Whether you’re looking for a designer splurge or a fast-fashion piece, it always helps to get a recommendation (or ten). This is especially true when it comes to the topic of coats and winter jackets. After all, they’re often an investment and always the focal point of an outfit, so you couldn’t take buying one lightly even if you tried. Luckily, however, we’re pros in this department, and when you combine all our editors’ experiences in the buying arena, we have more insight on the topic than we know what to do with. So whether you need a new coat or simply want some recs to keep in mind, continue on for our favorite brands, why they’re our favorites, and, of course, our shopping selections from each.
“I’m partial to outerwear that isn’t boring but that can be worn with a wide variety of pieces, which is something that Maje does really well. Its coats are all super easy to wear but just a little quirky.”
“I love the range of styles Mackage offers—everything from practical parkas to timeless moto jackets (which I love) to forward wool silhouettes. While investment pieces, they’re definitely made to last.”
“Nanushka has my heart when it comes to outerwear. Honestly what category don’t they excel in? Their coat designs are relatively classic and seasonless, which helps justify the investment-level cost, but there’s always something that makes it stand out from the pack. This trench coat for example has a bit of ’70s sass with the faux leather material, and the pointed detail on the back and arm cuffs add points of interest. My coat is from a past season (though looks like it’s available in XS on The Real Real), and it looks like now is a prime time to scoop up an on-sale piece for the season ahead.”
“If there’s one coat I don’t regret investing in; it’s my black leather trench coat. While it may seem less essential than a puffer coat, or wool coat I found I couldn’t take off my leather trench throughout fall, winter, and spring. And frankly, now I can’t stop thinking about buying other, bolder versions of my trusty coat—like this vegan green version from Staud. I literally stopped breathing the moment I spotted this coat, and as a Staud fan-girl, I know this is a piece I’d wear this coat all the time.”
“For classic tailoring with a twist, I couldn’t be more obsessed with London-based brand A.W.A.K.E Mode. With details like asymmetric silhouettes, exaggerated pockets, and scuba-like materials, their pieces truly feel special.”
“Tibi pieces are not only reliably forward and beautiful to look at, but they’re also always innovative in one way or another. This one, for example, doubles as a jacket and dress in addition to a sleek leather trench.”
“Perhaps it’s my love of the British countryside or the fact that I grew up in the city where the brand was founded (and frequented their outlet way too often) but I’ve always been a loyal fan of Barbour jackets and coats. I’ve had one of their iconic waxed cotton jackets for as long as I remember but I’m also obsessed with their warm yet lightweight quilted coats—timeless classics that will last you a lifetime.”
“I’m in awe of Maison Alma‘s beautiful handmade coats that are like works of art. The intricately-embroidered pieces are meant to be heirlooms handed down from generation to generation while supporting the livelihoods of traditional Colombian artisans. I know they come with a steep price tag, but if you can’t buy one of their coats, you could consider donating to their Somos Unos x Artesanos Colombianos initiative to preserve craftsmanship and artisanal heritage during this pandemic. Read about the 815 artisan families they are aiming to support here.”
“Aritzia’s coats and jackets are about as timeless (and useful) as it gets. Their polished wool overcoats are super soft and warm and, not to mention, incredibly chic while their celeb-adored puffer jackets pretty much qualify as an It item at this point (walk around NYC in the winter and you’ll see so many of them). You can’t go wrong with any of their amazing outerwear.”
This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
