Here are five chic winter coats that are found in every French woman’s wardrobe —and on every Parisian street! With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start prepping your wardrobe for the winter season and unearth the best coats and jackets for colder temps.
A great winter coat can not only keep you warm in freezing temps, but it can also work like magic, instantly transforming a quite basic warm-weather look into a more elevated outfit.
So what coat styles to look for this winter? Seek classic and timeless silhouettes like black wool coats, sleek wool overcoats in camel shades, warm quilted jackets, or polished faux-fur coats. You know, the kind of classic outerwear that is everyday winter essentials, and like true investment pieces, will last you more than one season.
To help you find the perfect winter coats to invest in, in today’s article I’ve rounded up the best options of the season. Keep scrolling to see and shop my edit of the chicest French-style coats for this winter.
1. The Belted Coat
Elegant and understated, a belted coat is a classic style that never dates. Throw it over jeans and a cashmere knit with classic loafers and you’re good to go! It’s a piece you will return to year after year.
A wool belted coat is also the perfect shape for a smart event, ideal over a slip or evening dress with a pair of heels. In terms of color, opt for a camel coat which has been style shorthand for chic for decades.
I do think Max Mara is the go-to brand for this style of coat. But this season, other brands like Loro Piana and Totême have launched gorgeous creations like this camel belted cashmere coat or this dark gray oversized pinstriped wool coat. I love Sézane’s Mederick coat in camel as well.
2. The Double-Breasted Coat
The double-breasted coat, inspired by the naval reefer jacket of the early 19th century, is definitely a winter must-have! There is nothing more classic than an exquisitely tailored double-breasted coat.
Not only this coat style will keep you warm this winter but will add sophistication to any basic winter outfit. Long double-breasted coats with strong shoulders are in fashion this season. In terms of colors and patterns, you can opt for navy blue (like this gorgeous Gucci cashmere-twill coat), classic black (like this Sandro long wool coat), or Prince of Wales check pattern (like this stunning Isabel Marant check wool coat). For a shorter version, see the beautiful Sézane James coat in navy.
3. The Faux-Fur Coat
The faux-fur coat is one of my favorite winter outerwear for freezing temps. For a timeless faux-fur coat that will last you more than one season, prefer classic colors like black, navy blue, dark brown, or beige, and avoid leopard prints that could look a little bit dated. Also, prefer short or medium-length styles to long ones that can age.
If there is one faux-fur coat that I just adore it is definitely Sézane’s Isée coat in dark navy blue that I bought a few years ago. This coat is only available during the winter months. I have also this gorgeous Maje double-faced fur-effect coat on my wishlist.
4. The Shearling Coat
If you are a little confused about what exactly these shearling coats are made of, they are basically made of lambskin or sheepskin with an underlayer of wool which makes them extremely soft and comfortable to wear.
Shearling coats have been a winter wardrobe staple since forever. And these cozy coats are as cool as they come. Plus, their reputation for timeless style makes them the perfect investment piece for this winter.
If you’re a first-time shearling coat buyer I recommend investing in classic and timeless silhouettes like aviator or biker jackets. Totême’s signature leather shearling jacket and Khaite’s brown leather-trimmed shearling coat could be great investments for this winter.
5. The Puffer Jacket
The puffer jacket is easily one of the most important outerwear pieces of the season. This comfortable, cold-weather staple has never really gone out of style, but it has transitioned into a must-have for chillier days over the past few years.
For quilted puffer jackets that are as fashionable as practical, the French brand Moncler is the go-to label! I bought one of their puffer jackets a few years ago and it has been since one of my winter essentials.
In terms of style, I recommend opting for a short and well-fitted puffer jacket in classic shades (like this chic Moncler black hooded quilted shell down jacket) preferably with a belt to enhance your silhouette. Avoid long puffer jackets or eye-catching vintage varieties.
Et voilà! I hope this guide to the chicest French-style coats for winter will help you curate your own coat collection. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: I independently select all products featured on Leonce Chenal. If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love.
Hi there! I love your article. I’m wondering where you got the blazer from the picture you posted on No. 4? It’s gorgeous!
Bonjour Elia! Merci beaucoup for your comment 🙂 In picture n°4 it’s a faux-fur jacket you can get from Sézane (in their winter collection). I hope that helps! xo
Hi – love the trenchcoats – have one the exact same in the same colour ……not a fan of faux fur – and not the right shape for a puffer jacket………