In wintertime, there’s an understandable ease in defaulting to a black coat. A dark-hued jacket is a reliable layer against unfavorable weather conditions, mystery slush puddles, and messy city commutes. But if you pay attention to the street style set in Paris, London, and New York, you'll notice that fashion insiders rarely disappear into a sea of charcoal and ink layers. On the contrary, they wrap themselves in muted non-black coats that feel richer than the average neutral tones or in bold colors and patterns that stand out against the gloomiest skies.
Fashion people tend to fall into two outerwear camps. The first is the minimalist crowd, who gravitate to neutral-adjacent shades like tobacco gray, espresso brown, and dove white (yes, really, white in winter). These hues are as versatile as black and navy, but they make everyday basics like crewneck sweaters, jeans, and tailored trousers look carefully styled rather than hastily thrown together.
Then there’s the bright color/bold print camp. This is where scarlet red, cobalt blue, and mint green come into play alongside motifs that range from classic checks to leopard, zebra, and ornate jacquards. These are the kind of statement outerwear pieces that are easy to throw on over a pared-back look and be done, all without looking like you tried too hard. Don’t overlook fuzzy textures, brushed mohair, and cocoon silhouettes, either; these styles add a 3D dimension to the simplest winter outfits and coziness when, not insignificantly, temperatures dip down.
Stepping away from black doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance or ease. See for yourself: Scroll ahead for a roundup of the best non-black winter coats making a mark on outerwear trends in Paris, NYC, and London.
Brown Suede Trench Coat
A brown wool coat is an easy alternative to a black jacket, but this season, take it a step further with a suede trench in a rich mocha or chestnut shade. Suede is a major trend for 2026 and translates beautifully into outerwear, giving classic silhouettes a luxe, tactile twist. The result is a look that feels just bold enough to elevate basics like tees, jeans, and loafers, while still firmly staying within the neutral “safe space” of the color-averse.
The cappuccino shade and mid-weight faux suede make this coat the perfect throw-on when you want something softer than leather but just as cool.
This is the kind of coat you can wear open over a chunky sweater and jeans or styled over a dress for a night out.
From its dramatically long length to its dusty brown hue, this coat has style appeal in sartorial spades.
This longline coat in a chocolate brown hue boasts trench-like tailoring without the stiffness of traditional outerwear.
Penny Lane Coat
A Penny Lane coat will never not be famous in our books, and this season is no exception. Often seen in a range of non-black colorways, this style—defined by its shearling or faux-fur trim at the collar and cuffs—is the perfect mix of cozy and dramatic. On the subtle scale, you can stick to browns or creams that flatter the vintage-inspired silhouette and go well with denim. (May we suggest '70s-inspired flares?) Alternatively, go bold with a jewel-tone or neon-hued version finished with a playful print. Either way, let the coat do the talking by keeping the rest of the look simple and playing with accessories like a patterned tight or a fun shoe.
A main-character coat, this printed velvet piece with exaggerated faux-fur trim is the whole outfit. It also comes in chartreuse, green, and pink in addition to this blue.
This vegan suede shearling has a non-closure silhouette and plush faux-fur lining. Shrug it over every pair of pants, from bell-bottom jeans to wide-leg trousers.
This glam faux-fur coat is made for nights out. Let it be the star by pairing it with an all-black look, or lean in and clash it with sequins for maximalism galore.
With its leather-look finish, oversize faux-fur collar and cuffs, and tie-waist, this trench is giving ’70s rock-star energy.
White Furry Coat
Impractical in theory (you may want to skip the subway in this one) but oh so pretty in practice, a furry coat in white is the ultimate winter power move. Whether in plush faux fur or a shaggy teddy texture, the look is impossibly glam. You can either let a white coat serve as a whole outfit (with even hoodie, leggings, and sneakers underneath) or style it monochromatically with other winter whites or creams in your closet. If you have an après-ski planned for 2026 (or want to pretend like you do), this is also the outerwear trend to lean into, styling it with an equally fluffy hat, a bodysuit, and snow boots.
The floor-sweeping length and plush texture of this wool-shearling maxi coat make even jeans look high-fashion.
Crafted from Italian wool and featuring a detachable fur-effect collar, this coat has Old Hollywood appeal.
This faux fur coat is the kind of oversize, statement outerwear that can turn even a hoodie-and-legging combo into a covetable look.
This jacket is all about rich texture, with luxuriously soft faux fur and oversize lapels that can fold from a shawl collar into a turtleneck.
