Asos’ mushroom brown ‘teddy’ coat is the perfect mix of stylish and cosy, says our head of fashion
I recently found myself braving the Scottish Highlands in the kind of weather that makes you question all your life choices. It was absolutely freezing—proper nose-nipping, wind-slapping cold. But, against all odds, I actually stayed warm. And I have this coat to thank: the ASOS DESIGN half and half formal coat in mushroom brown.
It was £90 but it’s now on-sale for a steal at £63 – and still shoppable in all sizes. From the moment I put it on, I knew I was onto a winner. It’s got that perfect mix of being snuggly warm while still looking effortlessly stylish.
The wool-mix fabric really does the job of keeping the chill out, and the longline cut means you’re properly wrapped up rather than just half-covered (because, honestly, what’s the point of a cold-weather coat that stops at your waist?). I had it belted up most of the time, but you can also wear it open for a more relaxed vibe.
Onto the design; the front is this gorgeous, soft mushroom brown, but then—bam—the back is a different shade. It’s subtle but so effective, giving the coat a cool, high-end feel without looking like you’re trying too hard. The tie waist is a game-changer too, giving you that lovely cinched-in shape rather than drowning you in fabric.
Oh, and let’s not forget the pockets—deep enough to actually be useful, which is a rare win in women’s fashion.
‘I tried 3 pairs of magic sculpting leggings loved by Claudia Winkleman– one gives a bum lift’
Now, I wasn’t expecting this coat to be such a conversation starter, but honestly, I lost count of how many people complimented it. And we all know the Scottish aren’t ones to throw compliments around. I had strangers in coffee shops asking where it was from, a lady in a boutique stopping me mid-shop, and even a guy in a pub saying, “That’s a good coat” (which, let’s be real, is high praise from a bloke in a puffer jacket nursing a pint).
If you’re in the market for a new winter coat but fancy a couple of options, here are two more that deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
The Topshop Faux Leather Shearling Long Aviator Jacket in Tan, now £55, is another ‘it’ coat for this season if you want that effortlessly cool, “threw this on but still look amazing” kind of vibe. It’s got a classic aviator cut, super warm faux shearling lining, and just the right amount of oversized-ness to layer over chunky knits.
Or, if you’re all about cosy-chic, the River Island Shaggy Faux Fur Coat in Brown, now £70, is basically like walking around in a giant, stylish hug. It’s soft, fluffy, and makes any outfit feel instantly more glam—perfect for when you want to channel your inner ’70s movie star.
But honestly, if you’re after something that’s equal parts warm, stylish, and a little bit different, this ASOS coat is a no-brainer. It saw me through the brutal Scottish winds and still made me feel put together—what more could a girl want from a jacket?
