Whether you’re looking for a designer splurge or a fast-fashion piece, it always helps to get a recommendation (or nine). 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 doesn’t it excel in? Its 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 details on the back and arm cuffs add points of interest. My coat is from a past season, 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-leather green version from Staud. I literally stopped breathing the moment I spotted this coat, and as a Staud fangirl, I know this is a piece I’d wear 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, its 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. They will work for your wardrobe and become those items that you reach for time and time again, making them worthy investments.”
“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 its outlet way too often), but I’ve always been a loyal fan of Barbour jackets and coats. I’ve had one of its iconic waxed cotton jackets for as long as I remember, but I’m also obsessed with its warm yet lightweight quilted coats—timeless classics that will last you a lifetime.”
“H&M always has a great outerwear selection this time of year. The prices are reasonable, but the designs look super chic and expensive. I also love that it has a mix of both classic and trend-forward coats so there’s something for everyone.”
“Aritzia’s coats and jackets are about as timeless (and useful) as it gets. Its polished wool overcoats are super soft and warm, not to mention incredibly chic, while its 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 its amazing outerwear.”
This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated. Next: six items that aren’t “basics” but really should be.