Now that bundling up isn't exactly optional, our only option is to do it in style. With a look back at the Fall '14 runways [1], we've handpicked the season's best outerwear — the coats and jackets [2] that'll make you feel chic, even if you are trudging through several inches of snow. That's no easy task, we know, but given the lineup of this season's pastel toppers [3], capes, ponchos, pinstripes, and luxe furry finishes, we're betting you'll feel like a street style star just about everywhere you go this Fall and Winter. Just scroll to shop our ultimate guide to Fall's major outerwear trends.
Source: IMAXTREE [4]
Leopard Print
Why we love it: We were thrilled to see the glamorous print back on the runway. These styles may just be the easiest way ever to get a little extra oomph.
How to wear it: Beginners might want to test-drive the pattern against black pants or your favorite LBD, but before long, you may just come to regard the print as a neutral, adding it to stripes, polka dots, you name it — it works!
LOFT Snow Leopard Print Car Coat [5] ($168)
Pam & Gela Faux-Fur Leopard-Print Coat [6] ($495)
ASTR Oversized Print Coat [7] ($98)
Aritzia Talula Beckledge Coat [8] ($198)
SMYTHE Leopard Lab Coat [9] ($795)
Vince Camuto Leopard Print Boyfriend Coat [10] ($208)
Free People Channeling Leopard Coat [11] ($298)
Red Valentino bow leopard coat [12] ($962)
Piperlime Collection Leopard Coat [13] ($159)
Ponchos and Capes
Why we love them: The shape adds all the drama you need to any outfit.
How to wear them: Don't fear the new silhouette — embrace it! Start simple at first by adding a cape to your skinny jeans and flats for a play on proportions. Feeling more adventurous? Work a printed poncho or cape over shorts or a skirt and add thigh-high boots à la Olivia Palermo to up the ante.
Zara Wool Cape [14] ($169)
ISSA Joanie Poncho Coat [15] ($595)
Burberry Check Wool and Cashmere Blanket Poncho [16] ($1,395)
Chloé Ivory & Grey Alpaca Wool Blanket Coat [17] ($4,695)
H&M Wool-Blend Coat [18] ($149)
French Connection Felix Checked Cape [19] ($398)
DKNY Toggle Closure Cape Coat [20] ($895)
Warehouse Cape Coat [21] ($180)
Robes and Wraps
Why we love them: All the ease and luxury of our favorite bathrobes crafted in an elegant bit of outerwear that goes day to night. What's not to love?
How to wear them: These waist-defining styles are especially flattering with over dresses and wide-leg pants, cinched at the middle to show off your shape. Try layering them over chunky knits to define your frame up top.
H&M Oversized Wool-Blend Coat [22] ($199)
Plenty by Tracy Reese Shawl Collar Coat [23] ($348)
Isabel Marant Étoile Padded Coat [24] ($1,026)
House of Fraser W Collection Stone Belt Fold Collar Coat [25] ($135, originally $193)
Diane von Furstenberg "Mackenzie" Two-Tone Cozy Coat [26] ($628)
Bebe Shawl Collar Coat [27] ($179)
Theory Ashling Trench Coat [28] ($755)
Altuzarra Shawl-Collar Two-Tone Belted Overcoat [29] ($2,995)
Vince Robe Style Coat [30] ($1,162)
Pastels
Why we love them: These subtle, sweet shades are perfect for brightening up your Fall/Winter wardrobe, even on the gloomiest of days.
How to wear them: Work them into Winter styles by throwing a pale pink coat over a camel sweater for contrast, or try a baby blue shade over a darker navy. Have fun juxtaposing their colors with more seasonal tones, or use them to build a monochrome look in varying shades of the same color.
Won Hundred Dree Coat [31] ($610)
The Limited Drape Collar Wrap Coat [32] ($248)
MSGM Zipped-Up Coat [33] ($670)
Maje Germain Oversized Felt Coat [34] ($755)
ASOS Cocoon Coat [35] ($161)
Rebecca Minkoff Pierre Cape Coat [36] ($498)
Apiece Apart Esta Double-Breasted Coat [37] ($595)
BB Dakota Coat [38] ($148)
Furry Finishes
Why we love them: Frankly, nothing lends as much luxe as furry textural finishes do — plus, nothing is warmer when you really need to bundle up.
How to wear them: Drum up your boyfriend jeans with a chubby jacket or use a furry coat as the perfect complement to any evening look — it'll look way better than any parka or puffer.
H&M Faux Fur Jacket [39] ($60)
Topshop Unique Shearling and Twill Coat [40] ($800)
Karl Lagerfeld Eveline faux fur jacket [41] ($545)
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Oversized faux fur coat [42] ($810)
Unreal Fur A-Capella Coat [43] ($334)
Zara Furry Coat [44] ($169)
Shrimps Mabel color-block faux fur coat [45] ($995)
DKNY Striped faux fur coat [46] ($495)
SW3 Bespoke Aspen Faux Fur Jacket [47] ($352)
Altuzarra for Target Faux fur jacket [48] ($70)
Pinstripes
Why we love them: When the Fall '14 runways gave us pinstriped suits, blazers, and overcoats, we knew we had the tools to make our smartest outfits ever. The look is one part savvy business woman, one part street style boss.
How to wear them: Don't think this outerwear is for office hours only — add it to black pants and a cropped sweater for dinner out or throw it over your joggers and t-shirt for weekend errands.
Alexander Wang Wool coat [49] ($1,477)
Elizabeth and James Iris Striped Boyfriend Coat [50] ($595)
Eudon Choi Navy Pinstripe Belted Trench [51] ($1,495)
House of Fraser Hobbs Angelina Trench [52] ($183, originally $369)
Sacai Luck pinstripe coat [53] ($1,578)
Boohoo Lee Pinstripe Fluid Trench Coat [54] ($44, originally $60)
Tibi Chalk Stripe Long Coat [55] ($750)
Topshop Longline Pinstripe Throw-On Coat [56] ($240)