Joanne Hegarty: The winter coat that has it all

Joanne Hegarty: The winter coat that has it all


Warm, cosy and on-trend… in a quilted coat from Mango, boots by This Is Aeyde and Leather trousers by J Brand, from theoutnet.com 

 I come from a family of dedicated coat lovers. Big birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas – it’s a fair bet one of us will be asking for a coveted cosy one as a gift. It was my mother’s birthday recently (her age is a state secret) and we went shopping for – you guessed it – a coat. She chose a khaki quilted number that she says feels like wearing a duvet, and plans to live in it all biting Irish winter long.

For much of the year, our coats are among the most hard-working items in our wardrobe. Buying a coat is a big decision, an investment which, if made wisely, gives you a warm friendship lasting years.

Its streamlined silhouette means it can be paired with anything 

I like to have a few options in my closet at all times: an on-trend cover-up to keep my wardrobe looking up-to-date, plus a couple of chic classics – currently a black Max Mara one (birthday gift last year) and a camel, wide-sleeved number from Totême (birthday gift this year) – to see me through any storm. And please tell Santa that I’m lusting after a grey cashmere coat from Joseph!

The hero coat this season has to be – drum roll – a slimline quilted one. Think lightweight but insulating and found in the sort of heritage tones that wouldn’t look out of place in the Scottish Highlands. Due to their ever-growing popularity, there’s a large selection out there to suit all budgets. But the quilted coat isn’t just for dog walking or the school run. Its streamlined silhouette means it can also be paired with tailoring, heels, dresses and cosy knitwear.

Here are my tips for buying – and styling – winter coats… 

1. Add a logo belt to cinch at the waist and give your quilt extra shape. Seek out special details like a wrap front, or sharp lapels for a smarter, more grown-up look.

2. Coats that you want to last should always be versatile enough to wear over jeans.

3. Tailored coats are quite tricky because of their often boxy shoulders. Instead, consider oversized styles with dropped shoulders that look relaxed rather than corporate.

4. Don’t forget to browse preloved sites such as vestiairecollective.com, designerexchange.com, loop-generation.com and cudoni.com for coats made from super-luxe fabrics that feel so lovely and soft, you won’t want to take them off.

5. Look for big pockets and clever inserts to allow movement and ‘throw-on-and-go’ ability.

6. Don’t forget to look after your new pride and joy. Always air before putting back in the wardrobe. Keep precious wool ones in covers to protect from moths. And treat them to a dry clean and a ‘shave’ with a wool comb every once in a while.

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Brighten up winter days in this pastel blue wrap coat. £119.99, mango.com

The investment luxe coat that will remain a loyal friend for years. £665, Weekend Max Mara, matchesfashion.com

Chunky bling = instant glamour. Bracelet, £130, Laura Lombardi, matchesfashion.com