It’s that time of year again to welcome back coats to the front of your wardrobe. Whatever your plans during the winter months, they’re likely to be accompanied with an outer layer. And when you find the one, you’ll be reaching for it season after season. 

Since it’s only natural that you would want to get to know your new cold-weather companion a little better, we asked members of the COS design team — Sarah Coates, Nicole Bischofer and Rebecca Liesenfield — to round up their must-have coats from the AW20 collection. Plus, if you’re looking for winter-wardrobe inspiration, look no further:  junior fashion editor Meda Ntumba provides her styling tips. 

FOR WOMEN: THE TEDDY COAT 

‘Warm and irresistibly soft, this coat is all about a cosy look and feel. It’s made from a rich teddy texture with an oversized, slouchy fit — perfect for adding a new dimension to your winter wardrobe.’

Styling tip: ‘This coat is a true showstopper. Layer with a simple, ribbed hybrid collar underneath for an extra-luxurious outfit.’ 

FOR MEN: THE TEXTURED COAT 

‘This fabric is a special one. It’s soft, textured and made in Italy from 100% wool noil – which uses natural fibres and waste wool. For the linings, we also used a recycled fabric that is made from used plastic bottles.’ 

Styling tip: ‘This piece has an oversized fit, which makes it great for layering with a cashmere scarf and hat for added warmth and tactility. Finish with a pop of colour for an element of surprise.’ 

FOR WOMEN: THE BELTED COAT 

‘A classic style with a modern feel. The details are pared back to pull focus onto the rich salt-and-pepper texture. The storm flap and belted waist are functional, while adding a touch of timeless elegance to the silhouette.’ 

Styling tip: ‘A bright — or light — coloured knit will really complement the speckled finish of the coat. Wear with a pair of sleek leather trousers and ankle boots for an elevated everyday look.’ 

FOR MEN: THE TAILORED COAT 

‘A favourite at COS HQ. This piece has a very timeless, minimal design but with a few surprising details: the collar can be worn folded up and secured with a hidden button for extra protection in blustery conditions.’ 

Styling tip: ‘This coat has a beautiful mélange texture, which you can either pair with knitwear in lighter tones for a soft, tonal look or with a darker knit to make it stand out.’ 

FOR WOMEN: THE 3-IN-1 PUFFER COAT 

‘This is a playful, adaptable design that can be worn in several ways. With a quick unzip, the long coat can transform into a short puffer jacket, a gilet or even a longline sleeveless style. It also has hidden drawstrings to cinch the silhouette and the zips are concealed for a clean finish.’ 

Styling tip: ‘Wear as a sleeveless coat with a long cardigan underneath. Styling it as a cropped jacket, I would keep it simple with jeans, a crisp organic-cotton shirt and a cashmere vest — perfect for casual gatherings.’ 

FOR MEN: THE WATERPROOF RAINCOAT 

‘Since this is our first waterproof raincoat, we thought we’d make it special by developing our own watertight seams which roll over to make them even more resistant from the rain.’   

Styling tip: ‘This coat is already impactful on its own, so style with a long-sleeved T-shirt with thumb holes for an added sporty feel.’