The Philo-Fused Outerwear Trend That's Set to Define Fall 2024

Phoebe Philo has a way of influencing the way that cool people dress. She's been doing it for years, through her days at Chloé, even more so at Celine (then Céline), and still today with her namesake brand. There are almost too many Philo-fused trends to count throughout the designer's over 20 years in the industry, but right now, the one that has people talking (and shopping) the most is funnel-neck coats.
We can't talk about being swaddled inside your outerwear via high-neck and scarf-like attachments without first crediting Philo. They were a through line in her first few collections—coming in a variety of shapes, colors, styles, and materials, including leather and canvas—and were quickly picked up by Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. As a result, the funnel-neck coat and jacket trend picked way up, eventually replacing almost all other cold-weather top layers, including long-standing favorites like maxi coats and fur-collar robe coats, in fashion circles.
Bottega Veneta's Matthieu Blazy was another early advocate of the funnel-neck coat trend, followed by Proenza Schouler, Chloé, Saint Laurent, and Khaite. Soon, more affordable brands like Banana Republic, COS, Source Unknown, and The Frankie Shop began carrying the incognito outerwear style in spades. A few short weeks into fall, they're already everywhere, with more arriving daily in the lead-up to winter.
Before they become a need more than a want, scroll down to shop the funnel-neck coat trend that's set to define not only the tail end of 2024 but 2025 too.
For fall, Stella McCartney made a strong case for ditching an outfit and instead simply relying on a truly beautiful piece of outerwear (and some great accessories, too). Here, a model at the designer's F/W 24 show can be seen donning an all-white leather trench coat fit with a chin strap, creating a funnel-like appearance. All that was needed to complete the look was an oversize white tote bag and matching pumps.
Proenza Schouler continued to push the funnel-neck agenda at its show in New York, debuting a black shearling coat that was styled, again, on its own, just with lug-sole sock boots and a black clutch. The lesson here? Don't invest in what goes underneath your outerwear this fall and winter. A good coat will do *all* the hard work.
If you were under the impression that the funnel-neck trend will be a one-season wonder, think again. For spring, Brandon Maxwell (and countless other designers) introduced warmer-weather versions of the fall-and-winter outerwear style, with many opting for technical fabrics and sporty silhouettes.
Switching strategies, Victoria Beckham offered up a different lightweight, spring-ready option in the form of a high-neck sculpted leather top in burgundy, pairing it with fold-over, olive-colored trousers, thus making the funnel neck a year-round silhouette that's more than worth investing heavily in.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
This Elevated Basics Brand Is Every NYC and London Fashion Person's Best-Kept Secret
And I just tried on nine pieces in its NYC pop-up.
By Eliza Huber
-
Chic Shopping Lists Are My Thing—31 Great Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, Banana Republic, Shopbop, and Ref
Jackets, dresses, flats, and more!
By Bobby Schuessler
-
The "Wrong Shoe Theory" Has Gone Feral in NYC—and It's Actually Working
Unexpected but so stylish.
By Michelle Scanga
-
If You Only Note One Trend From Fashion Month, Make It This One
Talk about ubiquitous.
By Eliza Huber
-
Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the 2025 WNBA Season
From the league's newest additions to its juiciest storylines.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Inaugural Go Sports Issue
Introducing our quarterly sports x fashion hub. First up: A deep dive into women's basketball style ahead of the 2025 WNBA season.
By Who What Wear
-
Cherry Blossoms, Lavish Fringe, and Sculpted Silhouettes: Dior Brings Its Latest Collection to Japan
Inside the pre-fall 2025 runway show.
By Kristen Nichols
-
I Never Wear These Outdated Staples Anymore—6 I'm Buying to Freshen Things Up
Clearing out.
By Eliza Huber
-
Every Major Shoe Trend That Will Take Over in Fall 2025
Here's what was big on the runways.
By Kristen Nichols
-
10 Spring Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes