Regardless of where you live and how brutal your winters are, you want several reliable types of coats in your arsenal. From heavy rain and blistering snowstorms to mild but mighty winds, covering all your bases weather-wise takes more than just the one transitional fall jacket or worn-in winter coat you've come to rely on. You want to have an arsenal of all types of jackets and coats for practical purposes—and for variety's sake, too, of course.
The Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 trends offer a starting point for your outerwear hunt. For those with durable weather-proofing in mind (which, with coats, should always be a factor in play), a windbreaking parka or luxe-leaning puffer coat will rise to the occasion. Those who prioritize fashion as much as function will be pleased with how the season's leopard print trend results in spotted and striped faux fur pea coats that spark conversations when worn out and about. Similarly, those with a flair for dramatic theatrics will be enthused by the onslaught of cape coats, with highlights from Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, and Chloé.
Ahead is a refined and researched guide to coats and jackets, with the specific silhouettes considered essential to have on hand in any situation. Plus, I've edited
a selection of our favorites to shop now, whether you're in immediate need or planning ahead.
The Puffer Coat
Puffer coats are traditionally filled with down insulation to keep you warm and toasty. However, with a well-rounded variety on the market, some variations are suitable for balmy fall weather. Others, however, are more heavy-duty and designed to withstand extreme winter temperatures.
The Frankie Shop Quilted Padded Ripstop Jacket
You can recognize a piece by The Frankie Shop coat anywhere, thanks to the cult-favorite brand's aesthetic that combines classic silhouettes with the perfect amount of quirk. This season, the label takes its DNA and channels it into this quilted puffer made of on-trend olive green ripstop nylon.
The North Face Nuptse 1996 Packable Quilted 700 Fill Power Down Jacket
If you don't already own a puffer by The North Face, it's high time you add one to your collection. The outdoorsy label has mastered durable and utilitarian outerwear—and sleek styles like its Nuptse 1996 showcase that it's also adept at merging function with fashion. Plus, the brand offers a variety of lengths if you're more of a cropped or maxi puff type.
Aritzia The Super Puff cliMATTE
Aritzia's The Super Puff will become a favorite, hard-working hero piece for anyone who's forced to endeavor winter's coldest days. It's engineered to be worn in temperatures of -30°C / -22°F and is filled with 100 percent responsibly sourced premium down, so it provides ultra-strong but lightweight insulation.
Polo Ralph Lauren Quilted Corduroy Zip-Up Jacket
Polo Ralph Lauren keeps the momentum of fall's barn jacket trend ongoing with this outdoorsy khaki-colored corduroy coat featuring a faux shearling collar.
The Peacoat
The best peacoats have been around since the 1800s when members of the Dutch navy first wore them. (The name itself originated from the Dutch word "pije," which described a coat made from coarse wool fabric.) Today, the topper is a classic wardrobe trademark in neutral colors, brights, and eye-catching prints alike.
Reiss Lily Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
This peacoat is as classic as it gets. With this timeless double-breasted version in your arsenal, you'll be able to wear it for seasons to come.
J.Crew Classic Peacoat in Italian Wool-Blend Melton
A classic camel coat, like this modish style from J.Crew, is an investment you won't regret. Its neutral, noncompetitive color means it will work on top of various combinations, like trousers and a tee or a pin-tucked jean and your best cashmere sweater.
Free Assembly Women’s Double Breasted Peacoat
This peacoat, made of classic mariner navy blue, is another easy addition to your collection. Pair it with riding boots and a collared button-down for an outfit that exudes sophisticated prep and polish.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Short Herringbone Peacoat
Fancy a bolder peacoat than a solid neutral? Try a classic black and white herringbone. The double-breasted coat style is cut to the mid-thigh and made from a thermal wool blend, offering optimal warmth.
The Trench Coat
The trench coat, like the peacoat, has a utilitarian history: officers quite literally wore them in the trenches. Over the years, the style has been modernized and tweaked, showcasing varied colors and prints, but its double-breasted, buckle waist silhouette mostly remains the same.
J. Crew New Icon Trench
This J. Crew trench is as classic as they come. With its double-breasted silhouette, buckled belt, and neutral color, this coat will last you from season to season, trend to trend.
Burberry Cotton Gabardine Double-Breasted Trench Coat
We can't talk about the timeless coat without discussing Burberry. The ultimate classic when shopping for a luxurious take. Try this quintessential Burberry trench coat in a double-breasted silhouette and tan colorway, as it epitomizes the style in every sense.
Gap Double-Breasted Leopard Trench Coat
The quickest way to bring street-style flair to a look? With an unexpected print, like this leopard print trench coat crafted by Gap.
Lamarque Katija Faux-Leather Single-Breasted Trench Coat
For an edgier take, try a leather trench coat. We're partial to this hardware-heavy style by Lamarque, which also comes in off-white.
The Wrap Coat
If you've ever considered leaving the house in your satin robe but thought otherwise, an easy wrap coat is the one for you. Cinch the belt around your waist and head out the door—no fumbling with zippers or buttons.
Banana Republic Double-Faced Wrap Coat
Behold, an impeccable wrap coat for $320 that practically sells itself. This Banana Republic cinched style—which also comes in an equally as versatile black iteration—is crafted from a double-faced wool blend, meaning it feels as snuggly as your favorite blanket.
