Women’s Winter Coats: A Guide
If you’re like me, winter snuck up on you this year and you’re scrambling to find stylish outerwear to get you through the winter. A quick search on your favorite sites will reveal hundreds of women’s winter coats to choose from. How do you decide what to buy? Which options are the warmest? Which will work well with your personal style? Skip the decision fatigue and let us guide your search.
Many women treat winter coats as an investment item. A warm, high quality coat could set you back a couple hundred dollars, which means choosing the right piece can be intimidating. We recommend a few styles that every woman should have in her wardrobe.
Each piece in your collection should have a purpose in terms of occasion, level of warmth, and silhouette. You may love puffer coats but having five puffers and no other styles will making getting dressed in the morning a hassle. Start here for the options that provide the best combination of fashion and function to suit your lifestyle.
Wool Coats
I firmly believe every woman should own a wool coat. First, you can find options that are lightweight enough to start wearing in fall when you’re not ready to bring out your heavy-duty coats. They are also easy to layer for chillier winter temperatures, which has so much styling potential!
Try layering a light down-filled jacket, a chunky sweater, or a hoodie underneath. Interesting layering is a great way to show off your unique style. Also, wool coats are among the most sleek and stylish options for women’s winter coats. This will be your go-to for throwing over dressy holiday looks when a sporty puffer jacket doesn’t cut it.
You may be wondering what to look for in the sea of wool coat options available. Be advised that the fabric content matters. A 100% wool coat will provide great warmth and will typically be somewhat pricey. If you’re looking for something even more luxe, 100% cashmere coats are stunning to both the eye and touch and will pack in additional warmth.
Alternatively, a wool-blend fabric makes the perfect choice for a budget-friendly coat. These are still insulating and are just as stylish as the more expensive versions.
After choosing the fabric type that suits your budget and preferences, start thinking about the design you want. There are seemingly endless possibilities here. Consider length, fit, fastenings, collar, and finishing details. Long coats will seal in more warmth than hip-length options.
Oversized varieties allow for more layering, while tailored silhouettes give a sharp, formal look. Double breasted and wrap coats provide more coverage and therefore warmth. Websites will typically describe the coat style in the product description to streamline your search.
These key terms frequently include: the peacoat (short-to-mid length and double-breasted), the wool trench (long and belted with a lapel collar), the duffle coat (short length, toggle fastenings, and more casual styling), and the overcoat (heavy fabric, long length, and single or double-breasted).
Finally, choose a color. Black, grey, navy, and camel are the most common and versatile options. Consider what color will complement the rest of your winter wardrobe – you’ll be wearing this coat over everything!
Puffer Coats
Another popular style for women’s winter coats is the puffer. This is the coat you pull out on the most frigid of winter days because of how much insulation it packs in. Puffer coats are stuffed with either down, feathers, or a synthetic alternative.
Down has been traditionally viewed as the gold standard for coat fillings due to it being so lightweight, warm, and easy to pack. However, down coats tend to be very pricey and come with concerns over animal cruelty. Feather-filled puffers have a lower price tag but tend to be slightly lower in overall quality.
For those seeking vegan alternatives, plenty of puffer coats are now stuffed with synthetic materials like polyester. These range a little more in quality of insulation but can be just as good as down. Do your research on how densely the coat is filled and what it is filled with.
Another concern that people have with puffer coats is that they won’t look flattering or stylish. We’ve all seen the “marshmallow” coats that keep you nice and toasty but only detract from your outfit. The good news is that puffer coats have made great strides in the last couple years, and are a very stylish, trendy piece this season!
For those concerned with finding figure flattering options, look for coats with decorative lengthwise seams or a belt at the waist to enhance your silhouette.
Looking for something to push your boundaries? Try a metallic, an interesting color to make your outfits pop, or a printed puffer coat. I’m particularly inspired by the leather and faux leather puffers that have been huge this year. They’re such a cool take on a piece that we’re used to thinking of as more functional than fashionable. A leather fabrication feels indulgent yet practical.
This is the philosophy fashion has been moving toward since the beginning of the pandemic, so it’s a great time to invest in a puffer you love.
Trench Coats
The trench is one of the most timeless articles of clothing for men and women alike. It does so much for your wardrobe. The trench adds refinement and professionalism to your work wardrobe, elevates your casual errand outfit, carries you seamlessly through season transitions, and of course, protects against the elements.
You’ll find exciting new ways to style this piece each season. Lately, I’m loving a trench coat layered over a blazer and tee, monochromatic looks, and loungewear sets. Invest in one that will last you for years to come.
Your wool and puffer coats will be your go-to’s for the coldest winter days. The trench coat is usually not designed to be your warmest piece of outerwear, but instead is perfect for layering and styling between seasons. I therefore suggest prioritizing mid-weight cotton styles.
In spring, wear your trench over a dress and booties; in fall, wear it with distressed jeans and a blouse; in winter, style it over leather pants and a chunky knit. You should also look for water-resistant options to get the most out of your trench. Whether April showers or winter snow, you’ll reach for this piece time after time.
The basic silhouette of the trench coat hasn’t changed much over the years. It is typically a khaki colored mid or long length coat, double breasted with wide lapels, and has a belt at the waist. This classic styling is a foolproof choice. Keep a look out for fresh takes on the classic, too, such as an oversized silhouette, leather or vinyl fabrications in a range of colors, and more minimalistic styling.
Wrap-Up
There are a ton of options out there for women’s winter coats. If you’re looking to revamp your outerwear selection, make sure a wool coat, a puffer, and a trench are at the top of your list. These will meet your needs for any occasion.
Of course, there are plenty of other great options out there for women’s winter coats (an honorable mention to the faux fur coat!) and everyone’s needs are slightly different. Consider your work environment, the climate where you live, whether you have kids, and your typical daily routine. If you are seeking more individualized help, schedule a shopping appointment and we will select the best styles for your needs.
Once you’ve made your purchases, check out how Alli styled her coats for some fashion inspiration.