Trust Me—This Expensive-Looking Trend is Replacing the Classic Black Winter Coat

At Who What Wear we’ve got a keen eye for spotting trends before they hit the mainstream, and if there’s one topic that has been the focus of our office debates for the last few months, it’s the colour brown. Camel, tan, cocoa, and mahogany, no matter the shade, we’ve seen brown quietly taking over the runways and street style so subtly that the change almost went unnoticed. From the sell-out COS crossbody bag landing in dark brown, to the Toteme scarf jacket back in a cocoa bean hue, celebs, editors and influencers alike have traded in simple black for a new take on tonal dressing. Sorry “vanilla girls”, but this autumn is all about espresso. 

Head to the MATCHES fashion coat page and it’s no coincidence that in the first few rows of styles you’ll find the best new coats in shades of butterscotch and bitter chocolate—such is the draw of the brown coat that it’s visual appeal is enough to make us want to shop. And after spotting Kaia Gerber and Rosie Huntingdon Whiteley in brown coats this month, I’m convinced that not only are brown dresses and accessories having a moment this winter, but coats are next to top the hit list. After all, this is a trend so simple and so effective it’s surprising that we haven’t given the brown coat is true props before. Whether you’re wearing a white tee and jeans or a slinky LBD, this coat will not only work with anything, but it’ll up the luxe factor too. Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling for a Hailey Beiber look that will change your mind. 

So, if you’re looking for a coat this winter that is not only going to keep you warm but also get you get you plenty of compliments in the process, I’ve rounded up the very best brown coats for every budget and style below. From camel brown trench coats to chocolate brown wool coats, these timeless buys are about to be the only thing you’ll want to wear this season.  

Style Notes: Not only is Kaia Gerber’s look an ode to the It coat of the season, it’s a masterclass in how to wear head-to-toe brown too. 

Style Notes: After spotting brown suede jackets on some of Instagram’s best dressed, we’re not surprised to see Hailey Beiber in this boxy jacket too. 

Style Notes: For further proof that mixing different shades of brown always looks chic, we love how Laura Harrier adds extra polish with a glossy leather coat. 

Style Notes: Monikh’s Tove Studio find is the perfect example of how to make the coat the focus of the outfit. 

Style Notes: Already a big fan of camel and toffee browns, Rosie Huntingdon Whiteley’s sleek brown trench manages to incorporate three different trends in one coat: maxi length, the leather trench and of course, brown. 

Style Notes: Long brown coats are so popular that we need a new acronym. Sorry LBD, we’re all talking about the LBC.

Last year’s smash hit is back in this rich shade of deep brown. 

H&M are experts in making affordable coats look premium. 

No one could convince us that this wasn’t designer

M&S have done it again, what a gorgeous number. 

You had us at “reversible”.

Puffer jacket + dark brown = a match made in heaven.

This will look good with every outfit. 

The dream camel coat.

Short coats are always a winner. 

This coat stopped us scrolling in our tracks.

This is always a bestseller, year in, year out. 

This also comes in black and grey too, but camel is my favourite. 

Such a cute silhouette! 

A wool blazer? Sign us up.

Trench coats needn’t just come in camel.

It’s impossible to be cold in a fluffy coat like this. 

A sportier take on the borg coat. 

Ultra-chic, ultra-sleek. 

A true classic at a high street price.

We’re taking notes on this whole look for our new weekend uniform. 

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