14 best women’s winter coats that are practical and stylish

Uniqlo’s coats are a longstanding favourite among the IndyBest team and me, so it’s hardly a surprise that its double-breasted long coat has taken the top spot in this guide. A tailored take on cold-weather dressing, it has an elegant long cut that feels elevated yet still keeps you warm.

The design has timeless appeal and will slot easily into your existing wardrobe. To contrast the smart style, I sized up for a borrowed-from-the-boys look – but even if you stay true to size, the cut is still relaxed and roomy. On seriously cold days, you can easily layer jumpers underneath for extra warmth.

Considering the price, I was surprised at the high wool count (30 per cent) and how premium it feels. The inner lining feels durable enough to withstand daily wear, too.

I tested the grey, check coat, which is now out of stock – but the black colourway is just as chic. Overall, I love the androgynous feel of the design – it’s the type of coat you can definitely share with your partner. And will wear year after year.

Next’s maxi coat offers stellar value for money, combining a stylish look with a cosy design. It’s available in three colourways – an everyday cream and black, as well as a brown check.

It’s made from a lightweight fabric, so I found that I did need to wear some layers underneath when the temperature plummeted. But it has an oversized fit that makes layering easy. And it’s timeless silhouette at an affordable price.

You can’t beat Asos for affordable takes on the latest runway trends. From Gucci to Chloe, all the biggest fashion houses know the power of a faux fur collar to elevate a coat. And this Asos design has followed suit.

The brown jacket has padded shoulders and a double-breasted cut, making it great for formal occasions. Despite the style being designed to be an oversized silhouette, I sized up for an extra androgynous fit, which I’d recommend.

The two front pockets were large enough to hold my phone and keys. And I appreciated that the coat fastens up to keep the heat in.

The detachable chocolate brown faux fur collar is the pièce de résistance, adding statement detail while also keeping your neck and chest warm.

Thanks to Totême, Burberry and Max Mara, scarf coats are once again the outerwear style to invest in this season. Not only is the design fashion-forward, but it’s also thoroughly practical, with the detachable scarf accessory providing an extra layer of warmth during the colder months.

If, like me, your budget doesn’t stretch to something from a luxury fashion house, I’ve found the perfect option: Mint Velvet’s long scarf coat. It ticks all the right boxes. The longline design envelops, which is particularly beneficial during the winter months when you want to feel well and truly wrapped up.

Finished in a navy and green check print (now sold out), as well as a burgundy or camel shade, the matching detachable scarf is a stylish and functional addition. The weighty polyester and wool blend locks in warmth. An effortless way to look put-together when you’re wearing a simple outfit, the coat kept me sufficiently toasty in the windy and wet Scottish highlands.

Forget everything you knew about Monsoon because the stalwart high street label has rebranded for 2025. The brand’s black coat is a standout, stylish take on winter dressing, complete with a sweeping long cut and detachable faux fur collar.

Gold-tone button fastenings and hardware on the pockets add expensive-looking detail. The black finish will fit in nicely with your winter wardrobe, whether elevating a jeans a T-shirt look or thrown over an LBD in the evening. I did find that it runs small, so I’d recommend sizing up.

Topshop is another long-standing favourite within the IndyBest team – and the brand feels back in business. While its winter coat selection is stellar, this faux leather trench immediately caught my eye, and it didn’t disappoint.

Patent can often look cheap, but Topshop’s coat looks anything but. There’s a concealed placket for fastening it up, plus spacious side pockets. The glossy, chocolate brown finish leans into this winter’s trending hue – and the neutral shade is sure to complement the rest of your wardrobe.

It’s not as weighty and thick as other winter coats, but it fares well in wet weather (rain slides off without soaking through). And the oversized fit layers well over chunky jumpers and knits.

Tog24’s Alva jacket marries fashion and functionality. It's available in three colourways – classic taupe, stylish khaki and everyday black – and is cut in a classic trench silhouette. The shape is relaxed, but I went up one size for extra impact.

The design is all in the details, from the fully taped seams and waterproof coating to the removable hood. The toggle adjusters on the waist not only cinch you in for an extra flattering fit, but also help lock in warmth around your torso.

There are two spacious front pockets for added practicality, too. It also rolls up compactly for putting in your bag in case of rain showers. It’s not very thick, but it will serve you right through to spring.

After going viral and selling out last year, Mango’s barn jacket is back for 2025. The perfect high street alternative to Barbour’s trending barn-style coats, the cotton Mango number features a slightly oversized cut, large front pockets and a statement corduroy contrasting collar. Details like the bronze hardware fastenings down the front elevate the style, while a padded lining helps lock in warmth (when fastened up, you can easily stay warm with just a long sleeve T-shirt or light knit beneath).

