Best jackets to pack for Christmas trip

There’s something about the click of a zip, the feel of a warm collar, and the moment you step off the plane into that crisp December air, it just tells you: yes, this trip is real

As your personal stylist for this festive escape, we’re here to walk you through the jacket wardrobe you’ll thank yourself for. Because beyond the snow-glow and the mulled-wine ambiance, your outerwear needs to work beautifully: chic for aperitifs, travel-smart for flights or train rides, and sealed against holiday chill.

Now, in terms of what the fashion world has been up to- the runways this season have been rewriting the rules for jackets. Houses like Max Mara showed capes, frock-coats, belted long jackets and even detachable linings in their Fall/Winter 2025 show. 

Meanwhile, celebrities have been putting real-world stamps on these trends- for example, Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz were spotted declaring windbreakers the hot-girl jacket of Fall 2025, oversized, sporty yet luxe.

Elsewhere, faux-fur and sculptural outerwear dominate the celeb rail- from Rihanna in rich faux-fur coats to star street-style looks that conclude “the only six winter-coat trends celebrities seem to care about right now.” So, yes your Christmas trip jacket portfolio gets to borrow from both runway gravity and celebrity ease.

We’ve categorized three essential types of jackets you’ll want for your Christmas travel edit. These are the pieces that will carry you through festive dinners, airport lounges, hotel lobbies and those magical evening walks under twinkling lights.

1. Dark Coats

The deep-toned, luxe heavy coat is your travel hero- throws over everything, looks refined, conceals the inevitable layering underneath.

Apparis high-neck faux fur coat
Credits: Farfetch

Apparis high-neck fur coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Celina faux-fur coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Herno faux-fur coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

faux-fur trimmed coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers

Why we love them: These are the coats you wear when stepping into a cozy lodge, strolling through a snow-dusted town, or jumping straight from sightseeing to dinner without changing. The dark colour works beautifully as a “go-with-everything” base.

2. Beige / Light-Neutral Coats

After the deep tones, you’ll want a lighter version to lift your outfit in daylight or for daytime holiday markets. Neutrals feel luxurious and fresh next to festive surroundings.

Credits: Farfetch

cable-knit teddy coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Mytheresa

Rotate Belted coat

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

fur-trim woven cape

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Einreihiger Mantel Faux Fur

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers


Why we love them- They brighten the wardrobe, give you a layered look without heaviness, and photograph beautifully under twinkle-lights or inside a warmly-lit resort lobby.

3. Capes & Alternative Outerwear

Because on a luxury holiday you might also want something less conventional- something stylish, maybe dressier, maybe easy to slip on in the evening. A cape or vest-style outerwear is perfect.

Credits: Farfetch

PINKO mit Stehkragen

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Gestreiftes Panama Cape

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Apparis Laila Weste

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Cape mit Pelzkragen

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

Nyla Weste mit Stehkragen

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers
Credits: Farfetch

VALENTINI 1972 Cape

Shop Now

Speak to Personal Shoppers

Why we love this category- You slip it on over a dress for cocktails, it drapes effortlessly for a relaxed daytime stroll, and it gives you something different from the heavy coat look- lighter, more refined.

Putting it All Together for Your Christmas Trip

  • On travel day (airport / plane): Choose the dark coat (the first category) for its practicality and chic factor. Underneath: lightweight knit + jumper so you can peel layers easily.
  • Daytime sight-seeing in a cold market: Beige coat (second category) layered over a smart sweater, scarf, and maybe leather gloves.
  • Evening dinner/resort: Cape or alternative outerwear (third category) over a dress or smart trousers + blouse; keeps you warm when moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, looks elegant.
  • Pack smart: choose one heavier coat + one lighter outerwear piece (cape or light coat) so you’re covered for all moods without over-packing.
  • Colour palette: dark neutrals (charcoal/black/espresso) + light neutrals (beige/cream) = mix-and-match friendly.
  • Bonus tip: Choose fabrics/textures that travel well (faux fur, wool-blend, cashmere-blend) and collars/closures that block wind (high necks, belts, stand-collars).

Conclusion

Whether you’re wandering through snow-dusted markets or stepping into a candle-lit Christmas dinner, the right jacket becomes your most stylish travel companion. Choose thoughtfully, pack confidently, and let your outerwear set the tone for a holiday season wrapped in warmth and luxury.

FAQS

1. What’s the best type of jacket to pack for a Christmas city break?

A tailored, medium-weight winter coat (like a wool-blend or refined faux-fur) works best for city breaks: stylish enough for dinner, warm enough for a walk in crisp air. Look for a high collar or belt to elevate the silhouette and add polish in festive surroundings.

2. How do I choose a jacket that travels well and still looks luxury-chic?

Go for a jacket made of high-quality materials (cashmere-blend, premium faux-fur) that also folds or compresses easily for transit. Ensure the cut is sleek and minimalistic so it reads as luxury even in airport lounge lighting.

3. Are faux-fur or wool-blend outerwear better for winter resort destinations?

If you’ll be outdoors in very cold or snowy conditions, wool-blend offers natural insulation and breathability; faux-fur delivers glamorous texture and extra comfort for indoor-outdoor transitions. Choose based on terrain (ski slopes vs. resort town) and how glam you want your look to feel.

4. How many outerwear options should I pack for a Christmas trip without over-packing?

Two outerwear pieces usually hit the sweet spot: one heavier, polished coat for evenings and travel, and one lighter, versatile piece for daytime or layered transitions. This gives variety without turning your suitcase into a cloak room.

5. What colour jackets are most versatile for the festive travel wardrobe?

Neutral darks (charcoal, black, espresso) and light creams/beiges are your best bets, they coordinate effortlessly with holiday colours and resist visual fatigue across multiple looks. These tones transpose seamlessly from sightseeing to dinner to airport coffee.

6. What does “packable jacket” really mean and how do I spot one that fits travel needs?

A packable jacket is one designed to compress, wrinkle minimally and often includes a travel pouch or fold-flat design for easy stowing in luggage. Look for terms like “lined with down,” “folds into its own pocket,” or “lightweight shell with layered insulation” when shopping.

7. What is HSS in terms of jackets/pop-culture or search-term relevance?

In this context HSS could refer to “holiday season style,” a shorthand trending in social posts and search queries for festive travel wardrobes. It’s often used by stylists and influencers tagging winter coats or holiday layering guides on Instagram and blogs.

8. Does HSS offer worldwide delivery for jackets?

Yes, we deliver as soon as possible, no matter where you are in the world once your order is placed. Expect smooth, timely shipping so your holiday wardrobe arrives right on schedule.

Aditi Tapadar

My name is Aditi Tapadar, and I craft stories for Haute Secret Shoppers that sit at the crossroads of fashion, culture, and creativity. With a background in brand storytelling, content strategy, I try to building narratives that go beyond trends and highlight the essence of luxury for you. When I’m not working on content, you’ll find me discovering new books, films, dabbling into new interestes I find everyday, and chai ofcourse. You can connect with me at aditi@secretshoppersuk.com!