“Sometimes the coat is the outfit.” It’s a phrase that I, as well as countless other fashion editors (including Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike), repeat throughout fall and winter. But the expression has taken on even more meaning this year, given that “main character” coats are the undeniable top outerwear trend of 2025—think: striking patterns, rich-looking materials, and classic-with-a-twist silhouettes.
Fortunately for me and all fashion girls with a penchant for standing out, Nordstrom is currently a goldmine of coats and jackets that make it clear you see yourself as a star.
From now until November 19, Nordstrom is running its Early Black Friday sale, featuring an assortment of already covetable items up to 60 percent off. That includes some truly excellent statement outerwear: you can shop a variety of animal print coats, the undeniable favorite among fashion’s top tastemakers (see: Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie Grainge), and plush, faux fur coats, which are dominating recent runways and street style in Paris, Milan, and New York. (Remember TikTok’s Mob Wives aesthetic? Think that, but richer.)
Ahead, I round up the 24 coats and jackets I consider must-buys for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026, too. (My qualifications? I make a living analyzing and predicting the seasonal top trends.) Keep scrolling to see Nordstrom’s ongoing, exceptional outerwear deals, from funnel-neck jackets to cropped trench coats.
Winter whites always make an impression. A crisp coat with a faux fur collar ups the ante even more.
If you don't want to commit fully to the leopard look, try a pop-of-print collar. This Bernardo option just about qualifies as a minimalist find.
Don't underestimate the impact of a belt. Not only does it offer waist definition, but a belt can also be a clever and intriguing design detail—as seen with this side-tie Belle & Bloom coat.
Fringe is fail-safe flair—it's fun to watch in motion, but also enjoyable on its own as a stand-alone style element. This Sam Edelman coat comes with its fringe built in as trim.
Similar to fringe, texture achieves a similar visual effect. I love that this suede and shearling camel coat from Lucky Brand offers two materials at once.
For the uninitiated, funnel-neck jackets are the underdog outerwear trend of the year. This olive green, double-breasted option is an easy yes—I envision it with my favorite baggy jeans and pointed-toe black boots.
If I saw a woman wearing Marimekko's graphic top coat on the street, I would absolutely stop her and ask where it was from.
Levi's faux leather bomber jacket makes an impact but not an overwhelming one. It's neutral enough to work with tan wool trousers as well as a striped sweater dress.
Utilitarian style codes will be a top theme this winter. This multi-pocketed coat from Calson is an easy way to test drive the trend without having to try cargo pants, which can be a trickier piece to style.
I'm enamored by this faux fur coat's deep emerald color that almost borders on burgundy. Personally, I'd wear it as the final touch to a grown-up going-out outfit.
You're likely aware of the boho fashion comeback (if not, we've covered it extensively). This Free People quilted tacked ties into the trend in an aesthetic I'd describe as eclectic yet cool.
See what I meant about faux furs being an outerwear standout? This jet black midi coat is bold without reading as ostentatious.
This funnel-neck coat from Sam Edelman allows you to wear your sharp stand collar up or flat and open—wearer's choice.
Another clever fashion-girl hack when looking for pieces that are ahead of the curve: personality details. The wooden toggles on this Sam Edelman duffle coat have a bit more charm than a basic button.
I am firmly of the opinion that leopard print is a neutral. This Nordstrom coat helps prove my point for me since it's a darker toned pattern.
When you itch to make an instant statement, fire engine red will always do the trick.
Seen on style powerhouses like Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, Penny Lane coats are a clear contender for the outerwear that best defines 2025. This tan option from Bernardo is an easy in on the shaggy bohemian style.
ICYMI: track jackets are cool now—as in It girls who don't even play sports are wearing the zip-ups now. I adore this garnet red take from Shushu/Tong, an insider favorite brand.
See: my earlier note about out-of-the-box hardware being a rewarding, unexpected style element. This Avec Les Filles raincoat also ties into the utility coat trend that you will, without a doubt, see throughout Winter '26.
I see myself wearing this cropped, fuzzy gray coat either with a black mini dress and printed tights (side note: we should really be talking more about hosiery) or mid-wash jeans and a form-fitting cashmere tee.
Why limit yourself to just one animal print? Here, you get the best of both zebra stripes and cheetah dots, all in one fell fuzzy swoop.
We saw polka dots all summer long. They stayed on course for fall and, yes, will keep on keeping on for Winter 2026, too.
If you don’t have a cute cropped trench, do yourself a favor and snag this one that's on sale.
This peacoat is simple yet effective, short and sweet. It calls on a more traditional look, but its navy herringbone and cropped shape make it feel fresher.
