The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (2024)

Yes, it is FINALLY time to start wearing some coats. The weather has officially dipped into freezing temps and although I hate being cold, I do love a great coat. It may be safe to say that I have a slight obsession actually.

I’ve got some really fun ones like my faux fur leopard and hunter green one, to classics like a black wool trench and camel basics.

But I also seem to have just about everything in between like tartan for the holidays, cobalt blue for a pop of color and more. Ironic that I have so many and live in the South. But honestly, it gets COLD!

Either way, I like to have options, regardless. Anyone else like that? I’m pretty sure it’s why I own 20 different white tees….But having a great selection of coats can be nice too as it helps to make dreary weather feel a little more exciting when you can throw on a fun coat.

There are definitely essentials I think everyone should own like a good down coat for those very very cold days. And also a great coat to wear with nicer outfits and to the office. From there, you can add in additional jackets that are fun and colorful or printed to mix things up.

Ultimate Winter Coat Guide: The Best Coats For Winter

If you’re in need of some new winter coats, here is your ultimate guide to winter coats. Stay warm and stylish this season in these great coats for any occasion or weather.

The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (1)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (2)

Classic Black Wool Blend Coat

We’ll start simple here as I think everyone should have a brown or black coat to top all of their looks with. This Gal Meets Glam Collection Hadley coat does just that. I’ve worn it with jeans and sneakers and now jeans and pretty stilettos. But this will really be great over anything and everything. Perfect over those holiday party outfits too.

A great black coat will last you years to come too, so I always recommend investing a bit more in one than going the cheaper route.

get the look
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (3)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (4)

Classic Camel Coat

No closet is complete without a classic camel coat. Pick your favorite silhouette and invest in a good camel version of it. I love this camel coat from Ann Taylor (left) and Mango (right) as they are in a classic style that will last me years. They both go with everything.

When shopping for a classic camel coat, choose anything in the creams, browns and camel family that you like that goes with your wardrobe and personal style. The great thing about these coats it that you can wear them to the office or just out to run errands or get dinner with friends. It’s truly a must-have!

get the look
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (5)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (6)

A Fun Faux Fur Coat

My love for the faux fur coat is REAL and it is definitely new. I did an entire post on the faux fur jackets I’m loving here. I think these are fun for a few reasons.

They feel really luxurious without having to break the bank. You can also use these as your outfit topper for holiday parties. I loved this one from last year too. Stick to colors and prints you like to wear so you get the most use out of them. And honestly, don’t spend a ton of money on them. I say max $150 and it’s super doable.

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The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (7)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (8)

A Puffy Coat

A puffy coat, to me, is an ABSOLUTE must. They’re warm and toasty and oh so comfy. I live in my J.Crew puffer that I bought YEARS ago (this is the new updated version). Best investment ever.

I wear it non-stop throughout the winter to walk Pork. And it’s my go-to jacket anytime I head up north to colder temps. I highly recommend investing in a good-quality down fill coat that can withstand wind and keep you warm. If you go cheaper, you may not be as warm!

But for some more fun and fashion-forward ones, there are tons of affordable options that can help make your winter blues feel more exciting. This gold puffer from H&M is so fun and cozy. I love the oversized fit. You can also check out my Everlane puffy coat here that’s sustainable and warm!

The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (9)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (10)

A Favorite Color Or Print

For this category, it doesn’t matter WHAT color you choose or WHICH print. But I think it’s fun to invest in a coat in your personal favorite color. Why? Well, it likely won’t be something you get sick of if it’s in a color you love and have in your wardrobe.

For me that’s usually hunter green, navy or blush. But when it comes to a print, leopard always wins. It compliments a lot of my closet and is a safe color for me to purchase.

I’d stay away from a color that’s trending that you only like because it’s well, trendy. I’ve made that mistake before and those coats never lasted more than a season.

A few classic colors that look great in the winter are red (seriously can not go wrong with a red coat) or cobalt blue. They’re just really great pops of colors that work for winter.

get the look
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (11)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (12)

The Parka

Another essential, especially for that in-between cold as hell and just cold temperature, is a great parka. Traditionally, a parka is great for being water-resistant, includes a hood and often times faux fur. They’re fantastic for that in-between weather in the winter time. I also think they’re usually pretty flattering as they typically cinch at the waist.

get the look
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (13)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (14)

Quilted Jacket

The oversized quilted jacket has become such a popular on trend coat for fall and winter. The Frankie Shop put this jacket on the map and now you can find it at so many different retailers at varying price points and color options.

You can check out how to style an oversized quilted jacket here. They are great for layering and can be perfect for those in-between weather days.

The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (15)
The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (16)

Menswear Coat

A good menswear coat is usually double-breasted and in some sort of a plaid. Doesn’t always have to be double-breasted, but usually, it feels like a coat a man would wear to the office, you feel me? I love them.

I think the juxtaposition of them with a feminine outfit is great. Or they lend a masculine vibe to a casual look like jeans sneakers and a sweater. It’s a very street style chic vibe if you ask me. These are great to be worn on the weekend or even over your outfit to head into the office.

get the look

Other Essential Coats To Shop

Every fall and winter there are also new trends that may be popping up or that we’re seeing more options in. While these coats are all some of my personal favorites, there are a few other styles to consider.

