With another Minnesota winter looming, it’s time to lay our lightweight fall outerwear to rest and bundle up for the cold, inviting materials like cozy wool and toasty faux fur into our revolving wardrobe queues. Timeless winter companions like the tailored black maxi coat and the insulated puffer will remain staples this season, as a new collection of outerwear trends simultaneously rise to prominence, from patchwork quilted jackets to drapey built-in scarf coats. Before the next snow storm hits, shop our editor-curated list for the top coat trends this season, each marrying style with function in true Minnesota fashion.
Patchwork Play
The quintessential embodiment of cozy, quilted coats have quickly become one of the “it” items of winter, offering a nuanced take on the classic puffer coat. The versatility made possible by its patchwork style is part of what makes this outerwear look so exciting. Representations can range from a sleek monochromatic look, like this high-neck pine green coat from Parc boutique, or a mis-matched pattern play, like this Beau Raglan coat from Idun, made from an assemblage of hand-selected vintage quilt textiles.
Two For One
Convenience is key when it comes to the increasingly popular built-in scarf trend, a recurring fixture on Autumn/Winter 2024 runways. The look exudes sophistication with its drapey, monochromatic style, and is an appealing addition to both cropped and maxi coats. Try the double-faced scarf coat from Club Monaco for a classic tailored tailored look or the removable scarf coat from Abercrombie & Fitch for a clean, hem-length cut.
Denim Trench
Denim jackets never truly go out of style, but instead adopt subtle changes in form and detailing as new seasons roll around. This winter, we’re seeing the denim trench coat reign supreme, adding a chic finish to basic streetwear ensembles. This Delilah denim trench from Requisite North Loop, by Scandi designer Baum Pferdgarten, exudes cool with its light wash and oversized fit, while this darker-wash Madewell trench employs a shorter crop.
Snow Leopard
This winter, fashion is taking cues from former First Lady Jackie Kennedy with the endorsement of the effortlessly chic, slightly polarizing leopard print coat. (A faux-fur representation this time around, as Kennedy’s infamous look inadvertently caused a drop in the wild leopard population.) Emulate Kennedy’s stately appeal with this SPRWMN faux-fur maxi coat from Grethen House, or opt for a more subtle crop with this lady jacket from J. Crew.
Pretty in Plaid
It’s been hard to ignore the visibility of plaid in pop-culture as of late, where the look has been dominating red carpets, street style ensembles, and countless Cher Horowitz-inspired Halloween costumes. Plaid can tell many different stories— from private school prep, to woodsy cabin, to Scottish Highlander. Experimenting with colors and check sizes is key to mastering the pattern’s depth of interpretation. This Scotch & Soda wool coat from Serge + Jane modernizes the trend with its bright and diverse color palette, while this Avec Les Files maxi coat from Nordstrom, with its dainty checks and understated neutrals feels like a return to the old English prep.
Toggle Hook Sherpas
The toggle button coat is a distinct military aesthetic, initially designed for British Royal Navy Soldiers to easily fasten their jackets while wearing gloves outside. Over the years, the trend has been reinvented and modernized, but retains a nostalgic nod to regality. Bursting into visibility this season, the toggle sherpa feels like a harmonious convergence of English prep and Scandi-style coziness. Shop the look at H&M for a seamless crop, or try Anthropologie’s cream knee-length representation.
