This story was contributed by The Local Moms Network contributor Kristin Koch, executive editor atSeventeen magazine, blogger behind closetfulofclothes.com and mom of two (with one on the way!). For more mom-friendly fashion inspo follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/kristinmkennedy/.
It’s that time of year when all anyone sees is your coat. I am not a huge fan of winter. Despite growing up in the cold Midwest — I have a very low tolerance for cold. However, I do love wintry layers, and especially coats. I actually invest in at least one fabulous coat every season to help out fill out my outerwear wardrobe. I find investing in winter coats is worthwhile because it’s often the only part of your outfit (besides your shoes, really) that anyone sees. And chic outerwear can upgrade any outfit. In fact, one of my favorite mom hacks is to wear sweats, workout clothes, or ok, I’ll admit it, pajamas, to drop off and just throw on a fabulous coat on top so no one can see, and everyone at drop-off thinks you’re far more put-together than you are — a hack that has come in handy while working from home the past two winters. With that said, different occasions call for different coats, which is why I wanted to put together a winter coat edit, aka a mini guide for how to choose a winter coat.
In addition to a heavy parka for weekends and when it’s truly just ridiculously cold outside, there are several other coats you need, from a classic topper that’ll work for the office and upgrade a casual outfit to a dressier coat that’ll keep you warm at a winter party or night out and if you’re big into snow sports like my family, a great ski jacket. I pulled together a little primer on how to choose a winter coat with my favorite coats for every occasion. You certainly don’t need them all, and I love to buy coats when they go on sale and as I said, invest in one or two a season that I know will help round out my outerwear wardrobe. I’m also always keeping my eye out for a fabulous, unique coat that’s on sale or secondhand (I’ve had some great scores at The Real, Real as well as the Gap and J.Crew), so you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune to find a great winter coat that’ll fit your needs. Here are my favorite winter coats for every occasion:
1. Best Coat for Building a Snowman
This down parka is hands down the warmest coat you’ll ever own.
2. Best Coat for Walking to the Bus
This longer parka is chic and versatile but incredibly warm, making it perfect for school drop offs.
3. Best Coat for an Outdoor Event
Whether you’re going skating or tailgating or doing some outdoor shopping and dining, this shearling coat is perfect for a winter afternoon spent outside.
4. Best Coat for a Dressy Party
A longer faux fur coat in a goes-with-everything color will work for any dressy occasion and can just as easily be worn with jeans or leggings to dress up a casual outfit, making it a worthy investment.
5. Best Coat for Work/The Office
This camel coat is versatile, classic, and couldn’t be chicer.
6. Best Coat for a Backyard Party
All anyone is going to see is your jacket, so make it count. I love this timeless statement coat that’s equal parts warm and chic.
7. Best Coat for Skiing or Snowboarding
This ski jacket will keep you warm while allowing you to shred some pow (or try to keep up with the kiddos on the slopes), it’s a classic style that you can have forever, and it will look just as chic with jeans or leggings for apres, making it a worthy investment IMO.
8. Best Coat to Wear to Your Workout
This retro puffer is making a comeback and I love how it upgrades leggings, especially if you’re like me and sometimes end up wearing your workout clothes all day. Bonus: It folds up super small so it’s great for traveling too.
9. Best Coat for Covering a Bump
This maternity coat is stylish, comfy and works great for baby-carrying after your little one arrives.
10. Best All-Around Mom Coat
There’s a reason everyone you know owns this Amazon jacket. It’s super warm, flattering, and is a great coat for a busy mom on the go.