From Toteme to The Row, These Are the Only Designer Coats I'd Invest in for 2024

Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should. She has become a trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into—sustainable fashion. On her platforms, Cheong breaks it down into easily digestible, bite-size pieces of information to arm you with more sensible shopping tactics. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, we just had to knock on her virtual door. In this month's column, she guides us through the only—yes, only—designer coats she'd consider adding to her capsule wardrobe this winter. Take it away, Andrea…

To buy or not to buy? When it comes to designer coats, this question is always contested. On one hand, outerwear is one of those categories that always warrants a healthy investment. These garments are supposed to last a long time—if not a lifetime—and they’re supposed to be extremely practical. However, we also know that it’s totally possible to find an affordable winter coat that’s a fraction of the cost of a coveted Max Mara or Khaite piece. The allure here is partially extraordinary quality and partly buying the original. In particular, the three coats below have led the way, becoming iconic, quintessential styles for the coat trends we’ve seen return year after year: the teddy coat, the shearling or borg-style jacket and the full-length, vintage-looking shearling and leather coat. These are truly great, timeless investments.  

Max Mara’s iconic teddy coat is celebrating its 10th year as the It girl in our winter wardrobes. This is a very heavyweight piece that’s unique compared to most of the other fuzzy iterations out there; it's made from luxurious camel hair and spun with silk for an unparalleled texture. Camel hair is unique in that it does shed naturally, making it rarer to obtain. The under hair is the highest quality and most desirable, which is used for luxury clothing. This is the kind of piece that is the outfit—it doesn't really matter what you wear underneath. However, style it with a turtleneck in the same shade and some baggy jeans for an instantly chic everyday look.

This is the jacket that inspired a hundred dupes that also sold out. But speaking to friends who own the original and seeing it in real life, the differences are huge. Then again, so are the price tags. What I do love about the original is that every element of it is highly considered. The leather-piped edges have the most beautiful, neat finishes and don't wear down easily over time. The interior isn’t lined (and it doesn’t need to be, as this is quite an oversized fit), but even the back of the pocket (which is typically ignored) has been paid some special attention and given a fleece covering. It’s the intentionality of a design like this that makes it stand out in a very oversaturated market. It’s minimalism at its best. I think this looks fab with everything, from a baseball cap and leggings if you’re still loving that athleisure look, to a black, pleated miniskirt and cable-knit jumper combo. 

There’s one coat in particular that I always remember from my childhood, and it’s my mother’s reversible leather and sheepskin jacket. Every time I’d open the coat closet, imagining that there might be a Narnia waiting for me beyond the tweed, wool and raincoats, I’d take the chance to brush my hands over its surface. There’s been an enormous resurgence of vintage-inspired coats in the past few years. Leather and shearling coats are a staple of secondhand shops, and it’s no wonder the style has made its way back into the mainstream. This is thanks in part to an increased interest in thrifting, but shoppers are also now looking for higher-quality, natural materials. Joseph’s reversible offering has the best of both worlds: the choice of a soft, fluffy side that’s best for elegant evenings, or a leather exterior that’s perfect for everyday wear, with the benefit of an insulated lining. Whilst no doubt expensive, this is exactly the sort of style that should be with you forever. Style it with a knitted maxi skirt and your hair slicked back for an ultra-polished look.

Next Up: We Try Before You Buy: The Best Winter Coats of the Season