BASICS

I Live in Frigid Temperatures & These 5 Winter Coats & Jackets Save Me Every Year

Warm Coats & Jackets

Now that we live in Colorado, I finally have justification for my jacket and coat addiction. Some people love bags, others shoes… I’m ALL about coats and jackets. For those of you who don’t know, I grew up in Watertown, New York so I really know cold. Not just below freezing temperatures, but below ZERO temperatures! So you can trust me when I say a coat is actually warm. There are some basic types of coats and jackets that most women (that’s you) should have in your closet. I break down the must-have winter coats and jackets (in no particular order) below.

If you’re interested in how to layer your clothes to stay warm, make sure you watch this video or read this post where I take it step-by-step.

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#1) Puffer Coat or Jacket

Having a puffer coat that you love is a must if you live in a cold climate. I personally love SAM. puffer jackets and coats. I’m now amassing a puffer collection. Ha! Never thought I would say that. I have a dark blue puffer, a long black puffer, a gorgeous ivory and shearling puffer (still available in brown), and a super fun striped puffer. The striped one is sold out in the blue color but it’s still available in the black and white, which is even better because it’s more versatile!

If you don’t already have a basic black puffer I suggest you get that first. But, if you have that covered and live in a cold climate, it can be fun to add a modern addition to your wardrobe. Another puffer brand I’ve recently found and love is Perfect Moment. The black and white houndstooth printed puffer in the photo above is by Perfect Moment and SO warm (and stylish)! I have a couple of pieces of their ski gear too that are also wonderful. (See more of my thoughts on the brand here.)

By the way, if you live in a really cold climate like me, having a LONG, high-quality puffer is really important. I have this incredibly warm maxi puffer for the extremely cold days. I also love Herno and Mackage.

If you need a puffer, find more of my favorites here. Plus, I’m linking a few below…

How to Wear Faux fur coat, Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a brwon Blank NYC faux fur jacket with ribbed ruched sleeve sweater and dark wash skinny jeans from Express and Mou woven snow boots standing in the snow in Telluride, Colorado

#2) Faux Fur Coat or Jacket

The next must-have coat in your winter wardrobe is a faux fur coat. If faux fur isn’t your style, there are plenty of other options out there. But a faux fur coat can look super luxe and stylish during the winter. I’ve tried quite a few faux fur options and this brown Blank NYC jacket is one I’ve kept and continue to wear for years. It’s such a beautiful color, warm, and easy to layer. If you’re shopping for a faux fur coat, choose one that will work seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe…neutrals like black, white, brown, or tan will be the most versatile. I linked a few favorites below…

How To Layer Your Clothes, Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing a black turtleneck sweater with Citizens of Humanity Rocket leatherette skinny jeans, Ugg wedge boots, camel wool coat by Mackage, and Herno puffer coat in Telluride, COHow To Layer Your Clothes, Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing a black turtleneck sweater with Citizens of Humanity Rocket leatherette skinny jeans, Ugg wedge boots, camel wool coat by Mackage, Herno puffer coat, Carolina Amato gloves, Chanel boy bag in Telluride, CO

#3) Neutral Long Coat or Duster

A long coat is an absolute must-have for winter…even better if it’s wool and/or cashmere blend! I have quite a few in my coat collection but I’d say my most worn are any long, neutral coats. Don’t get me wrong, I love a statement coat, but if we’re focusing on versatility, something neutral is best. I love a gorgeous wrap coat like the Ralph Lauren option I’m wearing above. When you’re wearing layers it’s important to create some waist definition. Look for wrap coats, belted coats, A-line coats, or other details that will help create the illusion of a waist. I linked a few wonderful options below…

How To Layer A Moto Jacket, Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing a black leather IRO moto jacket, Carolina Amato gloves, rocket leatherette skinny jeans by Citizens of Humanity, black cashmere turtleneck, and Ugg wedge boots in Telluride, CO

#4) Leather/Faux Leather Jacket

If you don’t have a black leather/faux leather jacket, you need to get one! It’s an easy way to add edge to your look. A leather or faux leather jacket is on my wardrobe basics checklist. Get the checklist by subscribing here. If you already have the black jacket, you can spice up your look with a more interesting jacket. I have quite the collection of styles and colors and love that I can grab one and instantly change my outfit. A good brand to look at for affordable jackets is BlankNYC. I linked some options below.

If you’re wondering how to layer a moto jacket, then you should check out this post.

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#5) Trench Coat

For those warmer days or those of you who don’t live in an extremely cold climate, a trench coat is a great midweight coat to have on hand. It’s also perfect for travel or just days when it’s a little chilly or drizzly. It’s a very chic option, and the classic trench will go with everything! The trench I’m wearing isn’t the most classic, basic option but it’s gorgeous and I’ve worn it a ton. I’m also linking a few more options below.

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Bonus! Statement Coat

If you already have all of these basics covered, go for a fun statement coat! This bright pink wrap coat definitely packs a punch. It’s a wrap-style coat that’s super elegant and sophisticated, but the pink makes it a little more fun and exciting. It’s also very flattering because of the belted waist. The quality is wonderful, and the weight is perfect (mid-weight). You can still layer quite a bit underneath it too… even a blazer. It’s rare to find a coat that will layer over a blazer. If pink isn’t your style, it also comes in EIGHT other colors including a beautiful winter white! I’m sharing a few more affordable statement coats below.

If you’re interested, I’m sharing my secret to perfectly styling a statement coat here.

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Thanks for stopping by!

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5 thoughts on “I Live in Frigid Temperatures & These 5 Winter Coats & Jackets Save Me Every Year

  1. Hi Erin! I am going to chicago at the end of january for the birth of my husband’s grandson. I live in florida nd i’ve never been anywhere that cold in the winter. so i don’t own anything appropriate to wear as far as coats. I just checked the forecast and it looks like at this time it might be in the 18’s to mid 30’s. that is officially unacceptable weather for me LOL!!! What do you recommend for me to buy. Thanks!!!

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