Winter Coat Trends 2015/16

When the weather turns chilly at night and frost appears in the morning, it’s time to make sure that we have the right wardrobe to meet winter’s challenges head on.

There are many different styles of winter coats to choose from – whether you want a sleek, retro-influenced design, something stuffed with cosy lining or something a bit more glamorous for the season’s parties. Every year, different styles slip in and out of fashion, but what are 2015’s iconic coats going to be?

Some designers have turned to the fashions of the 40s for their 2015 winter coats selection. Topshop offer a range of colourful, imaginative chequered coats that are warm and snug. They have a down-to-earth bohemian charm and manage to recreate the austerity-chic vibe of bygone decades. Others are opting for bright cape-style coats, which will not only stand out from the gloom on dreary winter streets, but will also inject a splash of colour into your daytime work outfit.

Autumn’s catwalks were filled with models strutting their stuff in fur-lined pieces. But the days of mink are long gone.

Designers like Stella McCartney and Roksanda showed off dazzling faux-fur arrangements that will provide ample warmth and comfort and also looked just like the real thing. Patchwork designs were definitely in, as designers seemed to place their bets on a chilly winter season. There’s no better way to wrap up and look great this year.

Comfort was also paramount at the autumn fashion shows. Designers like Max Mara and Fendi displayed some extraordinary quilted winter coats that incorporated rich, thick duvet-style linings and provided enough coverage to keep out the iciest of winter draughts. Extravagant comfort was the big concept here, as designers sought to blend stylish cuts with everyday warmth, resulting in bold coats that look as good on the street as they do on the runway.

Christopher Kane continues to come up with striking leather coat designs, whose jackets and long coats are ideal for urban fashionistas who need something for the winter season.

His 2015 leather jackets come with floral embroidery and attractive ruffled trims – making the traditionally austere leather jacket something for everyone to enjoy.

2015’s winter coat selection also places an emphasis on ready-to-wear, everyday fashion. Coats aren’t always about making a big statement or adding enough padding to shelter you from the Arctic winds.

There are also some fabulous low-key zip-up coats from designers like Vince that blend high-fashion design skills with styles that can be seen on any high street. Ribbed zip-up jackets should be an investment this season for anyone who wants to be able to throw on beautiful winter wear in an instant.

2015 sees many fashion designers reaching back into the past to come up with contemporary designs, and the parka coat is just one of the many designs that is making a comeback this season.

With their high, warm collars and muted tones, designer parkas manage to add glamour to what can be a dour form of coat. Not with designers like Yves Salomon, or Valentino – whose 2015 parkas straddle the gap between casual wear and the catwalk with consummate ease.

2015’s selection of winter coats is marked by its diversity. From 1980s-inspired power-coats to parkas, plaid and leather jackets to zip-ups – it’s almost as if anything goes. Whether you wish to re-create the austerity of the 1940s, the flamboyance of the 60s or the colourful 1970s, this year’s winter coat selection will delight anyone with a taste for fashion history. The focus on faux fur, warm linings and longer coats will also be great news for anyone who feels the chill.

As the winter gloom closes in, fashion has the answer and this year it’s in the form of a dazzling collection of coats for the 2015/16 season.