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Let layering season begin! And the very best layer, undoubtedly, is the autumn coat. It’s the finishing flourish to any outfit and it can hide a multitude of sins – especially if said outfit is yesterday’s sweats.
Because you’ll want this transitional coat to last years, if not more than a decade, consider the classics with modern touches. How you define “classic” will depend on your own style. For some people, ’70s style is classic, for others it leans British heritage.
Beyond the silhouette, consider fabric composition, collar styles, proportions, etc. What makes for a modern classic is that little bit of tension, whether it’s a contrast between masculine and feminine, a clash of textures, unexpected colours. Let your coat add to your overall style story.
But, this is autumn. What are your practical needs? Depending on where you live in this country, waterproofing might trump warmth; or windproofing and tailoring details might be non-negotiables.
Keep reading to get inspired by seven well-reviewed autumn coats, from high-tech to high-fashion. We’ll dissect everything from fabric content to shape to fit. Everything you need to get you through autumn with style is right here.
Summary of the best fall coats
Best waterproof: Arc’teryx Ifora Coat
Best sustainable: Reformation Irene Jacket
Best menswear-inspired: Uniqlo Double Face Coat
Best affordable: Muji Quilted Coat
Best French girl chic: Sézane Andrew Coat
Best trench: Rudsak Kimberly Trench
Best statement: SMYTHE Faux Fur Swing Coat
Best fall coats explained
Best waterproof: Arc’teryx Ifora Coat
Why buy: If it’s possible for a raincoat to be glamorous, this is it. Based in Vancouver where they know rain, Arc’teryx has designed a multi-functional coat that’s fully waterproof, windproof and breathable. It’s also incredibly lightweight and won’t weigh you down, a practical bonus if you tend to overheat with layers. Designed within the brand’s Veilance division, this Gore-Tex coat is a step above their usual outdoor gear in both style and price. But it’s completely worth it, and here’s why.
The shape of this coat is trench-inspired and flows beautifully, almost like a dress. It has an adjustable hood, two large front patch pockets with storm flaps and one zippered vertical chest pocket. On the inside, everything is meticulously seam-sealed, which not only ensures water won’t get through but highlights the elevated level of tailoring that really sets Veilance pieces apart. If you live west of the Rockies or east of the Laurentians, this is the raincoat of your dreams: stay dry while looking impossibly chic.
The fit is roomy, but it’s meant to flow, it’s meant to billow. An intentionally oversized fit is accurate based on their size guide; enjoy the swishiness whether it’s raining or not.
Sizes available: XS – XL
Price: $1,000
Where to buy: Arc’teryx
Best sustainable: ReformationIrene Jacket
Why buy: Have you heard of the “Unexpected Red Theory”? It suggests that an unexpected splash of vibrant red in any outfit (or room) immediately elevates it. So if you’re a staunch minimalist whose closet reveals shades of black, grey, navy with pops of white, here’s your red.
This car coat is roomy with dropped shoulders so if you like to layer over chunky knit sweaters, this will slip on without struggle. It’s made with a midweight 70% Italian recycled wool blend that has a very soft, lofty feel. It’s a bit oversized but is single-breasted so it retains a clean-cut aesthetic to balance out the vibrant colour. Beyond making pretty, trend-setting clothing, Reformation’s bold, ambitious commitment to sustainable fashion has led to goals of being climate positive by 2025 and being a part of a circular fashion system by 2030.
The Irene coat is an intentionally oversized fit that’s accurate based on their size guide.
Sizes available: XXS – XL
Price: $568
Where to buy: Reformation
Best menswear inspired: Uniqlo Double Face Coat
Why buy: This double-face coat is from the Uniqlo:C collection, designed by Claire Waight Keller of Givenchy and Chloe acclaim. In typical Uniqlo fashion, this unisex coat effortlessly lends itself to gender neutral styling.
