The 7 Types of Coats Every Woman Should Own

A definitive guide.

three women wearing three different types of coats
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Regardless of where you live, you want several reliable types of coats in your wardrobe. From heavy rain and snow to a light breeze, covering all your bases weather-wise usually takes more than one coat. Most of us default to a trusty jean jacket, a classic trench, and a wool winter coat throughout the cold-weather seasons. But there are several other types of jackets and coats that every woman should have in her wardrobe for practical purposes—and want to own for variety's sake.

We've assembled a guide to coats and jackets, with the specific silhouettes we consider essential to have on hand in any situation. Plus, we've edited a selection of favorites to shop now, whether you're in immediate need or planning ahead.

Emma Childs
Fashion Features Editor

Emma Childs is the Fashion Features Editor at Marie Claire, who writes trend reports, long-form reported features, and style guides. She previously wrote for TZR, Editorialist, Elite Daily, and Mission Magazine and studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University. When she's not writing fashion deep-dives, you'll find her stalking eBay for designer vintage and perusing HBO Max (in her heart, it'll always be *HBO* MX).

With contributions from