The Duchess of Cambridge debuts a chic new maxi coat for winter - here are the best ones to try now

It’s officially coat season. With Covid guidelines forcing many of us to stick to socialising outdoors, choosing the right winter warmer is more important than ever this year.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been shoring up her own stocks. Earlier in October, she debuted a new Massimo Dutti checked topper during a visit to the University of Derby.

On Tuesday, she was in London to launch the campaign showcasing her Hold Still photography project, which documents the UK’s experience of lockdown. For the visit, Kate introduced another addition to her coat-drobe: a bold, postbox red, sharply tailored coat by Alexander McQueen.

Paired with a £1,595 top handle bag by Grace Han, cropped black trousers, a white top and black block heels, the Duchess’s look epitomised the polished, elegant and modern direction her style has taken of late.

The coat was a particularly statement choice thanks to its double-breasted cut, exaggerated shoulders and dramatic maxi length - a far cry from the nipped-waist, knee-length styles which the Duchess typically favours. It’s part of her latest McQueen haul, which also includes a similarly slick tuxedo blazer which had its first royal outing at last week’s virtual Wildlife Photographer of the Year ceremony - Kate’s first foray into an evening trouser suit.

The Duchess’s decision to trial a maxi coat is worth noting. These long, lean cuts have the power to bring fashion-forward edge to any winter look and the extra coverage they provide will be particularly helpful if you’re dining al fresco or walking in the park on a particularly Baltic day. Though perhaps not as cosily practical as a padded anorak, the maxi coat will inject an instant air of sophistication.

Kate may have worn hers with a more formal, workwear twist but it’s a style which would look just as good paired with skinny jeans and stompy boots or an equally sweeping dress and knee-high boots - combinations we may see the Duchess experiment with in the future as she seeks to get full use of her new coat.

You could channel her vibrant choice of colour and create a one-piece wonder outfit, but for maximum maxi coat versatility, something subtler like camel, forest green or navy would be ideal.

The Duchess’s coat is a bespoke McQueen design - a similar black and grey coat is available online for £2,250 - but there are plentiful maxi coat options for all price points. These are five of the best to try now…

L.K Bennett

Contrast coat, £300, L.K Bennett (lkbennett.com)

The contrast collar and cuffs, plus shiny buttons mean this coat stands out from others on the high street. And those lovely big lapels are perfect to pull up if you forget your scarf.

Jigsaw

Single button coat, £350, Jigsaw (jigsaw-online.com)

Simple, sleek and versatile, there are few outfits this tailored option wouldn’t work with.

Zara

Military coat, £179, Zara (Zara.com)

The neat rows of buttons give this double-breasted design a sophisticated, military feel. It’s super-long too, so one to try if you’re on the tall side.

Harris Wharf

Belted coat, £550, Harris Wharf (matchesfashion.com)

A beautiful colourful maxi coat which has all the comfort of a dressing gown thanks to its soft structure and belted waist.

Alexander McQueen

Tweed coat, £2,250, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com)

The Duchess of Cambridge’s red coat has echoes of this tweed Alexander McQueen design which has extra flair thanks to a flounced bottom panel.

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