“Double-face” fabric means that unlike most other fabrics that have one “right” side and one “bad” side, this has two “right” sides. The result is an incredibly polished, thicker fabric that provides a nicely structured silhouette without the bulk. Keller brings in high-end details such as reinforced buttons, lined sleeves (unnecessary for double-face fabric but an elevated touch) and even a perfectly matched pattern at the back seam.
The refined but casual fit should work well on most body types – size down for a nicely oversized fit, size up for the just-borrowed-my-boyfriend’s jacket fit. Refer to Uniqlo’s size guide and remember to take into account that this is unisex sizing.
Sizes available: XXS – XXL
Price: $180
Where to buy: Uniqlo
Best affordable: Muji Quilted Coat
Why buy: There’s room in every closet for a staple coat like this one. Water-repellent, quilted and, more importantly, washable, this long jacket is one of those toppers you can throw on and never worry about how you look. It upholds classic Muji strengths: minimalist design, maximalist utilitarianism, affordable pricing.
This runs very large. A generous fit is accurate based on their size guide, but shoulders do run narrow in proportion to the rest of the coat. Might not be the best fit if you have broader shoulders unless you size up. Definitely refer to their size guide before purchasing.
Sizes available: XS – XXL
Price: $120
Where to buy: Muji
Best French girl chic: Sézane Andrew Coat
Why buy: This cocoon style coat from French label Sézane is in an extremely versatile shade – a soft, toasty, mid-tone that’s just as classic as camel but more modern than chocolate. The cocoon shape is unstructured but the tailoring makes every curve precise so it drapes without looking slouchy. If you like to layer, this is your coat.
Despite being made from 75% recycled wool, this is a lightweight coat that offers warmth without the heaviness. It’s double-breasted but not bulky and easy to wear open without feeling like there’s too much fabric hanging. Like with most of Sézane pieces, there’s a moment when you wonder if it’s actually vintage (in the best sense). But contemporary touches like using recycled wool and oversized snap buttons (a breeze to fasten for anyone with dexterity issues), make this a chic, modern classic.
The fit is roomy, as per the cocoon style. A moderately oversized fit is accurate based on their size guide; if you’re in-between sizes, go with the smaller size.
Sizes available: 2 – 14
Price: $380
Where to buy: Sézane
Best trench: Rudsak Kimberly Trench
Why buy: There are plenty of classic trench coats available but this one stands out for two reasons. It comes with a detachable quilted liner, extending its versatility well past the fall – it’s rated for warmth down to -10°C. And for anyone who’s not model-tall and has struggled to find a coat that didn’t drown them in fabric, this was made for you.
It’s water-resistant and beautifully tailored. But the added optional liner and other modern touches make this worthy of an update even if you already have a trench. It comes with a belt but arguably looks better without it.
A just-on-the-slim-side-of standard fit is accurate based on their size guide. Keep in mind the size guide doesn’t take into account the quilted liner; if you’re in-between sizes, go with the larger size.
Sizes available: XS – XL
Price: $995
Where to buy: Rudsak
Best statement: SMYTHE Faux Fur Swing Coat
Why buy: Rain and wind be damned, sometimes only a pretty coat will do. For all your grand entrances – even if just to go grocery shopping – this faux fur coat makes a statement. You might know Toronto-based SMYTHE for its impeccably tailored blazers but 20 years since launching, its ready-to-wear collections today include a full complement of wardrobe staples.
This is faux fur, but looks realistically shaggy (in the best sense). Overall the colour is taupe but there’s enough shade variation that ranges from cream to brown, to give this luxuriously textured coat incredible dimension and movement. With so much going on with the fabric itself, this coat benefits from the simple, elegant v-neck and clean front secured by discrete hooks so nothing overlaps.
This runs very large. A generous fit is accurate based on their size guide. Because of the volume of the faux fur, if you have narrow or sloped shoulders, you might get lost in this coat. This would look best on someone with defined shoulders who can carry this coat well. Definitely refer to their size guide before purchasing and the recommendation is to size down.
Sizes available: XS – L
Price: $895
Where to buy: SMYTHE | Neiman Marcus
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