I’m a warm-weather girl. I was born in Southeast Asia, grew up in Texas, and call Los Angeles home. But when Paris beckoned my junior year of college, I answered, bien sur. Shopping for winter wear, I was dazzled by visions of sipping mulled wine as snowflakes settled in my lashes. I picked out a chic double-breasted peacoat that made me feel like Audrey Hepburn and smugly checked "outerwear” off my list.
During the flight, I made plans to rush off to the Eiffel Tower as soon as I landed, bottle of champagne in tow. But the second the doors of Charles de Gaulle swung open, I was assaulted by the coldest, driest wind I’d ever felt, nary a dainty snowflake in sight. My lashes froze together, and it became very clear that my lightweight cashmere coat wasn’t going to cut it. A particularly cold rainy day wandering the Marais later that week confirmed it.
At first I felt defeated. Then, I realized I’d unlocked a whole new category of clothing to enthuse over. A world of puffers and heavy-duty trench coats opened their warm arms out to me. Years later, I’m still somewhat of an outwear aficionado. Even California’s mild winters have me reaching for a coat the second temps drop below 60ºF (okay, 70º if we're being honest). I’ve scoured the internet for the best coats to keep you looking and feeling both cozy and cute.
Anine Bing
Sitting comfortably at the intersection of edgy and feminine, Anine Bing has become the go-to designer for cool-girl dressing.
The slouchy fit and broad shoulders instantly infuses jeans and a tee with a devil-may-care attitude.
Is that you or '90s Julia Roberts staring back from the mirror?
Winter whites done right.
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang put the fun in fleece again. Reaching for one of her whimsical prints and unexpected color pop pieces might just help stave off your seasonal affective disorder.
It's your post-P.E. middle school pullover all grown up.
You'll feel like a piping hot cup of Swiss Miss.
A serious puffer jacket (with a not-so-serious polka-dot exterior).
Stand Studio
Season after season, Stand Studio proves that fashion can make a statement while still being ethical. They're known for their faux furs, shearlings, and leathers that look and feel like the real thing.
If your grandma's vintage mink retired in the West Village instead of Palm Beach.
This coat drinks pink champagne and loves Jacqueline Susann novels.
Grinch couture!
Put the question of black vs brown accessories to bed once and for all. Either will pair perfectly with this coat.
Machine washable AND half off? Sign me up!
Zara
There's a reason fashion girls flock to Zara: it's affordable, on trend, and if cared for properly, can last a lot longer than most fast fashion.
Wear it open to show off the fur-detailed collar, or zipped up for a funnel neck.
Layer this over a waffle knit tee or turtleneck sweater.
This shearling looks and feels a lot more expensive than its price tag.
This coat will have you feeling like Catherine Deneuve strutting the streets of 1960s Paris.
The North Face
I spent a sublime week in Maine last year. Unfortunately for me, my luggage only joined me for part of it. After three days of recycled clothes, I bit the bullet on a North Face puffer, and immediately wondered what took me so long. They're durable, comfortable, and made me feel like a proper nature girl.
The classic. Properly insulating and the cropped fit will keep you from feeling like the Michelin Man.
This plus size option comes in a gorgeous pastel pink. Snow bunny much?
If a traditional puffer is too heavy for your needs, this fleece is a perfect everyday alternative.
Vince
If we're talking womenswear staples, we're talking Vince. These coats are investments pieces that'll last you many falls and winters to come.
A cardigan coat is a great transition piece between seasons.
Wear this open to show off the dramatic wide collar. Cinch it up for extra warm.
A good camel coat never goes out of style. I wear mine everywhere from farmer's market runs to date nights.
ALO
You can fight the athleisure trend…or you can cave and admit it’s a pretty comfortable way to get around. ALO's designs strike the right note of being sporty, not sloppy.
Alo's take on the classic cropped puffer, made from recycled fabrics.
Cinnamon toast crunch in jacket form.
If you're someone who typically gravitates towards black, an espresso-colored jacket is a nice way to switch things up.
They'll see you coming from a mile away in this pearlized green finish.
Norma Kamali
Born-and-bred New Yorker Norma Kamali knows a thing or two about harsh east coast winters. Inspired by a camping trip, she launched her famous sleeping bag coat in 1973 and it remains one of her best sellers today.
Designed with NASA technology, this is a coat in STEM.
An updated cobalt take on the classic.
Think of this as two coats in one: you can wear it open for a casual look, or cinched up to show off your silhouette. The asymmetrical buttons are a cool touch.
Max Mara
If you're not one to wait around for Santa to give you presents, Max Mara's hand-crafted luxurious pieces are for you.
The teddy coat that launched a thousand imitations. If you've decided it's time to treat yourself, this timeless piece will keep you warm for decades to come.
It also comes in this gorgeous icy blue, a twist on traditional winter whites. Elsa who?
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