Toteme Embroidered Wool-Blend Scarf Jacket
Channel a Matrix vibe in this sleek wrap coat by Elie Tahari. It's crafted from buttery soft vegan leather and elevated enough to pair with evening attire, though it's perfectly stylish with jeans and a white T-shirt.
Sam Edelman Herringbone Wrap Coat
Here's proof that a wrap-style coat doesn't always imply a loose, lack of tailored design. This season, sport this herringbone Sam Edelman style with a turtleneck, jeans, and your favorite pair of fall boots, ideally one in a matching brown colorway.
Abercrombie & Fitch Double-Cloth Belted Wool-Blend Coat
For a warm wrap coat with a no-fuss and forever-on-trend design, look to a neutral style in inky black—like this option from Abercrombie & Fitch. It's as cool over jeans as it is a knit dress or jumpsuit.
The Parka
What makes parka jackets unique? They're hands-down one of the best coat styles for surviving harsh winter conditions. Chock-full of useful details like pockets and hoods, you'll feel well-equipped to take on almost anything, including snow cyclones.
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket In Waxed Cotton
Another iteration of fashion's favorite barn jacket trend, brought to you by the American brand Alex Mill. This multi-pocketed, wax cotton chore jacket in maroon is a trend-inspired take on the sturdy outerwear.
Rains Waterproof String Parka
This bright white parka from weatherproof outwear brand Rains is at once sleek and sturdy—the ultimate coat that offers practicality and ensures you'll feel as stylish as you do in your go-to trench.
Sam Edelman Hooded Down & Feather Fill Parka with Faux Fur Trim
Ultra-practical in inclement weather, this faux-fur trimmed parka from Sam Edelman is packed with down-and-feather fill for chill city days or wilderness adventures. Want more of a color pop than black? Try it in crisp white, navy, forest green, brick red, and sunny yellow.
Barbour Francis Waterproof Insulated Long Coat with Removable Hood
This olive green parka is one you can slip into on a rainy day and not have to worry about your outfit underneath getting soaked. Made of a water-wicking shell and lined with a thermal interior, it's ready for an adventure, whether that's a five-mile high or checking errands off your to-do list downtown.
The Cape Coat
If you're looking for a timeless piece that earns you major style points, a cape is the way to go. A big trend on the fall and winter runways, there are more options on the market than ever before.
Banana Republic Oversized Double-Faced Cape Coat
A cherry red cape coat offers drama twofold: in its flouncy silhouette and saturated hue. Though, if you like Banana Republic's design but would prefer a less eye-popping color, try it in black, dark brown, or sandy beige.
Cos Wool-Blend Cape
A blanket, but make it fashion. This wool-blend style by COS is a smart buy if you're just starting to dip your toes into the cape trend. For a casual weekend ensemble, drape it over your favorite graphic tee, slip into your favorite light-wash denim, and put on your best ankle boots.
Burberry Catherine Wool Cape
Take your cape in a style direction that aligns with the English countryside trend. Spun from 100 percent wool in Burberry's heritage check pattern, it's akin to a warm, comforting comforter but with a fashion-minded slant. Style this printed cape coat with riding pants and equestrian boots for a top-to-toe look that leans into a ready-to-ride look.
Weekend Max Mara Pavido Cape Coat
Minimalists, meet your perfect cape. In true Weekend Max Mara manner, it boasts practical elements like a drawstring hood thermal lining engineered to withstand low temps and slightly femme details (see: the voluminous cape sleeves) for equal parts style and utility.
The Raincoat
There are plenty of fashion-forward chic rain jackets out there, from classic solids to sweet floral designs and translucent versions. Style Hack: opt for one size larger so that you can layer your best blazers or bulky sweaters underneath.
Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
This hooded coat from Lululemon is made of the brand's signature, sturdy, and water- and wind-proof Gyde material. It features an elasticized waist, zipper pockets, and a cinch-able hood to keep out moisture, even when it's raining sideways. Also available are options in ivory, navy, black, beige, and deep emerald.
Adidas by Stella McCartney TrueNature RAIN.RDY Recycled-Shell Hooded Jacket
Here's another one that effortlessly merges fashion and function: Stella McCarntney's lilac rain jacket from its collaboration with Adidas. It's enveloped in RAIN.RDY—a.k.a. Adidas's membrane technology that propels water away from the garment—and features a cinched-waist drawstring so you can determine your shape.
Everlane The ReNew Anorak
Everlane's lightweight Anorak, created from 100 percent recycled materials, is a crowd-pleasing favorite for a reason. It boasts a large hood, double-front zip, snap enclosures, and a secret drawcord that allows you to wear it baggy or cinched. An extra, extra bonus is that the sleeves feature snap enclosures, meaning you can ensure your wrists stay dry and protected from rogue raindrops.
Halara Water Repellent Camping Cargo Jacket
Not all waterproof jackets are shapeless and will leave you looking like a sad, wet sack swathed in nylon. Case in point: this drawstring cargo jacket from Halara. Try it in inky black if navy blue doesn't suit you.
