These Are the 7 Best Coats, According to Our Editors

Ready to break out all the layers? Same. There’s nothing I love more than that point of the year when my boots and outerwear are brought out from the back of my closet and it’s exactly that time again. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned about fall fashion, your outfit is really all about the coat, so I’m focusing in on that essential piece here. Curious to find out the best coat styles with an editor’s stamp of approval, I asked our team to weigh in with the ones they wear season after season.

From sophisticated camel duster coats to sleek leather trenches to cozy sherpa styles, you’ll find picks that will fit into your wardrobe, no matter what your style is. Ahead, see the 7 best coat brands that you’ll spot our editors wearing in the coming months. Go on to shop their picks, starting with my personal must-own piece.

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601072990576-image

Kristen Nichols, senior editor
(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Leather outerwear is a recent obsession and my vegan trench from Nanushka gets more wear than anything other coat in my closet. It's the perfect piece to throw over just about any look—whether jeans and a tee or a leather bustier with relaxed trousers and kitten heels like the outfit above. Or, you can simply wear it belted like a dress as you'll see in the product shot below. Beyond their faux leather trenches, Nanushka has perfected all things outerwear.

Shop my pick:

Shop more Nanushka coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601426790197-main

Annelisse Dominguez, associate editor, branded content
(Image credit: @annadominguez)

"I’ve always been one to stick to black when it comes to outerwear, but ever since I borrowed my friend’s super-chic tan coat last winter while in NYC, I’ve kind of been obsessed with finding one of my own. (I swear something about neutral tones just makes me feel so polished!) For days now, I’ve been drooling over this Chloé number. Not only is it gorgeous, but the color will literally work with everything in my closet. So yes, it’s safe to say this is officially at the top of my wishlist."

Shop Annelise's pick:

Shop more Chloé coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601426208273-image

Allyson Payer, senior editor
(Image credit: @allypayer)

"This coat is definitely a splurge, but it's one that I think I might have forever. And I think it was a good investment, as Totême sells it at full price every year. It's very oversized and blanket-y (I'm wearing an XS), which is great because you can wear it over even bulky sweaters without looking ridiculous. It's unlined, so I don't wear it on super frigid days, but it's perfect for much of fall and winter in North Carolina, where I live."

Shop Allyson's pick:

Shop more Totême coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601950007617-main

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, audience engagement editor
(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

"Ever since I bought I.AM.GIA's leather trench coat, it has become my go-to coat for transitional weather dressing—summer to fall, winter to spring from off-duty to zoom-ready you can find me in this coat. Plus, it makes me feel like Zoë Kravitz, and who wouldn't want a coat that does that?"

Shop Jasmine's pick:

Shop more I.AM.GIA coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601426202913-image

Judith Jones, market editor
(Image credit: @joiedejude)

"I love a plush shearling or sherpa coat—a trend that's having a major moment this season. I'm particularly partial to shacket styles that look casual and cool over dresses and jeans alike."

Shop Judith's pick:

Shop more Stand Studio coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601426207767-image

Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

"I love a military-inspired coat because you can throw it over jeans and look polished immediately. It's a sleek and classic look, and the prominent buttons add some flair to your basic black wool coat. Sadly, I haven't been able to bust out any outerwear here in Los Angeles yet, but I'm counting down the days."

Shop Erin's pick:

Shop more Marks & Spencer coats:

best-coats-for-women-289333-1601426204286-image

Bobby Schuessler, senior market editor
(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

"You just can't beat a classic moto jacket from Mackage. It brings a chic twist to any ensemble. I basically wear mine all fall long with a sweater or hoodie."

Shop Bobby's pick:

Shop Mackage coats:

Next: See the eight fall trends I'm already wearing.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.