Try a barn jacket that’s quilted and super cozy. They come in cropped and longer versions. And the quilted oversized jacket is super popular right now. Or even a leather trench or shearling lined leather jacket.

Some of my favorite places to shop for winter coats that are affordable are H&M, Mango and Abercrombie & Fitch. These are most likely not going to be the warmest, but you can find some gems in there that will be! And for higher quality coats, I like to shop J.Crew, Bernardo, and other designer brands.

Whatever you choose for a winter coat, just make sure it is warm, made of quality material if you’re really in the winter elements, and invest in good classics. These will last you years to come!

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The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide (2024)

FAQs

How do I find the perfect winter jacket? ›

Here are some to look for:
  1. A hood. Your head will lose heat quickly if it's not covered properly, Lipman says, so prioritize a coat with a warm, insulated hood, even if it's removable. ...
  2. Two-way zippers. ...
  3. Drawstrings at the hemlines. ...
  4. A color that suits your activities.
Dec 6, 2021

What color should my winter coat be? ›

If in doubt, go with neutral, grey, black, or white. You can also look for jacket colors that match your skin tone. For example, if you have a cool skin tone, you'll look fabulous in colors with undertones of pink or navy blue. If you have warmer skin tones, try a jacket in brown or earthy tones.

How do I find the perfect coat? ›

4 Tips to Finding the Perfect Coat
  1. Tip 1: Think about proportions. One of the most important things to consider is your silhouette, as the length of a coat can impact the overall appearance of an outfit. ...
  2. Know your body type. ...
  3. Tip 2: Fabric weight matters. ...
  4. Tip 3: It's all in the details.

How many winter coats do I need? ›

One blogger suggested five coats every woman should own: a parka (okay, yes, and I already have one), a leather jacket (yes, but that doesn't count as winter attire where I live), a rain jacket (ditto―not winter wear, but autumn, yes), a wool coat (yes, I'll buy that, but they are truly not that warm, so they hardly ...

Is wool or down warmer? ›

Is goose down warm, or is wool better for temperature regulation? Down bedding is lightweight but delivers efficient warmth as the clusters trap and insulate the air, while wool helps you to reach the optimum temperature for a good night's sleep, as it's more effective at managing moisture.

What is the difference between a winter jacket and a winter coat? ›

Coats are typically longer than jackets, extending to the knees or lower, and are generally heavier and more insulating than jackets. They are also typically more formal than jackets and are often worn as part of a business or formal outfit.

Should you buy winter jackets a size bigger? ›

Bigger Isn't Always Better

A winter coat fit shouldn't be too roomy, or it won't insulate as efficiently as a coat that fits just right.

What color coat goes with everything? ›

Neutral Tones for Versatility: When it comes to choosing a coat that goes with everything, neutral tones such as beige, camel, black, and gray are key players. These timeless colors provide a blank canvas for styling and effortlessly complement a diverse range of outfits.

Is peacoat warm enough for winter? ›

Pea Coats are warm coats made of wool with a shorter cut to give you flexibility in your movement. And the best thing: they are thicker than trench coats, so they keep you warm on very cold winter days.

What coats make you look slimmer? ›

Cocoon coats are probably the best option, but an a-line coat is also great for making the waist appear slimmer. For a sportier feel consider a lined bomber jacket.

Which is a top brand for winter coats? ›

Unsurprisingly, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage also earns top marks for cold protection from our men's winter jackets testing team. Even among seriously stiff competition, this polar-intended parka is a great choice for seriously frigid conditions.

What is the warmest type of coat? ›

Most of the warmest jackets fall into the parka category, though you'll also see some puffer jackets with similar sub-zero capabilities. Parkas are often designed for the most extreme cold weather conditions, and they can pull off feats of warmth thanks to multi-layer constructions with thick insulation.

What temperature do you start wearing winter coat? ›

Depends on your personal sensitivity to temperature. 22 to 25 degrees Celsius is considered comfortable for most people. Below 20 degrees Celsius most people need a light sweater or jacket. Below 15 is considered cold for most people but bearable with a jacket or sweater.

What is the lifespan of a winter coat? ›

After all, as Franch explains, a quality wool coat should last a lifetime, while you can expect a good-quality parka to last three to five years.

Which type of jacket is best for winter? ›

For fall and light winters, you can opt for a denim jacket, a bomber jacket, or a zipper jacket. For severely cold weather, on the other hand, there are options like down jackets, topcoats, parkas, quilted jackets for women, and quilted jackets for men.

How do I find a good snow jacket? ›

We recommend ski jackets with at least a 10k rating. Bumping up to 20k is a great idea if you live and ride in a wet climate like the PNW. Similarly, a 20k breathable jacket will be more breathable than a 10k ski jacket. These stats are often listed together like 20k/20k waterproof/breathable.

How do I know my winter jacket size? ›

Firstly, measure your chest by wrapping a measuring tape under your armpits, around the fullest part of your bust. This will give you your chest size. Then measure your natural waist, usually just above your belly button but below your ribcage. Wrap the measuring tape around your torso to get the measurement.

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