Teddy Pieces Are Everywhere Right Now, so I Tested These Key Cozy Styles

I've visited enough cold places during the winter to know the importance of investing in a quality coat. No matter the style, a few things are nonnegotiable. The ideal winter coat has to be chic, versatile, and on-trend. Enter: Max Mara's iconic Teddy coats. Featuring both the brand's original It coat and newer silhouettes, the Italian fashion house's collection of specially crafted fabric outerwear is about as stylish and cozy as they come.

Who What Wear's very own Natalie Cantell, who has worked in the industry for over a decade as a model, editor, and stylist and has survived no fewer than 11 NYC winters, considers the Teddy coat a staple. "It's iconic and classic, yet it reemerges as a modern must-have year after year," she tells me. Naturally, she jumped on the opportunity to style three new-season looks from Max Mara, inspired by the latest Teddy coats every editor has their eye on.

"The original Teddy is as iconic as its name suggests. It's the ultimate statement piece, but there's something that keeps it feeling effortless—the humble shade of camel and the way it falls open and drops away from your shoulders. It does all the work, but it doesn't wear you. The addition of the teddy bag is so extra—it's there just in case you thought I was taking myself too seriously in my turtleneck. I love it." — Natalie Cantell, executive director, Who What Wear brand studio

"With her boxy crop, ribbed cuffs, and collar, this Teddy bomber is the Icon coat's sporty little sister. I love gold hardware, so the exposed zip caught my eye, and there's something about the way these details speak to the adjustable slit and technical fabric of the skirt—it all makes perfect sense. The accessories couldn't feel more current. Structured shoulder bags and practical, two-tone boots are defining this season. If you look closely, the shaft of the boot is wool with a cable-knit detail. Very understated, but clearly luxe." — Cantell

"When I do monochrome, I'm always looking to mix textures, and the Teddy coat against the ribbed turtleneck is almost more coziness than anyone deserves. The pocket-friendly side zips on the knit are what make the length work. It's so much more flattering and elegant than your average sweater. I usually play with proportions and juxtapose oversize pieces (like this ultra-soft white coat) with things that are more fitted or structured, but something about the way this entire look flows and moves together as you walk is just perfect." — Cantell