‘Tis the season for whopping mugs of hot cocoa, chillin’ by the fireplace, and wearing our favorite layering pieces. None of us want to linger in the cold without our go-to jacket or coat, which is why outerwear reigns supreme during the winter season. As the air becomes colder (and it really is!), I’m getting ready to wrap myself up in knee-hitting puffers, parkas, and wool trenches every moment the temperature stays below 50 degrees.
But, I’m not reaching for just any old coat. While the bulbous puffy jacket is always a wintertime hit, I’ve never found them visually appealing. Sure, they’re warm, but they also transform my short frame into a stout marshmallow running amok across New York City. To be frank, it’s just not a good look on me, so I’m ditching the classic for something a little more tailored.
Bye, Bye, Big Coats
This is a formal goodbye letter to the bulky coats of yesteryear. They may have kept us warm and cozy as we waited on chilly subway platforms, but they overall cause more harm than good. On top of completely messing up my intricately crafted outfits, they seem to literally get in my way as I’m trying to go about my winter days.
In my opinion, these coats are just unbearable to deal with. Trying to strap my favorite crossbody bags over these unnecessarily large outerwear pieces is just a pain, and my arm movements always feel heavily limited. Seriously, for such big coats why are they so suffocating in fit?
Okay, rant over. By now, you get it: I’m steering clear of these coats this winter, and I think you should too. For some of you clutching your feather-filled puffs in fright of being left out in the cold, hear me out: there are tons of long winter coats for women that don’t have to put a damper on your style. Remember, when it comes to fashion, the “bigger is better” rule rarely holds true.
Redefining The Perfect Winter Coat: A Saga
Now that the clunker counterparts are not considered an option, what’s next? There are actually tons of more form-fitting options to choose from: wool, fur (or faux fur), even leather can keep you warm during the chilly winter season. With all of these styles available, there’s no excuse for reverting back to your old ways. I’m challenging you to think outside of the puffy, down-filled box and strap on some more experimental styles.
While going through my never-ending shopping binges, I found some of the most unique styles that will upgrade any of your cold season ensembles. They’re fresh, invigorating plays on the signature puffer we’ve known and (not really) loved. Don’t sacrifice style for warmth yet again. Instead, slip into one of these coats and get the best of both worlds.
J. Crew Daphne Boiled Wool Topcoat
All style, less bulk. This olive green number may seem too lightweight for the harsh winter weather at first, but the thick wool material has your back on the coldest of days.
STAND Camile Faux Shearling Coat
The trend of winter 2K19 is undeniably the teddy coat. If you’d like to join the snuggle bear crowd running around New York City, this beige shearling option should be yours.
Something Navy Double Breasted Leather Coat
A sleek, modern approach to cold weather style. This Matrix-esque leather coat is the perfect addition for your winter-to-spring transitional period (you know, that time in March when the weather can’t seem to control itself).
Maje Faux Shearling Jacket
A white teddy bomber is the jacket you never knew you needed. This shrunken-down version of the classic teddy coat feels like a blanket but looks good enough to wear out of the house.
Prada Black Nylon Cropped Jacket
For a utilitarian approach to freezing temperatures, this sleek Prada jacket is the move.
Joseph Stafford Belted Zebra-Print Calf Hair Coat
Leopard spots may have made a major comeback this season, but zebra stripes might just sway us away from other beloved furry feline options. It’s the answer for anyone who wants to try animal print, without conforming to the over-saturated classics.
Theory Striped Down Puffer Coat
The puffer: an essential to surviving winter that tends to fall flat. This short and striped play on the cold weather essential is the antithesis of the more mundane options.