Outdated Coat Trends To Keep In Your Closet For Winter 2025/2026

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We're entering the era of the statement coat. These cold-weather pieces were once just a final practical layer thrown on over your outfit, but these days, your outerwear is the keystone of your wintertime look, or as some Instagram users like to put it "The coat is the outfit." Some of the inspiration for this probably comes from the Olsen twins, whose personal style and highly influential fashion brand, The Row, leans heavily on statement coats to introduce visual interest and shape to an outfit.

"In fashion, I feel that winter outerwear has become more of a statement, rather than just a functional piece," says personal stylist Erin Noël in an exclusive interview with Women.com. A coat is typically the first part of your outfit that others see, and it's also usually the largest element, which means it tends to dominate the look. Given that the coat has such an oversized impact on defining your style, it's no wonder that shoppers are reaching for new, expressive interpretations of the classic long black coat. Noël explains that the statement coat — from bold patterns to structured chore coats — has been gaining ground since the 2010s. "Many of my clients are requesting coats that make a statement."

During the 2010s, these flowing, open-front coats were wildly popular. The waterfall drape that folds and hangs open seemed elegant, in part because it had no buttons. But these days, this style feels like an outdated Millennial trend. While structurally interesting coats are still on trend, stylist Erin Noël recommends swapping for something more modern. "Trade a waterfall drape for a wrap-style coat," she suggests, which has a belted tie closure to give the coat some hourglass definition. The relaxed shape means you can throw it on over an outfit; the effect is polished without seeming like you tried too hard. A wrap coat will give you a fresher spin on the draped effect.

The same is true of the wrap coat's sister: the scarf coat. These structurally innovative styles incorporate a scarf into the coat itself. The result is added volume and a sense of dimensional layers that feels sophisticated, like this MEIMEIJ Peacoat.

Toggle closures probably evolved from Chinese knot fasteners and were adapted for European military uniforms. While these closures are super functional, the military connotations don't necessarily mesh with the season's fashion trends, which favor refined materials and techniques. Stylist Erin Noël recommends opting for coats that feature more polished hardware and details. "Instead of a toggle button, I would look for something that has visual interest like shearling, fur, and hidden clasps," she exclusively tells Women.com.

This season, there are plenty of elegant embellishments to choose from, including draped necklines to touchable suede to bold animal prints. The key is to opt for subtle, high-quality details. Look for something with contrasting details, like this Moon River Trench Coat, or interesting tailoring, like this ebossy Pea Coat.

Crop tops are a key component in a dream summer outfit, but anything that features a shortened silhouette isn't the best option for when the temperatures drop. This includes outerwear. "Instead of a cropped coat, I would choose a floor-length trench-style wool coat," says stylist Erin Noël. Make a statement with floor-skimming length, like the oversized trench that was among Melania Trump's chicest coat moments. Plus, the added coverage is way more practical for cold weather.

Traditionally, trench coats served a purely functional purpose — protection against the rain. But because the style now comes in a variety of weights, you can tailor your purchase to suit your needs, opting for a light, duster-like outer layer that mostly adds visual dimension or a heavy-duty wool coat that will keep you super bundled up against the elements. Long trench coats have seen a resurgence in 2025, as fashion trends toward classic, minimalist styles. These loose, belted styles — that originated prior to WWI despite their "trench" moniker — add a dose of menswear charm to your outfit. Best of all, they're versatile enough to pair with almost anything.

When it comes to staying warm, it's hard to beat the oversized puffer coat purely for practical reasons. But these jumbo jackets have a sporty vibe that doesn't quite fit with fashion's current movement toward minimal refinement. But while it's best to store away your puffer in the closet this year, that doesn't mean you need to go cold. Instead, swap it for cozy styles that favor structure, weight, and texture.

For warmth, materials are key. Look for coats made of natural fibers like wool, cashmere, or leather, and focus on quality construction and sturdy weight. Also, when sizing, you should leave yourself extra room so you can layer underneath your coat. "Having a coat that's a little bit bigger is actually really versatile," said Olympia Gayot, a designer at J. Crew, told Fashionista. She recommends styles with a dropped or dolman-style arm hole so that it can be readily layered over different knit shapes.