Women's winter coat: how to choose the right one

Choosing a women's winter coat is a bit like choosing the outfit you'll wear every day for several months. It's the first piece people see when you step outside, the one that comes with you on morning commutes, meetings in town and weekend walks. It therefore deserves a little thought: a beautiful cut, a length suited to your daily life and a colour you'll be happy to see every morning.

There is no perfect coat for every woman. There is, however, the coat that is right for you, your figure, your lifestyle and the way you dress. Here are our tips for finding it with confidence.

Women's winter coat: start with how you'll really use it

Before looking at the trends, ask yourself a simple question: how do you live through winter? A woman who walks a lot in town, takes public transport and goes from one meeting to the next doesn't have the same needs as a woman who mainly drives or spends her weekends in the countryside.

• For town and the office: a straight or belted coat with a clean cut goes just as well with tailored trousers as with jeans.
• For active days: a parka or a hooded style offers more freedom and better protection from the weather.
• For evenings and special occasions: a long coat, worn open over a dress or a co-ord, instantly creates a dressier look.

If you could only keep one coat, go for versatility: a simple cut, a neutral colour and a medium length. That's often the style you'll reach for most, season after season.

The main coat cuts to know

The cut is what gives a coat its character. It determines how it falls from the shoulders, whether or not it defines the waist and how it moves with you.

The straight coat, a timeless classic

The straight coat falls without defining the waist. Its clean line lengthens the silhouette and goes with almost everything: wide-leg trousers, skinny jeans, a midi skirt or a jumper dress. It's the easiest cut to wear every day, and the one that stands the test of the seasons best. Worn open, it shows off your outfit; fastened, it creates a very sleek silhouette.

The belted coat, to define the waist

With its tie belt, the belted coat cinches the waist and adds instant femininity. It is particularly suited to figures that like to highlight the waist. Tip: tie the belt at the back when you wear it open, to keep a fluid line without the ends hanging down.

The oversized coat, an enveloping look

Slightly dropped shoulders, generous volume: the oversized coat offers a cosy feel and a very contemporary look. To stop it from swamping you, balance it with a more fitted base, such as skinny jeans, straight trousers or a close-fitting knit. Ankle boots or knee-high boots also help to structure the silhouette.

The parka and the hooded coat, the practical choice

When the cold sets in and the rain arrives, the parka becomes a valuable ally. Its hood, its pockets and its length, often mid-thigh, make it ideal for days when you're on the move. A slightly fitted version or one with a waist tie keeps a feminine look, even over a casual outfit.

Which length to choose for your figure?

Length completely changes the effect of a coat. There is no absolute rule, but a few guidelines will help you make the right choice.

• The short coat (hip length) shows off the waist and legs. It is very practical and easy to wear with high-waisted trousers or a skirt.
• The mid-length coat (above the knee) is the most versatile. It protects well from the cold while remaining easy to wear with skirts and dresses of all lengths.
• The long coat (below the knee or mid-calf) creates an elegant vertical line. On a petite figure, pair it with low-heeled boots or a tone-on-tone outfit to lengthen the line.

Also think about what you'll wear underneath. If you love midi dresses, a slightly longer coat will stop the dress from peeking out in an unbalanced way. If you mostly wear trousers, any length works.

Colours that last all winter

A coat is worn every day, so its colour needs to go with most of your wardrobe. Neutral shades remain the easiest to live with:

• Camel and beige bring light and warmth, and go with black, off-white, grey or denim.
• Black and navy blue are elegant, understated and practical for everyday wear.
• Grey, whether marl or charcoal, gives an urban look and goes with all cool shades.
• Chocolate and taupe offer a soft alternative to black, very flattering with cream tones.

If you already own a neutral coat, dare to choose a bolder colour for your second one: burgundy, fir green or midnight blue liven up a simple outfit without making it too loud. A light-coloured coat looks superb and luminous, but needs a little more care day to day.

The details that make the difference

Once you have chosen the cut and colour, it's the details that turn a good coat into a coat you love.

The collar

A notched collar gives a structured, dressy look. A shawl collar, more enveloping, softens the face and pairs nicely with a scarf. A funnel collar protects well from the wind and suits a more minimalist silhouette.

The fastening

Double-breasted styles add a classic touch and protect the chest well. Single-breasted styles are cleaner. Styles without a fastening, often worn open or belted, offer a more relaxed look.

Pockets and finishes

Well-placed pockets are a real comfort day to day. Also look at the shoulders: a well-positioned shoulder seam is the sign of a coat that fits properly. On an oversized style, the dropped shoulder is intentional; on a classic style, it should sit at the edge of your shoulder.

Choosing the right coat size online

With a coat, size isn't chosen quite the same way as for a top. Above all, think about the layers you'll wear underneath. If you often wear chunky knits or thick roll-neck jumpers, allow a little room in the shoulders and arms.

• Compare the measurements given with a coat you already love wearing.
• Check the sleeve length: the sleeves should cover your wrists with your arms outstretched.
• For an oversized cut, your usual size is generally enough to achieve the intended volume.
• If you are hesitating between two sizes, the larger one is often more comfortable for a winter coat worn over several layers.

How to wear your winter coat

The same coat can go with very different outfits. Here are three ideas to make the most of it all winter:

• At the office: a camel straight coat, a black roll neck, wide-leg trousers and loafers. A simple, elegant and comfortable silhouette.
• At the weekend: a grey oversized coat, a chunky-knit jumper, straight-leg jeans and minimalist trainers. Add a generous scarf for a cosy touch.
• In the evening: a long black coat worn open over a midi dress, heeled boots and a structured bag. The look is instantly dressier.

Accessories extend the style: a light-coloured scarf brightens the face, leather gloves add a refined touch, and a belt can give structure to a straight coat worn fastened.

Finding the coat that suits you

The right winter coat is the one you'll want to slip on every morning without thinking about it. A cut that lets you move, a length suited to your daily life and a colour that goes with your essentials: that's all you need to get through the season in style.

Discover our selection of women's coats, our parkas for the chilliest days, or explore our full range of coats and jackets. Delivery is free, in 10 to 13 working days.