Stylist Tells Us The Winter Coat Trends That Are Totally Outdated

Back in the day, the magic of winter was found in Christmas lights, falling snow, and hot cocoa. The cold season may still bring all of those things, but there's an additional treat we love as adults: winter fashion. The cooler months are the perfect time to experiment with winter layering, rock your favorite leather boots (or invest in a new pair), and channel your Hallmark main-character energy with wintry accessories, like knitted scarves and beanies with faux-fur trims. Winter is also the official season of chic outerwear, making dressing for any event easier; if you can't figure out what to wear, throwing on a good coat can solve all your problems in seconds. The only thing to consider is what kind of coat to buy as the cold draws near.

If you're planning on recycling last year's outerwear, it also helps to know which styles are on-trend going into 2025 and which ones you might want to leave in your closet to sit out this season. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz, renowned for using his fashion expertise to style celebrities and high-profile clients through his Skype Style sessions and bring fashion tips into everyone's homes with his "The Katz Walk" YouTube series, reveals which coat trends are outdated for the time being. For example, while the previously adored cropped coats and embellished puffers are taking a sabbatical, they're being replaced with fresher takes, such as the ultra-long coat. And, of course, a few familiar favorites, like the classic leather jacket, aren't going anywhere this winter.

In February 2023, cropped jackets took New York Fashion Week by storm. While shorter outerwear has definitely had a place in the world of high fashion in the past, that moment has now come and gone. According to Joseph Katz, coats that are short or cropped, particularly if they have oversized collars, now look dated. And while this is bad news for anyone who was a fan of the cropped look, the truth is that itty-bitty outerwear can't keep you as warm as longer pieces can. Indeed, this is a win for practicality.

Thankfully, Katz reveals that long coats and overcoats are now taking center stage — a concept that may have been popularized in late 2023 thanks to the ultimate trendsetter, Kim Kardashian. In particular, the long black coat is a timeless option that simultaneously feels fresh and trendy. "[This Premium Italian Manteco Wool Oversize Coat] is a great long coat from Karen Millen, and [this Wool Metro Long Coat] is another great long oversized wool jacket from Alo Yoga," Katz shares exclusively with Glam. 

For a more cost-effective option, check out the Chouyatou Double-Breasted Maxi Coat. Otherwise, there's the Embossy Women's Duster Trench, which is similar but has a slightly higher price tag. Longer, baggier 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 will see straps and belts that adjust at the waist using same material."

Without any extra bells and whistles, puffer jackets are a classic choice. These comfy garments will always be somewhat in fashion, though their "cool factor" may peak and dip between seasons. However, Joseph Katz explains that you'll want to avoid wearing puffer jackets that specifically feature "prominent logos and excessive embellishments," as they can seriously date your look. To take your puffer coat from cozy to chic, lose the visible brand names and logos, and pair it with on-trend athleisure or even a tailored pair of jeans. 

If your favorite puffer no longer fits the bill and you're in the market for some new outerwear, Katz recommends going for leather instead. "There are some great boxy versions and regular bomber style and slightly elongated lengths," he notes in our exclusive chat. "Leather jackets with front-pocket zippered details will be hot. Also keep an eye out for faux fur on the entire lining and on collars and cuffs." 

In terms of specific leather options, Katz loves the Penny Lane Coat from Revolve since it incorporates several on-trend features at once, as well as the Tilly Coat from Apparis. For a similar vibe that costs a little less, there's the Tanming Faux-Leather Trench or the Trendy Queen Oversized Faux-Leather Blazer. One of our best tips for buying a staple leather jacket is ensuring it fits well, but also understand that a good leather jacket is an investment; ensure that the silhouette suits your personal style rather than just the current trends so you can wear it for years.

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 runways in mid-2023 to the abstract metallic nails that took over salons the previous December, bronze and silvery looks have been all the rage. But as we move through the middle of the decade, that gilded vibe is beginning to look a little tired, particularly when it comes to winter fashion. "All-over metallic finishes have declined in popularity this season," Joseph Katz tells Glam exclusively. "While subtle metallic accents can add interest to an outfit, fully metallic coats are less fashionable now." Basically, unless you're going for a head-turning high-fashion moment that sets you apart from the general public, keep the shine factor to a minimum when shopping for new outerwear.

While tin foil-esque fashion screams bold, confident, and creative (and possibly astronaut), we're glad to see the back of this trend. Metallic pieces are so eye-catching that they're instantly memorable, which means they'll seem old and tired more quickly than a quieter alternative.

Up until now 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 as the year comes to a close. As Joseph Katz explains, fringe is making way for "more understated design elements as designers embrace cleaner silhouettes." If you've got some exaggerated detailing on your go-to coat, this year might be the time to retire it (at least temporarily). 

However, if you are a fan of fun add-ons like a bit of fringe, Katz also shares exclusively with Glam that there are other details that will look on-trend this winter. In particular, he's a fan of the Portfolio Double Face Coat from Aritzia thanks to its waterfall collar. Mango's Wool Coat with Detachable Scarf is also a winner in his eyes. "Keep an eye out for a scarf-coat that adds great detail and also keeps you warm," Katz says, adding that wrap-around coats are also a trendy way for you to enjoy a new dynamic with your outerwear. A similarly fun option is Saukole's Women's Winter Wool Trench Coat, which has a large, dramatic collar. There's also the Women's Winter Wool Peacoat from Aprsfn for a little edge.

The fashion gods have spoken, and another style that the gurus have waved goodbye to this winter is camo — at least where your outerwear is concerned. This might be surprising, since camouflage was one of the prints we saw everywhere in 2023. The persistent nature of this cool style means you shouldn't throw away your camo pieces, but do save them for another season when they're in fashion again. 

That said, if you like that fresh-out-of-the-jungle vibe, Joseph Katz reveals that faux fur is a great option instead. "Now faux has become so perfected, you will 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'll have the runway tick of approval. Katz recommends Abercrombie & Fitch's Full-Length Faux Fur Coat, or if you want to be really extra, the oversized Faux Mink Oversized Fur Coat from Naked Wardrobe. We're hardly surprised by this revelation, as fur everything has been one of the themes of 2024. If the idea of an animal-print fur coat appeals to you, check out the Bellivera Women's Leopard Print Fleece Coat.