Puffers, parkas and leopard print: the 50 best coats for autumn and winter | Fashion

Autumn has a way of sneaking up on us. We eke out the last dregs of summer until one day we realise that we are still carrying sunglasses around, when what the weather actually calls for is a scarf. At which point, it is time to focus on what will be the most important piece in all of our wardrobes for the next six months – the coat.

A good coat is much more than an extra layer. It is the piece that sets the tone for your whole outfit. It is the hardest-working player in your wardrobe, the one that you turn to day in and day out, the piece that has to coordinate with everything else you wear, the garment that needs to be tough enough to cope with being pulled on and off multiple times a day.

The right one will make it easier to get through winter with a smile on your face. Picture a cold, rainy Tuesday morning commute. Now imagine yourself striding along in a fluffy leopard-print jacket, or a glossy emerald puffer, or a debonair maxi coat in cherry-coloured wool. Exactly.

Let’s say you have decided that last year’s coat just doesn’t cut it and are in the market for a new one. The best strategy is to tick off the practical requirements first, then go with what makes your heart sing. A coat is a major investment, so do not settle for one that does not both keep you warm and make you happy.

Start with the basics. Do you mostly walk, cycle or travel by car? Do you carry an umbrella, or do you need a hood? If you wear smart dresses to work, then a long coat will protect them while you are outside; if you are mostly in jeans, a warm jacket works.

With those guardrails in place, find a coat that elevates your look. For half of the year, the coat you wear becomes, if not your whole personality, then at least your first impression. So when you pick one, you make a statement about yourself to the world.

A bright coat can be a smart choice, because it adds impact to simple outfits. When you try one on, tune in to how it makes you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror. If you feel emboldened, go for it. But if you feel awkward or embarrassed, pass and move on to something navy or camel or grey. This coat should make you feel brave and happy and competent and warm – and warm inside. Autumn is sneaking up on us as we speak. Time for a coat that makes a grand entrance.

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