Winter showed up early this year, and suddenly we’re all in full “bundle up before stepping outside” mode. So when I pulled out my usual rotation of outerwear, I couldn’t help but feel… disappointed. A lineup of black wool coats and puffy black parkas doesn’t exactly inspire creativity. The lone exception? A leopard-print coat I bought last winter practically begging for more friends in the “fun coat” department.
Thankfully, this season’s outerwear selection is making that easy. From built-in scarves and bold colors to faux fur textures and liquid-like leather, “boring coat season” is officially canceled. Sure, a black wool coat is practical, but let’s be honest—does it reflect your personal style? In winter, your coat is the outfit, which means playing it safe might actually be the riskier move.
And truly, if the weather is already freezing and miserable, why wear something that feels the same? I’ll never ditch my basics entirely, but I’m equally thrilled to spend the next few months wrapped in something that lifts my mood instead of fading into the crowd. Ready to upgrade? These are the fun coats worth adding to your rotation this season. Fair warning: They’re so good, you might actually enjoy getting dressed in the cold.
Animal Print Coats
Speaking of leopard-print coats, I’m pleased to report that last year’s purchase is perfectly on trend with this season’s outerwear lineup. Leopard is still everywhere, but it’s not alone—snake, tiger, and even zebra prints are making a strong showing. The best part? No matter your cold-weather “spirit animal,” each one styles just like a neutral, which makes them far more wearable than you’d think.
Leather Coats
Every year, the “it” leather jacket silhouette changes—bomber, moto, trench, you name it. But this season, one style is clearly leading the pack: the leather trench coat. Thanks to the rise of more colorful leather, these trenches are everywhere, showing up in both classic neutrals and bold shades (including fall’s hero shade: burgundy).
Faux-Fur Coats
When I say fur, I’m always talking faux. And lately? It’s everywhere. From trimmed collars to full-on teddy textures, the ’60s- and ’70s-inspired silhouettes are back with a modern edge. Today’s versions add instant texture and personality, making even your simplest winter outfit look suddenly intentional.
Built-In Scarf Coats
I truly don’t know why it took me so long to embrace scarf-coats, but consider me converted. They’re everywhere again this season, and suddenly it all makes sense. If my phone case can store my lip gloss, my coat can absolutely double as a scarf. Warm, chic, zero effort… done.
Colorful Coats
Mark my words: After years of defaulting to a black wool coat, this is the season I finally embrace bright outerwear. I convinced myself long ago that neutrals were the most versatile, and while that’s still true in theory, they also require a lot more effort from the rest of the outfit. A colorful coat, on the other hand, does the heavy lifting for you. Throw one over a simple sweat set and suddenly you look styled with almost zero work.
Suede Coats
Affordable suede coats are like unicorns. You know they exist, but you have to do some digging. Case in point: I found a half-price suede trench in Greece and proceeded to wear it through the Athens airport like it was totally normal. But once I got back to the U.S., I realized I didn’t need a passport stamp at all. There are so many great faux-suede (and even a few genuine suede!) options right now that look every bit as expensive.
Cape Coats
I know, I know—nobody wants their outerwear to look like Hogwarts cosplay. But cape coats are shockingly wearable. If you’ve been hesitant because you’re unsure how to style one, start simple: jeans, a tee, and let the statement coat do all the heavy lifting.
More Fun Coats to Shop Now
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
