Winter is the WORST! It’s dry, it gets dark at 5 pm, and it’s COLD! I’m grumpy when I’m cold even if I’m only outside from walking from my car into work and I need a good coat. If you are in need of the best winter warm jackets, you are in luck because this blog post is THE ULTIMATE WINTER COAT GUIDE with all the best styles, winter jacket outfits, and links on where to buy some of these looks.
This Winter coat guide isn’t saying you NEED all of these warm jackets, but more of ‘look at all these different styles you can rock this winter’ and find the best winter jackets for you.
Before we get into the styles to rock, let’s get into the details to look at if you want warm jackets or a practical winter coat. Here are some winter coat buying tips for women:
- Make sure it’s lined. It will be much warmer whether it’s a raincoat, puffer, or wool coat.
- If you live in a climate that rains a lot, make sure you have a coat that is designed for rain. Otherwise, have an umbrella with you.
- If you go with a longer coat, ensure that it has a belt or a cinched waist to give you a figure.
- The sleeves are very important. The tighter the cuff the less wind and cold will get in. Or you can wear long gloves or long sleeves with a tight cuff. Or maybe thumb holes?
- Check the stitching. You want good a good quality coat if you are going to invest in it or wear it for years. Don’t let there be threads hanging, that’s a sign that it might not be the best quality.
- If you get a coat with a high collar, it will help keep you even warmer even if you forget a scarf. It will block the wind and cold on your neck.
Peacoats/Dress Coats
I’m starting with this style in the Winter coat guide because these are my favorite and one everyone needs this winter season. Peacoats and Dress coats are classic pieces you can invest in and wear for years. These are the best winter jackets for women and are usually pretty warm jackets.
They are always in style (as long as you choose a classic structure, color, and design) and can dress up a simple plan outfit or be the perfect addition to your dressy outfit. When looking for the right one, keep in mind the structure, fabric, color, and if it’s too fast fashion (is there a crazy design, embellishments, etc).
If you don’t like brown/camel, you can always get a black, grey, or other neutral to make sure it will work for any outfit. Check out this blog post on my other wardrobe essentials which includes this style of coat.
I like to shop for these styles at Jcrew or Jcrew Factory, HM, ASOS, Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack. I have one from the Jcrew Factory, it was a little bit of an investment but I’ve had it for 4 years, wear it every year, and still looks brand new.
The Puffer
Puffer jackets can be very simple or super dramatic and it all depends on your personal preference. If you go really dramatic where you look like a big marshmallow, you might want to have everything else in your outfit be simple and clean. You can get a nice long puffer if you are in like New York or a shorter one for a more trendy look.
Look for one that gives you a waistline so you don’t get drowned in all that puffiness. Or if you have a shorter puffer, wear tighter bottoms to balance out the look. This is more of a casual look, it’s a little harder to dress up a puffer jacket.
I personally only go for a puffer vest because for my body type a full jacket full of fluff loses my shape. The vest is still warm but doesn’t give me “A Christmas Story” vibe…you get me?
I like to shop for these at Gap, Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack, ASOS, and Amazon.
Parkas
Parkas AKA the Eskimo coat. Most of the time there is fur around the collar (I recommend if you want this style, get a removable fur) and/or linked with fur or a sherpa material. They are super warm and look more fashionable depending on the look you are going for.
I have one that is the double layer where they are connected by a zipper and you can wear them separately. Look for one with a cinched waist to give you some shape.
There are different lengths but a good go-to is a little past your hips and butt to help keep you warmer. Shorter is nice but doesn’t help with warmth. Longer like mid-thigh and down is a little too much, but if you like it, go for it.
Look for this style of warm jackets at GAP (that’s where mine is from), Amazon, HM, and Old Navy.
Edgy Jackets
A winter coat guide wouldn’t be complete without the moto, aviator, and biker jacket. These are the more edgy styles that can play up that full edgy vibe or give a more girly look a little edgy. Finding the right Moto jacket for me has been a 26-year look. I still haven’t found the perfect one. Mainly because my style is always on the girly side, even with the edgy look.
Look for a length that is flattering. If you get it too short it can be harder to layer with to keep you warm. But also look for something that doesn’t hit at your widest part. As for me, I wouldn’t get it if it is right at the sides of my thighs. However, if your biggest part is your middle you could go for a hip-length jacket.
Getting one that has faux fur will help keep you even warmer. Big tip make sure it’s lined!
For more affordable ones, look at Forever 21, HM, ASOS. For more of an investment, go to Nordstrom or Norstrom Rack for different designers to choose from.
Faux Fur Coats
A few years ago, sherpa’s were everywhere! They have been replaced with Teddy Bear Coat, Shearling, and Faux Fur coats. There are so many options for this style of jacket and you can find one that fits within your lifestyle.
You’ll find them in bomber styles, long and tailored, or even like a shacket. Shackets are more fall jackets depending on how cold your climate gets.
I have a bomber-styled one and I love it! It goes with everything and is more casual which is more my vibe anyway. If you get one that is more tailored it can double as a dress coat for more formal outfits.
Shop for these warm jackets at GAP, HM, Target (in the workout section), and Nordstrom Rack.
Cold Weather Outfit Inspiration
I didn’t just want to give you a guide, but also ideas for cold weather outfit ideas. Sometimes you do have to just give up fashion if you are going to be outside for a while. Either way, we want to look cute. Here are some ways to style your winter coat with some warm outfit ideas.
I hope this gave you some ideas for new winter coats to invest in and add to your wardrobe. Let me know what your favorite style of coat is to wear during winter.
XO, Annie