Where Stylists Shop: The Black Jackets That Stand the Test of Time (and Temperature)

A black coat – whether it’s a puffer, trench, bomber or the like – is a wardrobe workhorse. When temperatures drop, a warm jacket in versatile black often becomes our first point of call. But, as Melbourne stylist Rebecca Modara says, “Black outerwear is deceptively unforgiving … A poorly made black jacket feels flat and forgettable; a well-made one feels intentional.” 

Elevate your winter staples with the styles and brands these nine Australian stylists are looking at this season and beyond. 

Victoria Burns, Melbourne stylist and content creator

“I’ve been drawn to Australian labels doing beautiful outerwear with strong shape and fabrication. Friends With Frank is a standout. I fell in love with its Wren jacket because of the neckline alone; it feels elegant, understated and endlessly versatile. It’s one of those pieces you can throw over almost anything and, for Melbourne winters, it strikes that perfect balance of softness and structure.

In general, a beautifully tailored black coat always catches my eye. They’re timeless, easy to layer over everything and always elevating. I’m especially drawn to the tailoring from Viktoria & Woods, like its Brimstone coat, and the sculptural shapes coming from Kyha Studios, like the bonded crepe Hourglass coat, as well as She’s Versailles wrap. Funnel-neck cuts, cropped trenches and wool scarf jackets are also on my radar right now.”

@viccyb_

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

“Black outerwear is deceptively unforgiving. Strip away colour, and you remove distraction. What’s left is pure construction. Cut, proportion, drape – everything is exposed. A poorly made black jacket feels flat and forgettable; a well-made one feels intentional.

When I think premium, I think precision. Clean lines, sculpted shoulders and silhouettes that are almost architectural. St Agni, Nour Hammour, Beare Park, Banded Together and Venroy all sit in that space, offering pieces that integrate seamlessly into a considered wardrobe. On the more accessible end, Cos, Uniqlo and Mango continue to deliver sharp, thoughtful options.

Stylistically, I’m drawn to that in-between space: pieces that don’t fully resolve as casual or formal. A black leather bomber with restrained hardware, a wool coat with barely there lapels, a leather blouson that can sit over tailoring or stand alone, or a collarless single-breasted coat (I keep coming back to the Frederick coat from Beare Park). The common thread is structure. The era of oversized, shapeless silhouettes feels like it’s softening, and what’s emerging instead is a return to intentional garments that recognise the body rather than obscure it.”

@locarnostyling

Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director

“For a unique black outerwear option, my first pick would be the Joan jacket by Melbourne brand Perple. Oversized leather and PU jackets are having a moment, and this one has the perfect amount of character, structure, drape and embellishment. I especially love the stiff collar and the pierced stud hardware details. They are also made to order in Melbourne, so you can get your dream fit.”

@mutabazi_k

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

“I’m absolutely loving beautifully tailored black outerwear this season – pieces that feel timeless but are still directional. Scanlan Theodore does exceptional structured wool coats and cropped jackets that instantly elevate denim or tailoring. Camilla and Marc also has strong black outerwear, particularly oversized wool coats and belted styles that feel polished but wearable. I’m also gravitating toward leather and faux-leather jackets from Viktoria & Woods – their clean lines and slightly relaxed fits work day to night.”

@laurendilena

Stefan Francesca, Adelaide stylist

“Black outerwear is moving strongly toward structured, sculptural silhouettes rather than classic, fitted biker styles. Brands like Kulakovsky are leading in black leather, with a focus on heavier, architectural constructions like boxy bombers, cropped bikers and longline coats. The overall direction we’re heading in with black jackets is minimal and refined: clean finishes, reduced hardware and a focus on strong silhouettes rather than embellishment.”

@stefan_francesca

Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist

“You can always find a beautiful wardrobe staple at Camilla and Marc. I’m particularly obsessed with this stunning blazer. I also love the timeless, chic silhouette of this new arrival from Scanlan Theodore. And there is a reason why Australian newcomer Ida+S has recut its bomber jacket for the second year in a row.”

@kerriecarucci_stylist

Joshua Austin, Melbourne stylist and creative director

“A black leather jacket has the perfect blend of classic and a bit of edge. Instead of the biker style, go for a boxy fit with a slightly cropped silhouette – one that sits right at your waistband. The Eldorado jacket by Ksubi has some lived-in distressing, which adds attitude. Mutimer’s Flight jacket is so cool. Aesthetically, it’s giving Top Gun but sleeker and more elevated.

This winter, I’m also eyeing some alternative denim jackets. Salt Murphy’s Orion jacket has such an interesting, fashion-forward silhouette. The wide sleeves, tighter waist and funnel collar make it more editorial. It’s a classic jacket but done in a cooler way, making the staple piece say way more.”

@joshuaaustinstyled

Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist

“The black jackets that have been catching my eye are those that lean alternative – they can form the centrepiece of an all-black look. My favourite brands in this realm are Rick Owens and Neuterlab. The brand Yaku also recently caught my attention with its art-focused black jackets which feature modular additions. For more affordable options, Uniqlo and Muji often have structural black outerwear that can be layered with other garments to emulate the style.”

@gnarlynandos

Billy Chambers, Melbourne stylist

“Black outerwear always plays a central role, especially in winter. I’m drawn to strong silhouettes that don’t feel overworked. Wynn Hamlyn does this particularly well; take a look at its Tab Front jacket. Bassike is my go-to for something more relaxed and wearable, like its Universal cotton bomber jacket. I also love looking at local brands like Kloke (check out its Spectra jacket) and Observe (its Vented jacket is almost black) for pieces that feel unique but still versatile.”

@thebillabon

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