A couple of years back, I remember chatting with the London-based fashion editor for The Telegraph about the winter fashion trends picking up steam across the pond. Her favorite? The scarf coat—specifically this one offered by Toteme—which maximizes warmth via a two-in-one design. (It’s also incredibly chic.)
Following our chat, I started seeing this winter coat style everywhere, but it also tipped me off to a bigger winter jacket trend that was bubbling up stateside and is now making waves for 2025: the statement collar.
Yes, I’m still seeing built-in scarves galore (a la that Toteme select) as I traipse around New York City, but I’m also noticing a lot more collar creativity, be it a structured funnel-neck style or—a slightly bolder choice—faux fur.
It was during Copenhagen fashion week this past October that influencers turned out wearing coats with bulky shearling collars that felt a little bit retro, but also a lot inspired. And a quick glance at Burberry’s winter collection runway from February and it’s clear: Cool coat collars are everywhere. (Not to mention plenty of scarf coats, too.)
To be honest, I’m here for this winter coat add-on, mainly due to its ability to combine style with immense practicality. (Hey, a scarf coat or fluffy oversize shearling collar looks pretty damn elegant, beyond being warm and cozy.)
There is one caveat to the trend worth mentioning—as much as statement collars are popular this season, collar-less coats are also all the rage. But the absence of a lapel or more structured funnel neck still fits in well with the theme. It’s just another way to add visual interest at the neckline, which makes a statement by itself.
Bottom line: These cool collar cues ladder up to a greater non-sartorial purpose—drawing the eye to the face. Here are a few of my favorites right now.
