10 top coats to beat the Westminster chill
Sat alongside the murky banks of the River Thames, Westminster is a microclimate of its own making. Hot and sweaty in the summer months and ice cold in the winter, you can often feel the temperature rising - and not just in the historic Commons chamber.
Perhaps the ultimate protection blanket (or invisibility cloak,) a good coat will take you far in Westminster’s unpredictable cold snaps.
From wool to puffa, tailored to something a little quirky, here’s SW1 Style’s guide to 10 coats that will help you conquer Westminster’s chilly climes in a fashionable way.
Wool tailored
Let’s start with the basics. A tailored wool coat can hide all manner of sins, and offer you protection whilst doing so. Easy to wear and pair with trousers, skirts or dresses, this should be first off the starting block when looking at how to ace your outerwear. Invest in one of these and you’ll have a staple for many years.
The Rhiannon red coat from Hobbs is a stunner- and something you’ll wear time and time again.
Yumi is a new brand to SW1 Style. It’s affordable price point and close eye for design details means it is a name we’ll be keeping watch over.
For a major confidence boost we’d choose this forest green wool coat from The Fold. Pure wow.
Black coat
If you own one piece, then make it a good, reliable black coat.
It doesn’t need to be fancy, just a piece that can take you from dawn to dusk, and wearable with your favourite work outfit.
We like these options:
The Marcie Wool Blend Coat from Reiss. The notch lapel is a classy touch.
French Connection’s wool and cashmere coat has a great belt and is a shorter length for those of us that don’t like long coats.
The Redgrave from Jane Atelier. Your go-to investment piece - made from wool crepe, it is fully lined and super flattering.
Newsreader style
Turn on the telly or head to Twitter, and you’ll still be seeing the iconic Ted Baker ‘newsreader’ (or Rose) coat. It was the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that perhaps is most known for wearing this coat, and since then, fellow journalists and even Cabinet ministers have followed suit. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries MP is the latest fan- she has one in hot pink.
Made from wool and cut in the brand’s signature wrap style, the collar and belt has metallic tipping, and is easily identifiable in all those shoulder-up shots.
There are lots of different options- Charlotte Ivers covers why you need one in this great piece for The Times.
Nadine Dorries MP wears her hot pink Ted Baker coat.
Luxe sportswear style
Activewear and sportswear took on a life of its own during the pandemic, and it’s influence still remains strong in outerwear. We all need a bit of comfort when things are particularly dire, and contrary to belief, mixing athleisure with workwear can be done in a stylish way.
Our favourite brand for a bit of luxe is Herno. Theresa May really popularised this Italian brand, and has a fair few of the puffer/wool crossover coats in her wardrobe. We like to think they’re a comfort blanket of sorts - ideal for keeping warm and hiding away from those we may not wish to meet in the corridors of Westminster.
The Herno coat. There are plenty of options available from their own website and Farfetch.
Camel coat
Is the popularity of this classic coat on the decline? We’ve seen only a handful recently sported by both men and women. Perhaps it is an acquired taste, but these picks will stand the test of time.
Theresa May had a beautiful camel coat from Amanda Wakeley. It’s a real transitional piece.
The Morgan Velvet Trim coat from Jane Atelier is a luxe upgrade on the traditional camel coat. Look at the collar and pockets!
This Zara fitted coat with gold buttons is a steal at £59.99.
Trench
Perfect for dodging the showers, the trench is another classic coat to have in your wardrobe.
This easy mac from John Lewis is a great price and a comes in cherry red or black. Perfect for stowing away in the office or your bag for those rainy days.
Phase Eight’s Tabitha trench looks like Burberry- but doesn’t come with the expensive price point.
And if you want something a little different, the White' Stuff’s Juniper trench is the coat for you.
Transitional
What should you wear when the weather warms up, but there’s still a chill in the air?
Alexander McQueen’s ruffled knit coat should provide some inspiration for the ultimate transitional piece.
Tommy Hilfiger’s recycled wool blend houndstooth coat is a great transitional item - it will easily take you from winter to spring.
Bright and bold
For those days when you want to make a statement!
This geometric print from Lollys will certainly turn heads!
Every wardrobe needs some leopard. Hobbs does it justice in this cosy puffa jacket for days when you need a bit of fierce fashion.
The off duty
When you want something a little more relaxed, an off duty number should be something easy you can pull from your wardrobe.
Barbour’s Athena longline padded coat is sure to keep you toasty and warm.
Pair this monogram cape from Burberry with some skinny jeans and ankle boots and you have a great off duty look. And Burberry are based in SW1 on Horseferry Road, making them a very stylish neighbour.
The killer confidence
Go big or go home!
Let’s end with a real WOW item. We’d love this Alexander McQueen military knit wool coat in our wardrobe. Perfect for a day in Parliament when you need to slay.
