God I love jackets and even in this unseasonably warm weather, I still yearn and buy coats and jackets. The best outerwear makes getting dressed much easier. For autumn/winter there are lots to choose from and with M&S stepping up their game it’s exciting times. It is easy to be seduced by all the gorgeous shapes, embellishments and fabrics on the catwalks but let’s’ be honest how many of us can afford ?
For the top 5 key shapes, I have listed the high street alternatives and while some may be still a bit pricey, they are investments in your wardrobe.
1. The sculptural funnel-neck coat
A high collar gives a winter coat real presence, while a belt creates definition over layers. The funnel-neck direction appears in Max Mara’s AW26 collection.
The high-street interpretation: COS Belted Wool-Blend Funnel-Neck Coat — £269.
COS brings together a dramatic neckline, a long silhouette and a matching belt. The fabric contains 77% wool,
Wear it with cream knitwear, tailored trousers and ankle boots, or leave it open over jeans for every day.
2. The pared-back leather jacket
A simple leather jacket is one of the most versatile additions to an autumn wardrobe. For the high-end reference, look at TOTEME’s Grained Leather Jacket: understated leather outerwear that lets the material and shape provide the interest.
The premium high-street interpretation: ARKET Leather Jacket in Black — £419.
ARKET’s version offers a real-leather option at a lower price than the designer reference. It is still an investment purchase, so choose it for the outfits you’ll wear repeatedly.
Style it with a fine roll neck and straight jeans, then try it over a fluid midi dress to give softer pieces a little edge.
Shop the ARKET leather jacket — £419
3. The heritage waxed jacket — including Barbour
Cord collars, practical pockets and country-inspired shapes bring a relaxed feel to autumn dressing. Toteme’s zipped country jacket, offers a luxury fashion interpretation of this look.
The heritage-brand choice: Barbour Bower Waxed Jacket — £279.
Barbour is a specialist heritage brand with its own outerwear history. The Bower has a waxed-cotton outer, tartan lining, corduroy collar and detachable hood, making it a practical addition alongside a smarter winter coat.
Wear it with a chunky jumper, dark denim and boots, or contrast its outdoorsy feel with a knitted midi dress.
Shop the Barbour Bower Waxed Jacket — £279
4. The heritage checked coat
For a patterned winter coat, checks are an easy choice to build outfits around. Burberry and Akris provide AW26 runway inspiration, as highlighted by.
The premium high-street interpretation: Whistles Khaki Funnel Neck Check Coat — £399 full price.
Whistles combines a heritage check with an oversized shape and high neckline. Its fabric contains 71% wool, and the long cut makes it a strong option for anyone who wants their coat to be the focal point.
Keep the rest simple: a black jumper, dark trousers and brown boots. A burgundy bag would add a lovely finishing touch.
Shop the Whistles checked coat — £399
5. The cosy shearling-style jacket
Shearling is a strong luxury reference for AW26, appearing at Ralph Lauren and TOTEME. Its appeal is the combination of generous texture and a relaxed winter silhouette.
The affordable high-street interpretation: M&S Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket — £60.
This lined, button-front jacket gives you the textured look in a synthetic fabric. It’s the lowest-priced piece in this edit and an accessible way to introduce the style.
Wear it with a cream knit, blue jeans and chunky boots for weekends, or soften the aviator feel with a knitted skirt.
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