It Doesn't Matter What's Underneath—These Coats Are Outfits All on Their Own
If you ask any really skilled dresser you know about getting dressed in the winter, they'll likely tell you the same thing: It's all in the outerwear. You could be wearing the best, most eloquently put-together ensemble possible underneath, but if the coat you put on top of it is lousy, your whole outfit will follow suit. It's unfortunate, sure, but it's also the reality for everyone who lives somewhere that experiences true winter weather.
It's because of this simple truth that I always recommend investing in winter coats every year. That way, your collection will slowly but surely grow into something that makes great outfits possible—or rather, inevitable—even when it's 30ºF or below. While I'm nothing if not an advocate for finding the perfect black, gray, navy, or camel top layer, I also would be lying if I said that statement coats won't come in handy. They do all of the hard work, taking the stress out of winter dressing. It's true—a bold color, loud pattern, or textured material can work miracles.
With that, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the 29-piece shopping list below is filled to the brim with outerwear that won't fly below the radar. Enjoy.
It's swaddle season, baby. Come and get your scarf coat.
Be like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and J.Lo and test out a white wool coat.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
Looking Chic This November Means Owning These 10 ItemsBring on the compliments.
-
The Ashley Olsen Way to Make Simple Black Coats Look Chic, Not BoringIt's so easy, yet so impactful.
-
Here's Every Winter 2025 Trend Taylor and Gigi Just Wore With Their Chic Black Coats in NYCJust two best friends with the same taste in coats.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
-
I Just Found the 4 Chicest Outerwear Trends, From Trench Coats to Faux Fur, for Under $350Cold-weather layers.
-
We Tried The Viral Winter Coat Every New Yorker Owns—Here's Why It Lives Up the HypeFrom our closet, to yours.
-
Yes, Affordable Cashmere Lounge Sets Do Exist—These Are the 17 Best OnesThese will sell out fast.
-
Here's the Comfy Yet Incredibly Chic Boot Style Fashion People Are Already Wearing on RepeatThese make any outfit look more expensive.
