1,815, Net-a-Porter

Most of us own a leather biker jacket but this season the hard-wearing fabric is making its way onto longer, more tailored styles.

For autumn/winter 2018, leather coats were shown at the likes of Loewe, Marni and Miu Miu in an array of colours, from classic black to rich autumnal hues like burgundy and creamy brown.

Heritage checks

A-line wool blend belted coat, £169, & Other Stories

Heritage-inspired prints were all over the runway this season with checked tweeds given a modern reworking at Balenciaga, Erdem, Rejina Pyo and Fendi.

If the trusty style isn’t quite to your taste, the good news is that more contemporary takes on the trend were also a big hit. At Emilia Wickstead, Versace and Michael Kors, this meant injecting the motif with vibrant colour and clashing prints.

It’s also a great way to add a masculine edge to floral midi dresses and pleated skirts.

Cape

Cape coat with scarf, £99.99, Zara

A style beloved by superheroes, the cape is officially back and set to become this season’s must-have wardrobe showpiece. Seen in everything from cape-trench hybrids at Givenchy to rollneck styles at Alberta Ferretti and rainbow fur at Burberry, this is the new outerwear shape you never knew you needed.

Whether you choose one that’s sharp and tailored or a blanket-like iteration, for ultimate style points wear yours with wide leg trousers to even out the proportions.