As much as I am a summer person, from the outdoor dining opportunities to the borderline risqué outfit options, nothing gets me more amped up than shopping for coats. After growing up in Chicago, where my wet hair would freeze on my way to school and going anywhere involved at least 10 minutes of bundling on layers come December, I've gathered a shocking amount of knowledge about what goes into the perfect outerwear. While I didn't so much care when I was 15 about looking frumpy in my two pairs of pants and three undercoat layers, I do now.
If you, too, refuse to look like a marshmallow when winter arrives but don't want to risk turning into an icicle on the first cold day, you've come to the right place. Not only will I be doling out buy-worthy outerwear, but I've also supplied you with 15 sleek and not-at-all-bulky coat looks to use as inspiration. Don't worry—you can thank me later. Scroll down to get a head start on your winter top-layer game. Trust me. When 30º arrives, you'll be happy you got the job done early.
What you'll need: midi-length black dress coat + contrast-color maxi dress + '90s sunglasses + shoulder bag
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What you'll need: black wool coat + white jeans + open-toe sandals + oversize shoulder bag
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What you'll need: cropped faux-fur coat + black trousers + embellished heels
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What you'll need: brown leather trench + cat-eye sunglasses + stirrup leggings + '80s earrings + brown slingback heels
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What you'll need: velvet maxi coat + gray sweater + black leggings + ankle boots
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What you'll need: cream coat + light-colored crossbody bag + vintage blue jeans + knee-high boots + tiny sunglasses
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What you'll need: black trench coat + stirrup leggings + slingback flats + top-handle bag + oversize sunglasses
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What you'll need: structured leather coat + oversize tote bag + fishnet tights + oxblood heels
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What you'll need: cropped leather jacket + pastel button-down shirt + leather pencil skirt + statement slingback heels
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What you'll need: leather car coat + black button-down shirt + white skirt + rectangular shoulder bag + silver flats
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What you'll need: black maxi coat + white silk blouse + white wide-leg jeans + black boots + oversize clutch
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What you'll need: menswear-inspired camel coat + button-down shirt + tie + baggy trousers
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What you'll need: maxi coat with shoulder pads + black bodysuit + denim maxi skirt + fishnet tights + stiletto sock boots + black-and-gold belt
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What you'll need: long shearling coat + white turtleneck + gray cardigan + statement belt + baggy jeans + ankle boots
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What you'll need: faux fur–collar wrap coat + oversize tote bag + silk scarf + platform boots
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