Any worthwhile festive season begins and ends with a good Hallmark Christmas movie — be it romantic, comedic or otherwise. It's easy to lose yourself in all that holiday cheer when you're staring at bucketloads of fake snow and no less than ten woman-owned bakeries. But this Countdown to Christmas, we're not getting swept up in the magic of it all just yet. First, we're asking the hard-hitting questions about our favorite feel-good holiday programming, like this biggun: What's the most-worn coat color in Hallmark Christmas movies?
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Don't act like you haven't wondered the same thing. In the years since the network debuted its annual Countdown to Christmas marathon in 2009, Hallmark movie coats have grown more sophisticated, more character-based and way, way more colorful. For every Lacey Chabert sticking to her usual reds and mauves, there's a Sarah Ramos boldly going where no Hallmark leading lady has gone before and sporting an electric blue wool trench in 2023's "Christmas in Notting Hill."
From our survey of the past decade or so of Countdown to Christmas, we found some Hallmark movie coat trends. Former Queen of Christmas Candace Cameron Bure opted for whites and beiges, then Alicia Witt came along and every Hallmark costume designer paired her red locks with wildly contrasting green frocks. Today, red and beige hues remain the most common coat colors. But you need only look to Taylor Cole's Gumby green pea coat in 2022's "Long Lost Christmas" to know that things have gotten a little more weird at Hallmark since about 2015. And we're so here for it.
Below, we spotlight some of our favorite Hallmark movie coats from recent memory and provide affordable, top-rated Amazon dupes for each enviable trench, moto jacket and coatdress. You'll find plenty of reliable jewel tones among the following crop, as well as more playful colorways. Whether you're shopping for your mother-in-law, scouring the internet for the perfect frock to wear to that office party or just looking for holiday fashion inspo, consider this list your cheat sheet to a well-dressed winter...courtesy of a bunch of fictional women named Holly, Joy, Noelle and, well, you get the gist.
For a Timeless Look in Every Color
Hallmark/Tanming via Amazon
A double-breasted wool coat is a staple of any holiday wardrobe. Reviewers have dubbed this affordable wool blend trench from Amazon the "Hallmark movie coat" for its easy sophistication. Wear it open to show off your favorite chunky sweater, or button up for a streamlined look. This functional little savior is available in an array of classic and playful colors, including bright beige, khaki, deep caramel, black, cherry red and dusty blue. The kelly green color is also a great dupe for Taylor Cole's Gumby-chic look in 2022's "Long Lost Christmas."
For That Tailored Feeling
Hallmark/Aprsfn via Amazon
Ah, an elegant solution for those of us who prefer some leg cover. More than 1,200 Amazon reviewers gave this mid-length coat a 4.4 star average rating. The notch lapel design adds a bit of drama on top, and the straight skirt has a lovely lengthening effect. It even comes with a removable belt for a more laid-back wrap coat look. Better yet, it's available in all the jewel tones — wine, emerald, olive, navy, violet, deep caramel and more.
For the Cool Girl
Hallmark/Ly Varey Lin via Amazon
It's true, Taylor Cole could make a potato sack look good. But the shearling bomber jackets she wore in 2016's "Christmas in Homestead" really are something special. We, too, would like to look like a glamorous actress descending on an unassuming small town this Christmas, and this affordable Amazon dupe might just get us there. Reviewers say the faux suede and shearling are surprisingly convincing, and that the jacket stays toasty in 40-degree temps. Opt for the black or cognac shades if you want that timeless moto jacket look.
For Those Dreaming of a Vintage Coatdress
Hallmark/ForeMode via Amazon
Who can forget Jessica Lowndes' adorable ruby-red pea coat from 2018's "Christmas at Pemberley Manor"? Not us. This wool blend Amazon option hits all the right spots for an ultra-feminine look. It has a fit-and-flare skirt with box pleats, an adjustable waist belt and button detailing on the front, cuffs and back. Hidden side pockets keep all those spare lip glosses tucked away, and it comes in red, emerald green, cobalt, wine, black and snow white. Customers rated it 4.1 stars on average, with many reviewers noting that it runs small across the chest. You may want to size up if you're looking to wear it fully buttoned.
For an Oversized Casual Look
Hallmark/Chouyatou via Amazon
Now and then, the women of Hallmark cast aside those form-fitting jackets in favor of loose, lazy-girl style — as Emily Osment did in 2021's "A Very Merry Bridesmaid." This below-the-knee wool blend coat with massive, '80s-esque lapels is one of the best-selling women's jackets on Amazon. It has over 7,600 reviews and a 4.4 star average rating. Not into patterns? No problem! This puppy comes in black, cream, a few beiges, royal blue and more solid colorways.
For a Classic Silhouette
Hallmark/Allegra K via Amazon
You can't go wrong with a double-breasted pea coat like the salmon pink one Sarah Ramos wears in 2023's "Christmas in Notting Hill." The Amazon brand Allegra K offers a similar style with flap pockets and a removable belt at a great price point. It's available in all sorts of festive colors and pastel hues, so you can wear it in March without looking like a Christmas billboard — a key consideration we really don't talk about enough.
