As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, one item becomes a wardrobe staple during the colder months – the winter coat. While staying warm and cosy is a top priority, it's also good to remember that investing in a new coat doesn’t have to break the bank. Winter coats have the potential to cost an arm and a leg, but with some savvy shopping and a dash of creativity, you can save money without compromising on warmth or style. So, read on to discover a few ways to save money on a new coat this winter.
Shop Off-Season
If you want to save big on a winter coat, one of the most effective strategies is to shop for it during the off-season. Typically, retailers start marking down winter clothing towards the end of winter or early spring to make way for summer collections. This is the perfect time to snag a high-quality coat at a fraction of the original price.
Many people hesitate to buy a winter coat when it's no longer cold, but think about the long-term savings. You’ll be well prepared for next winter and won’t have to spend over budget in the process. Look for clearance sales, outlets or online retailers that offer last season's coats at a discounted rate. Just make sure you buy a coat that you’ll definitely still like when winter rolls around, so it might be a good idea to opt for basic styles and neutral colours rather than quirky patterns.
Charity shops are gold mines for those wanting to save money while looking stylish during the winter season, and with over 11,000 charity shops across the UK, it’s likely that there will be one nearby. People often donate gently used or new winter coats and other clothing and accessories, making them an excellent place to hunt for bargains. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble across a designer brand for a fraction of the price.
When shopping at charity shops, keep an open mind and be patient. You might need to dig through rails of clothing, but finding a quality winter coat at a fraction of its original price is worth the effort. Plus, shopping second-hand is eco-friendly and sustainable - even better!
Check out online marketplaces
Similarly, shopping for second-hand items online is a great way to save money. Second-hand online retailers such as Vinted, Depop, eBay, Preloved, Vesitiare Collective and Facebook Marketplace always have a great selection of cheap and cheerful winter clothing available. Whilst some are cheaper than others - Vinted boasts winter coats from as low as £6, whereas a coat from Vesitiare Collective could set you back upwards of £100 - it’s never a bad idea to have a browse.
When buying a winter coat from one of these marketplaces, be sure to check the seller's reputation and read product reviews to avoid scams. Also, try and stick to a strict budget; even though these sites tend to be fairly cheap, it can be really easy to get over-excited by the low price points and end up buying too much. Just remember, it all adds up!
Outlets are a haven for bargain hunters. These retailers offer a wide range of brand-name winter coats at discounted prices, often because they sell items from the previous season. Outlets are excellent for finding high-quality coats from well-known brands without the hefty price tag. Some popular UK outlet stores include TK Maxx, Bicester Village, Clarks Village, and Gunwarf Quay.
Before visiting an outlet store, it's a good idea to do some research on the brands and styles you're interested in. This way, you can focus your search and make sure you're getting the best value for your money.
Similarly, using a MyVoucherCodes promo code is a great way to make some serious savings on a coat this winter. Yes, we may be slightly biased - but browse our huge selection of fashion discount codes [here] to knock some money off that winter coat you’ve had your eye on.
Opt for versatile styles
When looking for a brand-new winter coat, it’s a good idea to choose a versatile style that can be paired with a variety of outfits. This means that you can get as much wear as possible out of your coat by wearing it throughout the seasons and pairing it to match the rest of your wardrobe. By choosing a style of coat that won’t go out of style anytime soon, you will maximise its value as it won’t need to be replaced in the near future.
It may be tempting to follow the trends and buy a coat that is fashionable but impractical. For example, a suede trench coat may look fabulous but is a notoriously difficult fabric to care for and not waterproof or particularly warm. Instead, consider opting for a puffer jacket, a duffle coat, a leather jacket or a raincoat. These can all be found in neutral colours and are bound to pair well with most of your wardrobe.
By purchasing out-of-season, raiding charity shops, exploring online second-hand marketplaces, heading to the outlets and opting for versatile styles, you can find a coat that suits your budget without sacrificing warmth or style. So, bundle up and enjoy the winter with your new budget-friendly coat!
Hi there! My name is Mazy and I’ve been a part of the vouchers world since November 2022. After studying English Literature with Creative Writing at university, I realised that I would love to incorporate writing into my career - so here I am!
You could say that I have a mild addiction to online shopping, specifically second-hand shopping; you probably won’t find me spending thousands on a brand-new outfit, but you will find me deep into a browse of my favourite second-hand clothing apps, including Depop, Vinted, eBay, Preloved and Vestiaire Collective.
