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Red and yellow and pink and blue: in this line-up, there’s bound to be a colourful winter coat right for you.
If there’s one thing your wardrobe could benefit from this season, it’s a little colour. And what better place to start than with the item you’ll be wearing on repeat for the next few months: your coat? Because in winter even the most adventurous dressers among us tend to retreat into a rather predictable palette. Black coats, charcoal knits, grey trousers and, if we’re feeling particularly daring, a touch of chocolate brown. Chic? Absolutely. A little uninspiring by February? Quite possibly.
But this autumn/winter, there’s a compelling case for dressing against the forecast. Forget blending into the grey skies; the quickest way to inject a little joy into your cold-weather wardrobe is with a coat that refuses to go unnoticed. Consider it dopamine dressing with a practical purpose. After all, when the days are short and the weather is doing very little to lift our spirits, why shouldn’t our clothes do some of the heavy lifting?
And the good news is that wearing bright colour doesn’t have to mean abandoning your personal style. For the minimalists, there are buttery yellows, powder blues and soft pistachio greens that feel every bit as considered as classic camel. For those who prefer their outerwear with a little more personality, tomato reds, punchy oranges and vibrant pinks make a convincing case for going all out. Whether you’re after an oversized wool coat, a sharply tailored silhouette or something wonderfully cocooning, there’s a shade and shape to suit.
The beauty of a colourful coat is that it requires remarkably little effort elsewhere. Throw one over your most-worn jeans and a cashmere knit, or use it to break up an otherwise all-black ensemble and suddenly even the most familiar outfit feels entirely new. No complicated styling formulas, no complete wardrobe overhaul, just one very good coat doing all the talking.
And really, couldn’t we all use a little more colour in our lives?
Mango woollen coat with belt
Some coats are designed to blend in. This is decidedly not one of them. In a striking shade of red, Mango’s woollen longline number is a statement piece. The trick is to keep everything else relatively pared-back: think dark indigo denim, a grey cashmere knit and black leather boots. Maximum impact, minimal effort.
& Other Stories wide-collar peacoat
If you’re looking to introduce a little colour into your winter wardrobe without straying too far from your minimalist sensibilities, lilac is a rather lovely place to start. Soft, subtle and surprisingly versatile, this double-breasted coat feels like a fresh alternative to classic camel or grey. Wear it with chocolate-brown tailoring or tonal knits.
Hush double-faced pure wool jacket
There’s something rather dreamy about this particular shade of blue. Reminiscent of clear winter skies (on the rare occasions we get them), Hush’s cropped coat is a softer way to enjoy colourful outerwear. The shorter silhouette looks especially good with wide-leg trousers and longer skirts, while the delicate hue pairs beautifully with cream, grey and buttery yellow. And if blue isn’t quite your colour, it comes in other shades, too.
Topshop long line formal coat in blue
If there’s one colour making a convincing case for a place in our wardrobes right now, it’s cobalt blue. Bold, saturated and undeniably chic, the electric shade has been cropping up across fashion’s colour conversation and outerwear might just be its best application yet.
Aligne half-zip technical rain jacket
Who said practical outerwear had to be boring? Aligne makes a compelling case for embracing a little colour with this sporty technical coat in a wonderfully fresh apple-green shade. It is perfect for winter downpours with jeans and welly boots. Come spring, it’ll look just as good thrown over a white T-shirt and maxi skirt. Consider it a year-round investment.
Cos swing coat
Minimalist in silhouette, maximalist in colour. Cos has taken the timelessness of the classic swing coat and given it an update in the most delicious shade of bright red.
Ganni Poncho in 10K waterproof shell
Leave it to Ganni and Hunter to make dressing for unpredictable British weather feel like a fashion statement. This yellow hooded poncho brings a playful, outdoorsy sensibility to the collaboration, complete with adjustable cuffs, a roomy front pocket and co-branded detailing. Practical enough for rainy walks but cool enough for the city, it is so good you may secretly hope for a little drizzle.
Nobody’s Child pink barn jacket
The humble barn jacket has had quite the fashion makeover, and this pink iteration might just be our favourite yet. Combining the countryside classic with a playful pop of colour, it’s the perfect antidote to winter’s more serious outerwear offerings.
Rejina Pyo Alice wool coat in blue
Rejina Pyo has a knack for creating pieces that feel simultaneously contemporary and timeless and this pure wool coat is no exception. The blue shade offers a welcome departure from the usual winter neutrals, without sacrificing any of their versatility. One to wear and love for years to come.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands.
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