I’ll confess, I have a pretty hefty fashion wish list. But this season, one item has sat firmly at the very top: a funnel-neck coat. As part of my job, I spend a lot of time hunting down the very best fashion buys, which naturally means hours of scrolling. I’ve searched high and low, from the high street to more premium brands in search of ‘the one’. So, you can only imagine my surprise when the chicest version turned out to be from Sainsbury’s.
By now, it’s hardly a secret that Sainsbury’s has really stepped up its fashion game in recent years, but this new coat is on another level. It looks so expensive that I had to do a double take when I saw the £45 price tag.
It has everything I’ve been looking for. First, there’s the polished tailoring. The high, structured neckline has been everywhere on the A/W 26 runways, including in Victoria Beckham’s collection (and who knows chic better than Posh Spice?)
The real beauty of a funnel neck lies in its versatility and practicality. Buttoned all the way to the top, it helps keep the chill at bay while creating a sleek, structured silhouette that makes you feel instantly pulled together, even if the rest of your outfit is low effort.
If you're after a more relaxed look, simply fold the collar down and wear it open for a pea-coat-inspired silhouette that's just as chic. It’s like two coats in one.
The cut is just as impressive. Cropped jackets have been everywhere this season, and while it’s a trend I’ve been loving, a mid-length style like this is far more timeless. Better still, it promises to keep you much warmer when the temperatures drop.
One detail that really made this coat stand out to me is the tie-waist belt. As someone who's petite, I often find boxier styles can overwhelm my frame. The belt cinches the waist and creates a much more flattering silhouette.
All in all, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. There’s just one dilemma: which shade? Available in two sleek colours, it’s a tough choice. The chocolate brown feels right for now, especially with the Princess of Wales championing the shade for autumn. But the navy feels just as polished and ready for the season ahead.
Safe to say, my search for the perfect funnel-neck coat is officially over.
