A topcoat might as well be hanging in Clark Kent’s phone booth superhero changing station. The right one transforms any mundane outfit into a sharp and stylish capital-L lewk. Not that you’re wearing mundane outfits, but you catch our drift. And it’s equal opportunity improvement! You could be dashing off to the deli for more orange juice on a Saturday morning in sweats and the t-shirt you slept in, or headed to the office in a suit. Under a topcoat, both look great.
The good news is there’s so many great places to buy smart, stylish outerwear these days…some more unexpected than others. Whether you stick to neutrals, or break out of the pack with somethin’ a little more interesting is up to you.
Below, our top 10 picks for stylish topcoats:
1. Todd Snyder, $898
SG Says: If you invest in one new jacket this season, make it a classic topcoat in a timeless camel color, made of wool cashmere like this Todd Snyder number if you can swing it. This one’s got traditional bespoke styling, like a three-button closure, notch lapel, and welt and flap pockets.
2. Allsaints, $565
SG Says: The single button closure on this AllSaints jacket feels very futuristic and modern, even while the rest of the streamlined tailoring is totally classic.
3. Abercrombie & Fitch, $200
SG Says: Grown-up herringbone from the moose logo-loving retailer? Believe it. A&F may still make the hoodies you knew and loved growing up. But they’ve grown up, too. Stop by the next time you’re in the mall and prepare to be surprised (except for the smell. It still smells like that).
Oh, and don’t hold it against them that they’ve named this style “the dad coat.”
4. Club Monaco, $450
SG Says: This picture doesn’t do it justice, but the soft brushed wool of this jacket feels real nice, and lends a polished finish that’s at once cozy and sharp.
5. Banana Republic x Kevin Love, $398
SG Says: Do not sleep on Kevin Love’s capsule collection with Banana Republic. This double-breasted wool topcoat is one of many standouts. Trendy enough to be remembered, yet timeless enough to wear seasons from now.
Just a thought, but this coat would look great over a turtleneck.
6. ASOS, $135
SG Says: You can thank Taylor for pulling me back from the edge on this ASOS option. I wanted to feature this super-cool orange and black check coat. Or maybe this green check peak lapel number.
“Megan, guys don’t wear jackets the way women do. They don’t plan their outfits around them.” They don’t? Okay, how about this subdued-but-still-interesting forest green joint?”
“Yes, sure,” she sighed. “Go for it.”
7. J.Crew, $475
SG Says: This topcoat in water-resistant Italian tweed from J.Crew is always the right answer when you open up your coat closet, whether you’re in joggers and a t-shirt or a full suit.
8. Brooks Brothers, $2,498
SG Says: Okay, yes, this is expensive…like, really really expensive, but look at it! It’s made from wool and alpaca fur! Alpaca fur! And that collar?! Hello. So unexpected. The whole thing reads subtle, even though you’ll be a total standout when you wear it.
9. Gap, $198
SG Says: Sometimes basic black is the way to go.
10. Hugo Boss, $745
SG Says: We’re not always into a multi-functional layer, but the zip-out bib on this charcoal Hugo Boss number is a nice top to this topper.
>> Check out roundups of our favorite fall jackets, sweaters, and shearling coats
