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 ofsipping 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 doorsof Charles de Gaulle swung open, I was assaultedby the coldest, driest wind I’d ever felt, nary a dainty snowflake in sight. My lashes froze together, and it becamevery clear that mylightweight 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 coatsopened their warmarms out to me. Years later, I’m still somewhat of an outwear aficionado. EvenCalifornia’s mild wintershave me reaching for a coat the second temps drop below 60ºF (okay, 70º if we're being honest). I’ve scoured the internet for the best coatsto keep you looking and feeling both cozy and cute.
Anine Bing
Sitting comfortably at the intersection of edgy and feminine, Anine Bing has become the go-to designer forcool-girl dressing.
Anine Bing
Benjamin Moto Jacket
The slouchy fit and broad shoulders instantly infuses jeans and a tee with a devil-may-care attitude.
Sandy Liang
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.
Stand Studio
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.
Stand Studio
Savannah Faux Fur Jacket
If your grandma's vintage minkretired inthe West Villageinstead of Palm Beach.
Stand Studio
Angelina Faux Leather Jacket With Faux Shearling Trim
This coat drinks pink champagne and loves Jacqueline Susann novels.
Stand Studio
Chloe Double-Breasted Faux-Shearling Jacket
Put the question of black vs brown accessories to bed once and for all. Either will pair perfectly with this coat.
Zara
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.
Zara
Double Faced Jacket
Wear it open to show off the fur-detailed collar, or zipped up for a funnel neck.
Zara
Wool Blend Coat
This coat will have you feeling like Catherine Deneuve strutting the streets of 1960s Paris.
The North Face
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 Facepuffer, andimmediatelywondered what took me so long.They're durable, comfortable, andmade me feel like a proper nature girl.
The North Face
Black 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket
The classic. Properly insulating and the cropped fit will keep you from feeling like the Michelin Man.
The North Face
Plus 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
This plus size option comes in a gorgeous pastel pink. Snow bunny much?
The North Face
High Pile Fleece Nuptse Jacket
If a traditional puffer is too heavy for your needs, this fleece is a perfect everyday alternative.
Vince
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.
Vince
Belted Drape Neck Coat
Wear this open to show off the dramatic wide collar.Cinch it up for extra warm.
Vince
Recycled Wool Blend Long Coat
A good camel coat never goes out of style. I wear mine everywhere from farmer's market runs to date nights.
ALO
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 theright note of being sporty, not sloppy.
Alo
Legend Jacket
If you're someone who typically gravitates towards black, an espresso-coloredjacket is a nice way to switch things up.
Norma Kamali
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.
Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali Hooded Sleeping Bag Coat
An updated cobalt take on the classic.
Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali Oversized Side Snap Jacket
Think of this as two coats in one: you can wear it open for a casual look, or cinched up to show off your silhouette. The asymmetrical buttons are a cool touch.
Max Mara
If you're not one to wait around for Santa to give you presents, Max Mara's hand-crafted luxurious pieces are for you.
Max Mara
Teddy Bear Icon Faux Fur Coat
The teddy coat that launched a thousand imitations. If you've decided it's time to treat yourself, this timeless piece will keep you warm for decades to come.
Max Mara
Tedgirl Alpaca & Wool Blend Coat
It also comes in this gorgeous icy blue, a twist on traditional winter whites. Elsa who?
Next Up:6 Simple Outfits I Think Everyone Will Want to Wear This Winter.
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ZaraCoatsVinceJacketsAlo YogaAnine Bing