The best coats for work under ￡250
Q. I need a new warm coat for work, and have a budget of ￡250. What would you recommend?
A. If you’re buying two winter coats - a casual weekend option, and a smart one for work - then it can be an expensive business. Cheeringly there are great quality options to be found across the high street, so a budget of ￡250 is more than enough to find an office-friendly option - and the right one could even bridge the gap between your on- and off-duty wardrobes, too.
Regular readers will know that I always advocate colour when dressing for work - and even if your role dictates a sober palette, that’s not to say you have to look funereal on the way in to the office. I despair at the sea of navy and black coats that I see on the daily commute: a good coat in a bright colour, print or check makes you stand out. I’m settled happily into my usual autumnal burgundy rut, tonally matching my dress, boots, bag and even lipstick in the hue. I’m just missing the coat - and it’s become a bit of an obsession to find the perfect one.
I always veer towards outerwear with a defined waist, preferably with a belt so they can be cinched in. The slightly oversized boyfriend style looks great if you’re tall, but can swamp smaller frames, and a relaxed silhouette can be too casual if you work in a corporate environment. Check that the shoulders fit you well: they should feel snug but not tight. Mid-calf length is generally the most forgiving and easiest to style with skirts and trousers, but if you’re on the petite side, look for fitted knee length styles.
Wool fuchsia coat, ￡190, COS; Polyester/acrylic windowpane check coat, ￡98, Next
I can highly recommend a checked coat. I pair a lovely LK Bennett one from last year (a black, white and grey geometric) with almost everything in my wardrobe, even floral prints. There are lots of similar styles across the high street at the moment, from Marks & Spencer brown heritage check to Next’s chic camel windowpane version.
Now to colour. Pink might seem like it’s just for summer, but it can look amazing with a winter palette of burgundy, navy and grey. Cos has a great 80 per cent wool option in a simple, almost masculine cut which offsets the ‘sweet’ colour. If pink is out of your comfort zone, a deep petrol blue/green will flatter most skin tones.
Wool double-breasted coat, ￡169 & Other Stories?; Polyester/wool checked coat, ￡89, M&S
If you’re still stuck on navy or black, then at least look for interesting details. I’ve had my eye on Boden’s Farleigh coat with clever colour block panelling on the back for a while, and the red piping on the collar, cuffs and pockets of Hobbs’ navy Elle coat (￡194) makes it a bit more special. For me, the search for the burgundy coat of my dreams continues. If anyone spots a nice one, please let me know!