Stylist Tells Us The Winter Coat Trends That Are Totally Outdated
In the past, the magic of winter was found in Christmas lights, falling snow, and hot chocolate. The cold season can still bring all of those things, but there’s one additional treat we love as adults: winter fashion. The colder months are the perfect time to experiment with winter layers, rock your favorite leather boots (or invest in a new pair), and channel your Hallmark main character energy with winter accessories, like knit scarves and faux-fur-trimmed hats. Winter is also the official season of chic outerwear, making dressing for any event easier—if you can’t decide what to wear, throwing on a nice coat can solve all your problems in seconds. The only thing you need to consider is what type of coat to buy as the cold weather approaches.
If you’re planning to recycle last year’s outerwear, it also helps to know which styles are in style in 2025 and which ones you might want to leave in your closet to go unworn this season. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz – known for using his fashion expertise to style celebrities and high-profile clients through his Skype Style sessions and bringing fashion tips into everyone’s homes with his YouTube series “The Katz Walk” – reveals which coat trends are outdated for the moment. For example, while the once-adored cropped coats and embellished puffers are taking a break, they’re being replaced by fresher versions, like the ultra-long coat. And of course, some familiar favourites, like the classic leather jacket, aren’t going anywhere this winter.
Swap your Cropped Jackets for Long Coats
In February 2023, cropped jackets took New York Fashion Week by storm. While shorter outerwear pieces have definitely had a place in the high fashion world in the past, that time has long since passed. According to Joseph Katz, short or cropped coats, particularly if they have large collars, now look dated. And while this is bad news for anyone who was a fan of the cropped style, the truth is that skimpy outerwear can’t keep you as warm as longer pieces. In fact, this is a win for practicality.
Luckily, Katz reveals that long coats and overcoats are now taking center stage, a concept that may have been popularized in late 2023 thanks to quintessential trendsetter Kim Kardashian. In particular, the long black coat is a timeless option that feels fresh and modern at the same time. “[This oversized Manteco premium Italian wool coat] is a great long coat from Karen Millen, and [this Wool Metro long coat] is another great oversized wool jacket from Alo Yoga,” Katz shares exclusively with Glam.
For a more cost-effective option, check out the Chouyatou Wrap Long Coat. Otherwise, there’s the Women’s Duster Embossy Trench Coat, which is similar but comes at a slightly higher price point. Longer, looser-fitting outerwear tends to keep you warmer in the cold, but if you’re worried about swimming in all that fabric, Katz assures us that accessories can save the day: “You’ll see waist-cinching straps and belts using the same material.”
Logo-Clad Puffers Are No Longer en Vogue
Without any extra embellishments, puffer jackets are a classic choice. These comfortable pieces will always be in style, although their “cool factor” can peak and trough between seasons. However, Joseph Katz explains that it’s best to avoid wearing puffer jackets that specifically have “prominent logos and excessive embellishments” as they can take your look from chic to cosy – forget about visible branding and logos and pair them with on-trend sportswear or even a pair of tailored jeans.
If your favourite puffer jacket is no longer doing the trick and you’re looking for a new outerwear piece, Katz recommends opting for leather. “There are some cool boxy versions and a regular bomber style and slightly elongated lengths,” he notes in our exclusive chat. “Leather jackets with zip detailing on the front pockets will be on trend. Also look for faux fur throughout the lining and on collars and cuffs.”
As for specific leather options, Katz loves Revolve’s Penny Lane Coat as it incorporates several on-trend features at once, as well as Apparis’ Tilly Coat. For a similar style that costs a little less, there’s the Tanming Faux Leather Trench Coat or the Trendy Queen Oversized Faux Leather Blazer. One of our top tips for buying a basic leather jacket is to make sure it fits well, but also understand that a good leather jacket is an investment – make sure the silhouette suits your personal style rather than just current trends so you can wear it for Years
The Metallic Wave is No Longer Shining
So far in the 2020s, many facets of the fashion world have been dominated by metallic and chrome aesthetics. From the armor-inspired pieces we saw on the runways in mid-2023 to the abstract metallic nails that took over salons last December, bronze and silver looks have been all the rage. But as we move into the middle of the decade, that gilded vibe is starting to look a little tired, particularly when it comes to winter fashion. “All-over metallic finishes have fallen out of favor this season,” Joseph Katz tells Glam exclusively. “While subtle metallic accents can add interest to an outfit, all-metallic coats are less in vogue now.” Basically, unless you’re going for a high-fashion moment that will turn heads and set you apart from the general public, keep the bling factor to a minimum when shopping for new outerwear.
While foil-style fashion screams boldness, confidence and creativity (and possibly astronaut), we’re glad to see the end of this trend. Metallic pieces are so eye-catching that they’re instantly memorable, meaning they’ll look dated and tired more quickly than a calmer alternative.
Keep Your Winter Coats Fringe-Free
So far in 2024, we’ve seen fringe detailing emerge as a fascinating new trend. There’s definitely a time and place for this maximalist feature, but it’s not on your winter coat later in the year. As Joseph Katz explains, fringe is giving way to “more understated design elements as designers embrace cleaner silhouettes.” If you’ve got some over-the-top details on your favorite coat, this year might be the time to retire them (at least temporarily).
However, if you’re a fan of fun add-ons like a bit of fringe, Katz also exclusively shares with Glam that there are other details that will be trending this winter. In particular, he’s a fan of Aritzia’s Portfolio Double Face coat thanks to its waterfall collar. Mango’s wool coat with detachable scarf is also a winner in his eyes. “Look out for a wrap coat with a scarf that adds great detail and also keeps you warm,” says Katz, adding that wrap coats are also a modern way to enjoy a new dynamic with your outerwear. An equally fun option is Saukole’s Women’s Winter Wool Trench Coat, which has a large, dramatic collar. There’s also Aprsfn’s Women’s Winter Wool Coat for a bold twist.
Prints Are Fine — As Long As They Aren’t Camo
The fashion gods have spoken, and another style that gurus have said goodbye to this winter is camouflage — at least when it comes to outerwear. This may come as a surprise, as camouflage was one of the prints we saw everywhere in 2023. The persistent nature of this cool style means you shouldn’t throw out your camo pieces, but do save them for another season when they come back into style.
That said, if you’re into that fresh-out-of-the-jungle vibe, Joseph Katz reveals that faux fur is a great option. “Now that faux fur has been perfected so much, you’ll see it this season in different lengths and silhouettes, as well as fun patterns like animal print,” he tells Glam exclusively. As long as one of those prints isn’t camo, you’ve got the thumbs up from the runway. Katz recommends Abercrombie & Fitch’s full-length faux fur coat, or if you want to go even further, Naked Wardrobe’s oversized faux mink fur coat. This revelation doesn’t come as a surprise to us at all, as all things fur have been one of the hot topics of 2024. If the idea of an animal print fur coat appeals to you, try the Bellivera Women’s Leopard Print Fleece Coat.