Photo:
Launchmetriics Spotlight/Saks Potts; Courtesy of COS; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Max Mara
It’s official: colder temperatures are upon us. With temperature drops comes something unavoidable: a wardrobe shift. For many, the transition from fall to winter can be challenging. You not only have to remember how to layer again, but it requires you to reassess your arsenal of cold-weather staples. There’s no arguing that a long list of items can make the transition easier—e.g., sweaters, jeans, boots, and even thermal underpinnings. But none are as paramount as the perfect coat. For those of us who grew up in or still reside in ultra-chilly climates (guilty as charged), it’s not an understatement to say that outerwear is the only thing that matters. And while this staple is undoubtedly the most essential item for the season, it doesn’t make it any less easy to shop.
Sometimes, it can feel like finding a fashionable coat flies in the face of one that will ensure you don’t freeze—hence why so many people give up on the search for the best outerwear and throw on the biggest possible puffer coat. No shade is intended (down jackets have their place and time), but no one should have to sacrifice their personal style for pragmatism. There are stylish coats out there that can work for cold weather and your wardrobe’s aesthetic. In an effort to prove that point, we took to doing extensive research to identify the 16 best coat brands for women. Each brand we’ve included considers whether they offer excellent quality, attainable price points, trend-forward silhouttes, sustainably-minded fabrications, and if they’re trending among the fashion set. So that no matter what type of coat you’re looking for this season, you’ll be able to find the best possible option for your needs.