The time of year has come to invest in a new winter coat, but where do you start? If, like me, you love the high street, then join me on the hunt to find the best our favourite stores have to offer…

1. Topshop

As a long-time fan of this iconic brand, I am beyond excited to see its mega comeback. But wait, there’s more. I accidentally discovered that the latest collection is available in John Lewis. Talk about a kid in a candy store. The pieces are, as you’d expect, modern, sleek, quirky, and seriously lust-worthy. They’ll be available to shop via the John Lewis app and at pop-ups in select John Lewis stores, ahead of the official launch next February. As for the winter coat selection: in my humble opinion, utter perfection. Top of my wish list is the long-line aviator coat – warm, stylish, and affordable. All are available online at both ASOS and Topshop.

Totally obsessed with this aviator coat from Topshop.

Topshop, Funnel Neck Coat, £110

Topshop, Longline Aviator Coat, £130

More Topshop winter coats that made the cut…

One of my go-to stores for grown-up, budget-friendly style is, of course, & Other Stories. I consistently find designs that are cut beautifully, feel good and look incredible. On my high street hunt, I was spoilt for choice. From fluffy faux furs to tailored numbers, I could have easily walked away with multiple coats in my shopping basket. However, I’m calling it. The midi-length faux fur is seriously boho meets rock’n’roll, so it’s my number one. For something refined, yet cosy, it’s got to be the wool shearling maxi coat.

& Other Stories, Faux Fur Midi Coat, £189

& Other Stories, Wool Shearling Maxi Coat, £259

More & Other Stories winter coats that made the cut…

3. Arket

Minimalist perfection is how I’d best describe Arket. You’re guaranteed timeless quality and design, to the extent that I’d say the brand is faultless when it comes to its collections. This season brings an array of outerwear that will last beyond 2025. Expect the smart, the cosy and the practical. I was drawn to the funnel-neck coats, particularly the burgundy beauty. In fact, the colour palette throughout was on point.

More Arket winter coats that made the cut…

4. John Lewis

The joy of shopping in a department store is equivalent to opening up a treasure trove of luscious labels for every style personality. Not only will you find this great institution’s own brands, but also some of the other most sought-after names in fashion. I’m talking, Nobody’s Child, Queens Of Archive, Reiss… the list goes on. Obviously, I made a beeline for Queens Of Archive – one of my faves – and had to try on this sixties-inspired number recently spotted on Lily Allen.

Queens of archive, Stella Cracked Vinyl Coat, £360

For me, John Lewis is the gift that keeps on giving.

More John Lewis winter coats that made the cut…

5. Zara

We all know this high street stalwart can be both a failsafe and a mighty beast of overwhelm. The choice is abundant, the clothing stylishly reliable, and, of course, most is within a reasonable budget. Sometimes all you need is someone to dig out the best bits, which is why both our Fashion Ed, Astrid, and I hit up our local Zara stores to reveal our top picks. I have to admit that I’m a massive fan of the brand’s faux shearling and fur, but on this occasion, I’m all about the classic iterations. Not too bulky, perfect for layering and easy on the bank balance.

Zara, Soft Oversize Coat, £69.99

More Zara winter coats that made the cut…

6. Free People

If smart tailoring is not what you’re after, if you’re more boho than business, then it’s always got to be Free People. I adore bohemian styling, but I took this store visit as an opportunity to try something different. The Moon Petals jacket is everything and more. It epitomises ’70s cool and I’m all for that. In the search for colour, I also discovered the Micah herringbone coat. Definitely oversized, but ideal for throwing on over chunky knits at the weekend.

Free People, Micah Herringbone Coat, £268

Free People, Moon Petals Jacket, £648

More Free People winter coats that made the cut…

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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