I Grew Up in Frigid Temperatures—These 5 Winter Coats Save Me Every Year

Growing up in the midwest, I learned a thing or two about cold-weather dressing. Yet it still always comes as a shock to me when that first gust of wind comes around and knocks me off my feet. I forget so easily how cold the initial under-50-degree day is.

I used to be so consistent and usually clutched on to one favorite coat per season, the warmest of them all. However, as I've entered the world of fashion and New York City, I've come up with a styling theory that has become my bread and butter of winter dressing. When my friends ask me how to dress for the weather, I tell them this:

The first thing most people will see when they greet you, whether it's at dinner, when you walk into the office, or you run into a friend on the street, is your coat. Make sure it's a winner.

With that simple fact, I'm usually successful in convincing my friend to splurge on that unique find or try something besides a neutral. The most important purchase you make for both your warmth and personal style will be your coat, and I'm here to help you choose the right one.

And of course, we're not just looking for a pretty face. We have many winters ahead of us, and I love a coat that lasts, so I made sure to pull together a selection that will keep you as warm and toasty as possible, with some lighter options included for the unexpected. Good luck to you in surviving another cold winter, and be sure to scroll for some good finds.

PS: A quick tip that helps me find the warmest coats when shopping online is zooming in on the model images where you can see the inside of the coat a bit. The amount of lining there will tell you all you need to know. 

Larger than life:

Seeing "one size left" always gets me, and I feel so proud of winning over this Jacquemus puffer last year. I'm shopping a few similar styles this year (see below). Trust me—these will be the warmest in your closet.

Shop the warm finds:

Something about plaid:

As you go about your efforts to remain warm this winter, I encourage you to add some playfulness to your wardrobe with exciting prints like plaid. It may require an additional layer underneath, but it will be worth your while.

Shop the warm finds:

Leather weather:

The leather puffer has been having its moment for well over a year now, and last winter, I was rarely seen without mine. It's quite the stylish upgrade to the traditional marshmallow-esque fashion statement that is a puffer coat.

Shop the warm finds:

*Insert your favorite color here*:

In a sea of black and beige coats, it's always fun to make a statement. Once I'm situated with my wardrobe staples for the season, I am ready for a color pop.

Shop the warm finds:

Animal instincts:

No matter how cold it is, I always seem to find a wool coat that can keep me warm. For a nice dinner or work event, you'll want to have this on hand.

Shop the warm finds:

A few more styles that I'll be shopping this year:

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