I’m a warm weather girl. I was born in Southeast Asia, grew up in Texas, and call Los Angeles home. But when Paris beckoned my junior year of college, I answered, bien sur. Shopping for winter wear, I was dazzled by visions of sipping mulled wine as snowflakes settled in my lashes. I picked out a chic double breasted peacoat that made me feel like Audrey Hepburn and smugly checked “outerwear” off my list.
During the flight, I made plans to rush off to the Eiffel Tower as soon as I landed, bottle of champagne in tow. But the second the doors to Charles de Gaulle swung open, I was assaulted by the coldest, driest wind I’d ever felt, nary a dainty snowflake in sight. My lashes froze together and it became very clear that my lightweight cashmere coat wasn’t going to cut it. A particularly cold rainy day wandering the Marais later that week confirmed it.
At first I felt defeated. Then, I realized I’d unlocked a whole new category of clothing to enthuse over. A world of puffers and heavy duty trench coats opened their warm arms out to me. Years later, I’m still somewhat of an outwear aficionado. Even California’s mild winters have me reaching for a coat the second temps drop below 60 (ok, 70 if we’re being honest). I’ve scoured the internet for the best coats to keep you looking and feeling both cozy and cute.
Sitting comfortably at the intersection of edgy and feminine, Anine Bing has become the go-to designer for cool-girl dressing.
Sandy Liang put the fun in fleece again. Reaching for one of her whimsical prints and unexpected color pop pieces might just help stave off your seasonal affective disorder.
Season after season, Stand Studio proves that fashion can make a statement while still being ethical. They’re known for their faux furs, shearlings, and leathers that look and feel like the real thing.
There’s a reason fashion girls flock to Zara: it’s affordable, on trend, and if cared for properly, can last a lot longer than most fast fashion.
I spent a sublime week in Maine last year. Unfortunately for me, my luggage only joined me for part of it. After three days of recycled clothes, I bit the bullet on a North Face puffer, and immediately wondered what took me so long. They’re durable, comfortable, and made me feel like a proper nature girl.
If we’re talking womenswear staples, we’re talking Vince. These coats are investments pieces that’ll last you many falls and winters to come.
You can fight the athleisure trend…or you can cave and admit it’s a pretty comfortable way to get around. Alo’s designs strike the right note of being sporty, not sloppy.
Born-and-bred New Yorker Norma Kamali knows a thing or two about harsh east coast winters. Inspired by a camping trip, she launched her famous sleeping bag coat in 1973 and it remains one of her best sellers today.
If you’re not one to wait around for Santa to give you presents, Max Mara’s hand-crafted luxurious pieces are for you.
Next Up: 6 Simple Outfits I Think Everyone Will Want to Wear This Winter.