Pastel Coat
Spring will be on its way before we know it, with pastel coats in shades of lilac, ballet pink, mint green, butter yellow, and powder blue cutting through gray skies ahead of March. Sport one over your usual jeans-and-sweater uniform for a winter look that feels fresher and lighter, even in peak layering season. Or complement classic styles, like voluminous skirts and A-line dresses, for instantly spring-ready styling that could also double as a wedding guest look.
The ruffled collar of this quilted, longline butter-yellow coat keeps it looking chic but feeling like a wearable duvet.
Treat this bubblegum-pink coat as your outfit’s focal point and keep everything else minimal for maximum impact.
The tailored cut of this single-breasted blazer-style wool coat works just as well over office separates as it does with a chunky sweater and trousers. The mint green color is a fresh bonus.
With its ultra-soft faux fur and oversize silhouette, this jacket is a lilac dream. Throw it over a miniskirt or a slip dress for a night out and let the color and texture do all the work while you're busy dancing.
Plaid Coat
The plaid jacket trend doesn’t have to stop at brown and beige. (Though, that will always be an investment-proof choice.) This season, look for checks and tartans interspersed with cobalt, forest green, and burgundy to keep things feeling modern. When it comes to styling, double down on the prepiness with menswear-inspired blazers, crisp shirting, textured trousers, and loafers.
The coat splices bold blue-and-brick color blocking and is made from a hefty wool blend that will actually keep you warm.
The bow detailing on this fuzzy moss-plaid takes the trench silhouette from classic to delightfully quirky.
If you do want a more classic plaid coat, this brown houndstooth overcoat nails that relaxed-tailored, menswear-inspired vibe. Made from Italian brushed wool, it would pair perfectly with jeans, a turtleneck, and ankle boots.
This double-breasted coat is peak Parisian elegance. The green adds a nice pop to the otherwise neutral check print.
Red Coat
A red coat is the easiest way to look styled to the nines, even when you’ve got the most basic outfit hiding underneath. This season’s shades run the full spectrum, from deep burgundy to vivid scarlet red, so you can decide just how bold you want to go. Think of this look as a mood booster, helping you get out of bed and dressed on the dreariest winter days. Feel free to treat this look as a dress, styling it with knee-length boots, a decorative belt, and a top-handle bag.
This deep red coat brings power-shoulder energy, with sharp lapels and a maxi silhouette. The heavyweight felt fabric makes it as practical for cold days as it is festive for special occasions.
This burgundy fleece features oversize cream blooms, doubling as a wearable bouquet for sunless winter days. The relaxed shape keeps it cozy, so it reads dramatic and snuggly at the same time.
This cranberry coat with peak lapels and a below-the-knee fit can take you from desk to dinner. Button it up over suiting or throw it over denim—it will all look effortlessly cool.
This double-face wool coat has a slightly oversize shape that makes everything underneath—jeans, trousers, dresses—look more fashion-forward.
Animal-Print Coat
Whether leopard, zebra, snake, or tiger, animal-print coats are the quickest way to add attitude to a winter outfit. Let the print do the heavy lifting and keep the rest of the outfit minimal (a turtleneck, formfitting jeans, and ankle boots work well here, as seen above) for a look that’s decidedly fun without being costumey.
Throw this oversize faux-fur coat over a slip dress or jeans and a tee, and it instantly looks dressed up, no extra effort required.
A full-length snakeskin stunner, this coat features padded shoulders, an open front, and easy slip pockets for that cool, thrown-on look.
Cropped and boxy, this is the perfect “little” leopard coat to top off high-waist denim or a mini.
This pony-hair coat is a dream.
Gray Coat
For anyone hesitant to give up black entirely, a textured gray coat is a subtle switch-up that won’t demand any extra styling effort (or shopping). Herringbone, brushed felt, and bouclé give this classic shade depth and dimension. It’s the kind of coat that never dates and works with absolutely everything in your wardrobe.
Aritzia is known for its seriously cold-resistant coats. This one, cut in Italian soft wool-cashmere with a subtle herringbone weave, is a forever piece.
A classic choice that's somehow under $100 (for now).
This longline coat proves gray can be just as striking as any bolder-hued color thanks to its texture and sweeping length. It’s the kind of layer that instantly smartens up basics without feeling too precious for everyday wear.
This felted wool coat from Maria McManus is the definition of quiet luxury, with a cocoon silhouette, clean front, and tie belt in soft heather gray. It delivers real warmth while keeping your outfit sleek and minimal.