A Conversation on Coats: All of the Winter Outerwear

Neutrals and a pop of red. This is my closet.

While the snowstorms of the winter rarely excite me, one aspect of the cold season I do enjoy is the opportunity to wear a coat every single day. I love jackets! Outerwear makes me happy and I find that each year is a new chance to “reinvent” one’s personal outerwear style and/or collection.

Yes, I collect coats. However, I firmly believe in donating clothes no longer worn. So while I do purchase a new jacket (or two) each year, I am giving away several from my closet at the same time. I have favorites from long ago, but eventually they are donated as well. Giving back is extremely important, especially at a time when the ability to purchase a new coat is a luxury in itself.

For this coat discussion, I’ve rounded up my favorites and organized them by style. I have linked to either the exact one mentioned or something very similar if unavailable. Quality is important to me so the jackets you’ll see below may not be the lowest price point, but they are sure to last for several seasons. In the world of curating a winter wardrobe, I’d much rather invest in high-quality coats that will last and remain in-style for many years.

In my opinion, a great coat is the most-chic accessory and the best way to hide an otherwise boring (or repeated) outfit. A coat, to me, instantly elevates a basic look and can transform a simple sweatshirt and jeans to something more exciting. :)

So now, without further ado, my favorite and most-trusted outerwear for the coldest months of the year.

Puffer/All-Weather (Winter Necessity)

Canada Goose Hybridge Lite Tech Hooded Down Coat - After much research and debate, and more research, I received this coat (one very similar) as a gift three years ago. It’s still fantastic! The fit has not changed, the quality is excellent, and it’s still super-warm. I love the hood that packs into the collar and the zippered side pockets. This mid-length jacket has kept me toasty during wicked cold days, major wind, and unexpected snow storms. The style is low-key, but looks nice (slightly sporty) over any outfit, workwear or otherwise.

Canada Goose Camp Hooded Jacket - I bought this last January (before COVID erupted) and wore it almost every single day until I wasn’t going anywhere (mid-March). It is so comfy! It’s slightly longer and not quite as fitted as the one above, but just as warm and stylish. I bought it in red to spruce up my wardrobe since I’m often wearing black and/or other neutrals during the winter. I love the zippered pockets, functional hood, and minimalist style. Perfect for all bad weather and the coldest days, I’m glad I invested in a second option from this popular brand.

Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody - I bought this jacket (not the exact one linked) over six years ago and it is still a winter winner. The shorter length is great for the not-quite-frigid days, but the down filling makes it very warm. My version does not have a hood, which I’d prefer, but the one I have linked does. I like this jacket because it’s a classic that has stood the test of time (and a lot of snowy adventures) and still looks winter-chic.

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka - Shortly after I bought this coat, we had months and months of snow so my timing could not have been better (over five years ago). I love that this jacket is really three-in-one because it gives you three different styling options: the top coat is a fairly lightweight water-resistant shell that’s become my go-to rain jacket. The inner coat is down-filled, slightly fitted and is a perfect winter layer. Zipped together, these two coats become one major winter jacket that has gotten me through innumerable rough-weather commutes and many frigid winter walks. It’s an investment, but it has lasted tremendously well.

Patagonia Fiona Parka - Another great all-weather option, this coat is fitted (not bulky), but provides plenty of warmth and looks stylish while being extremely functional. I got mine several years ago and it has lasted well - even through some very brutal winters. I reach for this jacket when I want to be warm, but don’t need quite the intensity of the Tres style above. Personally, I find Patagonia to run somewhat small, so don’t size down in their jackets (especially the “slim cut” styles).

Wool Coats (Polished and Chic)

As much as I adore the look of chic wool coats, I know myself well: I don’t wear them as often as the winter warriors above. However, I unabashedly love to buy coats, so I try to only invest in the wool ones when they’re available at a great price (they’re also a joyful gift to receive).

Here are a few of my favorite brands that make high-quality wool coats. Keep your eyes peeled for excellent pre-and-post-holiday sales, which is usually when I buy this type of coat. Questions about wool outerwear? Send me a note!

