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As fall’s cool breezes become winter’s cold blasts, we reach into our closets for the most essential yet overlooked garments we own — coats. These are the pieces that cover up our well-orchestrated outfits, and yet, they are usually simply an afterthought.
I admit being guilty of this. My quilted turquoise puffer had seen better days since I purchased it a decade ago to stand out from the crowd during sporting events and airport pickups. Not that coat again, was a popular refrain from friends and family alike.
The end of that era has compelled me to seek a more suitable replacement, leading us to the four options that follow. Chances are good you’ll find at least one of them to inspire your personal outerwear upgrade.
Chore Coats
With a rump-covering length and distinctive patch pockets, chore coats are a wardrobe multi-tool. You can throw one over a t-shirt or hoodie, or button it up over a nice shirt or sweater. It’s equally suited to jeans and boots as a skirt and loafers. The roomy cut makes it an ideal travel companion that can layer over (or under) other pieces and adapt to a range of temperatures without complaint.
Whether dressed up or down, chore coats work hard to live up to their name and hardy heritage. Introduced in late 19th-century France, the everyday style was retooled for the American experience in 1917 by Carhartt and then by L.L. Bean in 1924.
Thanks to their versatility and comfort — and the revolving trend cycles — chore coats (also known as barn jackets, among other names) are again part of the style conversation. If you’re lucky enough to have an ‘80s or ‘90s version still in your closet, pull it out now for another round.
If you’re looking for a refresh, chore coats are available at every price point, from designer brands to discount houses and resale shops. These examples can help guide your hunt: the Adirondack Barn Coat and Stretch Barn Jacket from L.L. Bean ($85-$150); Mango’s Denim Barn Jacket with Corduroy Collar ($70-$100); and Old Navy’s Canvas Barn Jacket ($60).
Ultralight Puffers
Suited to a range of seasons and situations, “puffer jackets exude comfort with their quilted and padded nature, allowing them to give the look and feel of ultimate coziness,” says Dorothy Hopkins, apparel design manager for Columbia Sportswear. Weighing in under a pound (and some even at 11 ounces), these natural down offerings are warmer than synthetic fills and comparably priced.
The outdoors specialists at Eddie Bauer and REI deliver options like the bestselling CirrusLite Down Jacket ($90-$130) and the highly rated 650 Down Jacket ($130). Lightweight and layerable, both come in a handful of colors and sizes that span from petite to plus.
For more choices in length and colors, there’s Columbia’s new Amaze Puff collection, which is packed with 650 down from hood to hem. Available in three lengths (hip, thigh and calf) and 10 colors (from high shine to matte), the Amaze Puffs ($200-$300) promise to be as soft as they are functional.
Trench Coats
The trench coat is a great add-on for this season, says Linda Thacker, an Alabama-based stylist and wardrobe consultant with clients across the Southeast. “For practicality, it keeps you dry when it rains and warm when it’s cold. For fashion, put a trench coat over anything and you are immediately on trend.”
Plus, she adds, “a good, basic trench never really goes out of style. Even if it is not the hottest trend after this season — because there will always be another one — you can’t go wrong owning one.”
Throughout its 100-year history, the classic trench has been typically defined by a double row of buttons, a storm flap to block rain, epaulets on the shoulders, sleeve loops at the wrists and a belt at the waist. Initially worn by military officers, the design was quickly embraced by civilians. Styles like The Gap’s Icon Trench Coat ($135-$170) stay true to that heritage.
While traditional versions remain popular, you’ll also find updated options with leather collars, contrasting buttons or stitching, and textured fabrics. Pared-down variations can also be found in styles like H&M’s Twill Car Coat ($55) or Zara's Midi Trench from the ZW Collection ($130).
Color and length are other areas where choices have expanded. White and navy join the ranks of more established trench neutrals, such as tan, khaki, dark gray and black. Lengths range from low calf to knee to hip, as evidenced by Quince’s Comfort Stretch Trench Coat ($90-$130), which is available in all three.
Long Wool Coats
For the coldest of days, there’s nothing like a long wool coat to fend off frigid temperatures. Traditionalists can button up a double-breasted style, such as Mango’s Handmade Oversized Wool Coat ($175-$250), with room for layers underneath, or a leaner silhouette like Ralph Lauren’s Longline Wool Blend Reefer Coat ($200-$330).
Those looking for something a little different can find it in a multitude of fresh collar interpretations. The funnel may be the hottest detail of the season, and it’s artfully captured in examples like the Funnel-Collar Wool Coat in beige ($380) from &Other Stories or the Manteco Wool Coat with Belt in burgundy from Mango ($210-$300). Draping shawl collars and face-framing pointed collars are standouts in Quince’s collection ($190-$200), which is frequently restocked throughout the season.
As you’re exploring wool coat options, keep a few things in mind.
· Read the fine print on garment tags and in online descriptions. This is where you’ll discover details like whether a coat is fully, partially or completely unlined.
· Check out the fiber content. While some retailers neglect to add “blend” to the garment name, requiring consumers to sleuth it out on their own, others go to the trouble of providing temperature ratings like those typically found on outdoor gear.
· Remember, higher wool content, thicker fabric and a tighter weave add up to maximum warmth.
As always, look for that sweet spot of quality, price and need. And be sure to watch for sales and surprises like a budget-friendly camel-hair coat that’s suddenly restocked or your favorite designer brand on the clearance rack.
Whatever you choose from these outerwear options, you’ll be ready to bundle up and show off your great style — all while staying warm and cozy.
What coat are YOU wearing this winter? Let us know in the comments below.
Elena Lacey (L.L.Bean, 2; H&M)