The coat is endlessly wearable, whether teamed with wide-leg jeans and ballet flats or with wellies for a dog walk. Yes, barn jackets are a major trend this season, but the practical appeal of Mango’s coat transcends this winter’s du jour.

Another jacket you’ll be hard-pressed to believe hails from the high street (and costs less than £100), New Look’s faux-faux option will inject some cosy style into your winter wardrobe.

Cut into a pleasingly oversized fit – which layers well over knits – the jacket features a button-up front and oversized collar. Despite the fabric feeling snug and warm, the coat is lightweight, so it’ll also serve you well during the transitional months. Now that the temperature has dropped, it’s been a cosy staple in my wardrobe – the soft design feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Nobody’s Child is going from strength to strength with its fashion-forward offering. This winter coat offers two completely different looks, turning from a stylish shawl coat to a collared style. But it’s not just good looks. The coat is crafted from wool (65 per cent, the rest is polyester), which gives it weight and warmth.

On cold days, the shawl supplied an extra layer of warmth, just like a scarf would. Offering functionality and versatility when it comes to styling, it’s a worthwhile investment piece for this winter.

Suede is big news this season and AllSaints have put a fresh spin on the material with this funnel neck jacket that’s reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent. Crafted from soft goat suede, it boasts a boxy silhouette that can be cinched in with a drawcord at the waist, creating a flattering shape. You can further customise the wide sleeves thanks to adjustable cuffs, while the funnel neck can be worn fastened up or undone.

Complete with two roomy front pockets and AllSaints’ signature metal hardware, it’s a real statement piece. Thanks to the craftsmanship, it keeps you warm enough to just wear a T-shirt underneath in nippy weather. I’ve worn it fully fastened up to the neck in chilly weather conditions, and it passed the warmth test. It’s certainly an investment piece, but the timeless style will last you for years to come. If you get caught in the rain, fear not, as in my experience, the suede dried off without staining.

Luxury British-based fashion designer Rejino Pyo has teamed up with John Lewis in what's arguably the high street collaboration of the year. Among the statement knitwear and buttery soft leather pieces, this faux fur coat is a standout style. Finished in a beautifully autumnal toffee brown – a trending and easily styled shade for winter 2025 – the coat is characterised by its shaggy faux fur finish, slightly longer cut and exaggerated collar that can be folded up for extra snugness.

It’s a dream to bundle up in, with the oversized coat feeling like a warm hug. Despite its relaxed silhouette, a chunky belt at the back gives the coat a little more structure. Faux fur might be big news this season, but it’s an outerwear style that promises to keep you cosy for years to come.

If you’re looking for a trench coat for winter, the utilitarian-style design of this M&S coat epitomises the stalwart’s commitment to everyday wearability and affordability. The trench has a flattering tailored fit, complete with a tie belt to accentuate your figure. The retailer’s homage to a traditional trench coat features buttons down the front and a double-breasted design.

The quality is excellent – particularly given the sub-£100 price tag – with a full inner-lining and crisp cotton fabrication. When fully buttoned and cinched in with the buckle belt, it locks in warmth well. Epaulettes on the shoulders and buttons on the cuffs add smart detailing. A departure from the oversized, boxy silhouettes that have trended in recent years, M&S’s trench looks sophisticated and fitted – a great choice for the office. I’d suggest sizing up, as it runs a little small.

Love for Barbour jackets is back in a big way for 2025. This duffel design is a timeless addition to any wardrobe, characterised by its detachable hood (big tick) and roomy welt pockets for keeping hands toasty. Complete with Barbour signatures, such as the tartan lining and contrasting wide cord collar, the slightly cropped cut is a flattering detail.

An elevated take on the waxed jackets that Barbour is famed for, I love the duffel-inspired design that features toggle fastenings, in addition to a zip. In my testing, it’s been practical for the dog walk, but equally stylish enough for the pub. Not only is the waxed design water-repellent, but provides excellent insulation, wind protection and is durable for many winters to come.

Puffer jackets are a winter must-have – and you don’t have to compromise on style thanks to this Boden coat. The waterproof design protects you in all weather conditions – thanks to the cosy cotton blend, hood and double fastenings. During a characteristically British downpour, it kept me and my freshly blow dried hair dry and warm.

The cut sits just on the hips, while the shape of the coat is relaxed and slightly oversized for layering knitwear underneath. Setting it apart from your average puffer, it’s finished in an on-trend tartan-style print. Whether thrown over a dress in the evening or worn with jeans for the dog walk, this puffer is where fashion meets functionality.