Theory - What’s not to love about Theory? Their clothes are timeless, classic, and always feel luxurious. However, that feeling comes at a cost so I strongly recommend watching the sales at the big department stores for the best prices on Theory outerwear. I have two coats from this brand, both slightly oversized with a drape-y style. One of which I found for an amazing price (the other was a gift). Keep an eye on the brand’s website as well as the big department stores for great post-holiday sales. A classic Theory coat is totally possible at a more reasonable price point. PS: try them on for size before buying as it varies somewhat depending on the style.

Vince - Much like Theory, Vince offers luxurious clothing that’s timeless and good for season after season. I love this brand for their sweaters, sneakers, and of course, coats. Once again, I’d check the major department stores for sales on these fancy pieces. Also, the Vince website often runs good sales before and after the holidays. While the original prices are high, scoring a coat from this chic brand is possible if you check the sales (frequently). Remember: unless it’s final sale, you can always return it. ;)

Madewell - I bought my first wool coat from Madewell this year, on sale, and I’m absurdly excited to wear it. The price was great for the quality and I have a feeling it’s going to become a fixture in my winter wardrobe. As with many coats and layers from this brand, I did size down because the oversized style runs large. I love that the style of Madewell coats is so classic; they’re all fashionable for years to come.

J.Crew - Holiday sales abound at J.Crew and their wool coats are almost-always included. I had one of their cocoon style jackets for many years and the quality was top-notch. For coats that look nice and are at an easier price point (especially when on sale), check out the wool coats right here.

Shearling and Fleece (Extra-Cozy and Cool)

Besides the coats required for bad weather or feeling fancy, this extra category can be summed up in one word: cozy. Yes, the cozy section of my coat closet has slowly expanded over time and now includes a few options that are very warm, very soft, and just plain fun. I wouldn’t wear these in bad weather, but they are perfect for very cold, very sunny (or cloudy) winter days.

Zadig and Voltaire Mint Coat - Shearling! You are so soft and cozy. This is very much a “teddy” coat and it took me a while to find the right level, and color, of “fluff” for my personal preference. Shearling jackets are everywhere, but I do think it’s tough to find the right one. I was eyeing a handful of them for a while until I finally saw this one that was a great neutral color, a fun, but sensible style, and a good price for something that’s a bit of a novelty item. It feels like I’m wearing a blanket, which is a joyful experience, and I definitely feel cooler than I actually am while wearing it. Teddy coat mission accomplished. (Apologies - this specific coat is out of stock).

Tory Sport Sherpa Fleece Color-Block Jacket - I’m a sucker for a great fleece jacket and this one is super-comfy. It also has enough style to make it look more exciting than a standard fleece, which I appreciate. As I’ve said before, a fun jacket is an easy way to make an otherwise boring outfit look way more interesting. I bought this at the beginning of the season and have already gotten a lot of wear out of it. Plus, I know it will be in style for a few winters.

Dudley Stephens Corbin Car Coat - My collection from Dudley continued to grow when this Car Coat came out last year. It is so soft! For a fleece coat, it definitely looks a bit fancier than others and it’s ridiculously warm. I love that this one has a hood, deep pockets, and fits well over sweaters and other fleece tops. I wore this one a lot last winter (even in snow a couple times) and I plan to again this year. For a fleece coat that’s elevated, but still low-key, I’d recommend this one.

Dudley Stephens Brooklyn Bomber Jacket - For a shorter-in-length fleece jacket that still has style and warmth, turn to this fuzzy one. This jacket has an oversized collar, is slightly fitted, and has a stretch-band at the bottom hem. I personally tend to wear this one un-zipped with a fleece underneath to be extra cozy and very warm. A stylish, neutral jacket that works with every outfit. Win!

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OK, that was a lot of coats. I hope you found it helpful! I encourage you to do plenty of research if you’re seeking a new winter style and always know that a great coat, for a reasonable price, is always possible. I fully admit that it’s taken me years to learn to “watch the sales” instead of immediately buying what I want. However, it is true what they (people out there) say: it’s so much sweeter to get great style at an even greater price. ;)

Have a happy, and stylish, coat season.

Enjoy!

Mollie

This coat is cooler than me. It’s also wicked cozy.