AW12 Womens' Coats - The Best of the Best

With the last of summer now over, it's time to stock up on your Autumn/Winter Closet. The most important item: a coat - there's nothing better to stop that Autumn chill creeping into your bones as you clutch your Latte and wait for the stores to open. Thankfully we have collected the "Best of the Best" - after hours of traversing both the internet and the high street. Enjoy.





This season's coats are leaning towards the more extravagant, as demonstrated by Topshop Unique, above, but for those of you that want a coat that is both practical, and still looks like it has just come straight off the catwalk - this article is for you.
Above all, the key aspect of coats this season is colour - floral prints and summery colours are most definitely out, while dark greens, blues, browns, greys and blacks are in.

  

("The Winner" - Sparkle and Fade Oversized Parka, £98 at Urban Outfitters)
 
Coats are all cut long, and are not the tight-fitting items we expect next spring. The ideal style is a parka or military coat, but it can be hard to choose the one that is right for you, so below is a small selection of the ones we saw and liked. Remember not to go with what everyone else is already wearing; that means not only looking in large chains but bargain hunting in the small boutiques and vintage shops that are often overlooked. For those who are London-dwelling, like us, might want to check out places like Camden Town, Greenwich Market, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Soho and Hampstead.
 
We Liked:
 
Bresnef Coat, £295 at All Saints - Stunning paired with boots, and we love the detail on the buttons.




 



Applique Coat, £129 at Zara - We like the unique front; exactly the quality we're looking for.

 
Denim Parka with Detachable Hood, £190 at Hilfiger - This coat is just itching to be worn.                

Fur Hooded Lined Parka, £80 at ASOS - One of our favourites.

 
Biker Detail Jacket, £100 at Oasis - Perfect for wearing with a funky scarf.




Quilted Contrast Sleeve Coat, £75 at ASOS - Straight off the catwalk.

 


Wool Pea Coat, £205 at Sessun Palemberg - There's no better way to splash a bit of colour into your winter days.


 
Tweed Princess, £99 at Darling - We fell in love the second we saw it.

 
We Avoided:
 
All long, puffy jackets - unless you're going purely for warmth.

 
Fitted Duffel Coats - this year it's all about loose.

And, most importantly, Waterproofs are solely for rain - do not try to force them into the world of fashion - at least, not this AW - who knows whay the next year will bring...
 
This brings us to the end of "The Best of the Best" -and me to the end of my cup of coffee. Enjoy the rest of AW12, fashionistas!