Outerwear
Oct 12, 2023

I'm a Bit of a Minimalist—5 Classic Coat Styles That Are Truly Timeless

by Jess Kelham-Hohler

For minimalists, the focus is on finding a simple, understated silhouette that works seamlessly with your outfit. Fortunately, when it comes to coat styles, classic reigns supreme year after year, and this season is no different. Versatile and effortlessly chic, a timeless camel, black or double-breasted coat perfectly completes any look. Adding a long black wool coat to a simple jeans and jumper combination elegantly pulls it all together, and that same coat works just as well for an evening dress-and-heels outfit.

The good news is a classic coat doesn't have to break the bank. High street staples like Mango and H&M have tapped into the importance of a simple, full-service coat, and have some seriously impressive options this season. That being said, as Girl Math dictates, the timelessness of these coats more than justifies opting for an investment piece that rises above seasonal trends and will be your go-to for years to come. Whatever your budget, these are the best simple coats I've found to buy now and love forever.

Simple Coats: @brittanybathgate wearing a long black coat over a green jumper and black jeans.

Photo:

@brittanybathgate

Style Notes: A black coat can be used to create a monochromatic look, or to contrast a jolt of colour.

Shop the look:

COS Oversized Rounded Wool Coat

Oversized Rounded Wool Coat

Beautifully tailored, this voluminous style gets bonus points for being made from a premium recycled-wool blend.

Arket Bouclé Wool Coat

Bouclé Wool Coat

The bouclé texture gives this classic style a touch of edge.

Toteme Signature Pressed Wool and Cashmere Coat

Signature Pressed Wool and Cashmere Coat

Everyone's lusting after the camel version, but I think the black one is so sleek.

Arket Fuzzy Wool-Blend Jacket

Fuzzy Wool-Blend Jacket

Perfect for those who prefer a cropped cut.

Staud Ralph Woven Coat

Ralph Woven Coat

This sleek style would look equally elegant over jeans or a dress.

Zara Wool-Blend Coat

Wool-Blend Coat

I love how this falls somewhere between a blazer and a coat.

Simple Coats: @femmeblk wearing a long camel coat with low heel ballet pumps.

Photo:

@femmeblk

Style Notes: A camel coat makes every look appear that bit more polished.

Shop the look:

Max Mara S Max Mara Paride coat

S Max Mara Paride coat

Yes, it's an investment, but a Max Mara camel coat is the classic that every tastemaker swears by.

Mango Wide Lapel Wool-Blend Coat

Wide Lapel Wool-Blend Coat

The same great shape at a much more affordable price.

Reformation Sierra Oversized Coat

Sierra Oversized Coat

This relaxed style is great for throwing over jeans.

Jigsaw Wool Maxi City Coat

Wool Maxi City Coat

This is Jigsaw's bestseller year after year for a reason.

Jaeger Pure Wool Belted Longline Wrap Coat

Pure Wool Belted Longline Wrap Coat

For those who like a slightly lighter camel tone.

Mango Wool Coat With Handmade Belt

Wool Coat With Handmade Belt

Elegant enough for work, cool enough for weekend wear.

Reformation Oscar Nipped Waist Coat

Oscar Nipped Waist Coat

The fitted waist gives this a beautiful silhouette.

Simple Coats: @annabelrosendahl wearing a red robe coat over a t-shirt and jeans

Photo:

@annabelrosendahl

Style Notes: As comfortable as a bathrobe, but far more stylish (and outside world-appropriate).

Shop the look:

H&M Tie-Belt Coat

Who wouldn't want to wrap themselves in this?

Mango Belt Handmade Coat

Belt Handmade Coat

This oversized fit leaves plenty of space for your favourite jumpers.

Zara Belted Wool-Blend Knit Coat

Belted Wool-Blend Knit Coat

Half cardigan, half coat, completely cosy.

H&M Felted Wool Coat

Felted Wool Coat

I'm obsessed with this soft brown colour.

& Other Stories Belted Coat

& Other Stories

Lapels, big pockets and a chunky belt—this is a very elevated robe coat.

H&M Wool Coat

Griege is such a versatile colour for outerwear.

Raey Cashmere-Blend Blanket Coat

Cashmere-Blend Blanket Coat

A blanket of cashmere? I'm sold.

Simple coats: @abimarvel wears a black double-breasted coat over a grey maxi dress.

Photo:

@abimarvel

Style Notes: As Abi proves, floor-sweeping double-breasted coats are seriously elegant.

Shop the look:

H&M Double-Breasted Coat

Double-Breasted Coat

The cocoon shape gives this double-breasted style a contemporary twist.

Róhe Oversized Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

Oversized Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

The dramatic lapels on this style have caught my eye.

Mango Double-Breasted Wool Coat

Double-Breasted Wool Coat

The gold buttons on this give a military touch.

Reformation Paley Double Breasted Coat

Paley Double Breasted Coat

This light beige, supremely soft coat is made with mostly recycled materials.

Zara Double-Breasted High-Neck Coat

Double-Breasted High-Neck Coat

Military uniform, but make it chic.

Simple Coats: @smythsisters wearing a long navy coat over leather trousers

Photo:

@smythsisters

Style Notes: A navy wool coat is a brilliant styling tool for contrasting with different textures.

Shop the look:

Zara 100% Wool Coat With Asymmetric Lapel Collar

100% Wool Coat With Asymmetric Lapel Collar

I'm obsessed with the abstract collar on this navy style.

Boden Durham Wool Collared Coat

Durham Wool Collared Coat

You can always trust Boden to have the perfect classic coat.

Mango Striped Wool Coat

Striped Wool Coat

For a touch of contrast, go for this pinstriped version.

Raey Oversized Belted Funnel-Neck Blanket Coat

Oversized Belted Funnel-Neck Blanket Coat

This thick, high neck is sure to keep out the winter chill.

Lisa Yang Amie Cashmere Coat

Amie Cashmere Coat

There's nothing more luxurious than a cashmere coat.

Studio Nicholson Holin Cotton-Blend Canvas Coat

Studio Nicholson

Holin Cotton-Blend Canvas Coat

If a wool coat isn't your style, this Studio Nicholson canvas coat is the ideal marriage of form and function.

H&M Single-Breasted Coat

Single-Breasted Coat

I can't believe the price tag on this seriously stylish coat.

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