Love it or hate it, winter fashion has well and truly settled back into Australia’s southern cities. Scarves and beanies have been pulled out of hibernation, and we’re unpacking the thermals stashed away from last winter.
One of winter’s most compelling sartorial cases is its all-encompassing coats and cosy jackets. Often accompanied by a heftier price tag, winter coats are typically a big investment purchase. Here, several Australian stylists help you wade through the racks to find your next forever coat.
Lana Wilkinson, Melbourne celebrity stylist and shoe designer
“Camilla and Marc is my absolute go-to. They hit the sweet spot between minimalism and sophistication. Their coats are investment pieces that transition seamlessly from day-to-night and always elevate a classic look. Perfect for media calls or polished street style moments for myself and my clients.
“The neutral tones and luxe natural fabrics of Viktoria & Woods align with my love of timeless elegance. Plus, many of their pieces are made in Australia. Their blazers and coats are perfect for clients who want wardrobe longevity and subtle sophistication.
“I’ve invested in Scanlan Theodore since my university days. I still have a coat that I purchased when I was 18. The fit is tailored and refined, which makes them a dream for layering over statement looks. They are best for styling high-end editorial shoots or for personal winter wardrobe staples.”
Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director
“You can’t go wrong with The Frankie Shop. Quality, structure and fit are the most important things to look out for. They do great structured blazers and beautiful faux leather. Local label Mode & Affaire create statement (real and faux) fur pieces that are so beautiful to touch, bringing that European style to Perth. Camilla and Marc always nails blazers and coats, they’re classic and timeless – something you’ll have forever.”
Peter Simon Phillips, Sydney stylist and creative director
“I'm a consignment store fiend. KOT-J in Newtown is my absolute favourite with its extensive collection of sought-after luxury brands. If looking for something brand new without the guilt, The Social Outfit has the most lust-worthy patchwork coat made from excess fabric donated by the Australian fashion industry.”
Liv Brown, Melbourne personal stylist
“I love European brands for their coats; I recently bought a beautiful one from Baum Und Pferdgarten and I also love my Stine Goya bomber. I love a statement coat and jacket, it means you can wear whatever you like underneath and let the coat do the work.
“When choosing coats for clients I always make sure they aren’t too warm. Sounds crazy but some of these beautiful European coats look amazing, but realistically we won’t be wearing them in the Australian weather – even in Melbourne! Boutiques like Stable, Mane and Who Boutique stock some fun European brands.”
Sally MacKinnon, Melbourne personal stylist
“My go-tos for clients are Perri Cutten, Sportscraft and Búl. For myself, I really only buy a winter coat every few years, and my last one was an amazing felted wool coat from Bassike, made in Australia.
“My advice when buying coats is choose something that you really love, whether it’s a classic colour or a bold one. When you wear a coat, it usually covers what you’re wearing
underneath, so don’t be too concerned with it needing to match your wardrobe.”
Stuart Walford, Melbourne stylist and creative producer
“Coats really are the cherry on top of the cake, so to speak, so taking fit and fabrication into account is of the utmost importance. From a practical perspective, you are going to want to look for natural fibres, such as wool or cashmere, so you can be sure the coat actually provides you with seasonal warmth.
“I personally love a long double-breasted coat or cotton trench that covers most of the outfit underneath. There is something dramatic and powerful about a floor-sweeping coat. Cos has always delivered well on winter coats that don't break the bank. Incu and Búl are two other locations worth scoping out.”
Jana Pokorny, Melbourne stylist and creative consultant
“This season I am loving this faux fur from Husk. It’s been on my wishlist ever since styling it for their autumn-winter campaign. Camilla and Marc do a fabulous tailored jacket – their blazers are super sharp and perfectly structured. They are hardworking pieces in your wardrobe and worth the investment; layer them over your most casual look or evening wear alike.
“I am loving a bomber style as well, and this one from Esse Studios is divine. If you are looking for a great quality coat at a good price, I would recommend going to Seed Heritage. One tip is that I always size up with coats and jackets so they fit easily over whatever I am wearing.”
Answers have been edited for clarity.
For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.
