…For Real Winter
When you live in a severe, cold climate, it almost feels like you can have one or the other. You can either be warm and look like the Michelin Man OR be stylish and freeze. I firmly believe and have shown, you CAN do both!! There are some keys to mastering this, the first is layering and the second is the right outerwear. I wanted to share some of the best winter coats as well as some of my go-to brands below. I also did a video, sharing the keys to dressing for severe weather (while maintaining style) here. And, if you need help with layering basics, I think you will find this video on layering really helpful.
Parajumpers Puffer
Let’s just start out with the Ferrari… shall we? If you have REAL winters, as we do here in Telluride, you need a serious puffer. And, no… not all puffers are created equal when it comes to warmth. Parajumpers is one of the highest quality and warmest brands. They are pricey, but worth the investment! The Parajumpers puffer coat I’m wearing above is perfect for the hockey mom and beyond. It’s LONG, which is key because the short ones won’t keep your butt and legs warm. It also tapers slightly towards the bottom, coccooning your body… almost like a sleeping bag! That said, it is streamlined and doesn’t look or feel too oversized. It will keep your entire body warm. The drawstring hood and two zipper pockets are an added bonus. I linked more Parajumpers puffer options below.
Lands End Red Parka
I love this red parka from Lands’ End! Not only is it warm, it’s also VERY affordable and I love the color pop! They have sizes for regular, plus, petite, tall, petite plus, and tall plus. Plus, there are options for men, and kids. You can buy coats for the whole family! It’s a great resource for affordable, quality, winter essentials.
Nicole Benisti Puffer
This is a brand that is new to me…and I’m loving it! Nicole Benisti coats are gorgeous! I snagged this puffer above on MAJOR sale on Gilt.com. I love the color combo of army green and brown leather. The hood is nice for added warmth and it’s a great length. It’s a stunner for sure! I linked some similar Nicole Benisti coats below. I think you are going to fall in love with this brand like I have… but maybe not the prices.
I have seen the Montaigne sheepskin jacket by Nicole Benisti on a few influencers’ Instagram feeds (here is a pic by Mary Lee from Happily Grey). It’s absolutely gorgeous! (The price, not so much).
GO-TO Brands
In addition to the lines I mentioned above, Canada Goose is one of the gold standards for warmth. All of their puffers are expensive but high-quality and incredibly warm. I strongly believe you should invest more in your coat if you live in an extremely cold climate.
Arc’teryx is another brand with amazing winter pieces. I bought my husband, Chris an Arc’teryx jacket for Christmas and he says it’s a game-changer. It’s worth noting that he’s not the type to pay up for outerwear. He says this Macai jacket is worth every penny.
Herno has amazing quality lightweight puffers for layering! Herno is a T-Ride Mom favorite… along with Mou boots. I got some tall Mou Boots with a wedge heel like these.
You know how much I love my SAM. puffer jackets. I have the short puffer jacket version as well as the longer version (above). The SAM. infinity puffer is AWESOME and so warm…I even wore it in Iceland! You can find that post here. All of their puffers are chic and warm. If you already have a classic black puffer, check out SAM. puffers for a fun, stylish one! If you’re looking for the same style for less, S13 is a great dupe brand for SAM.
Faux Fur & Teddy Coats
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Faux Shearling Coat
I talked about this gorgeous Avec Les Filles coat in this video. It’s cocoon shaped, oversized, duster length, and layers beautifully over anything! It’s a really pretty piece to have in your closet and looks like real shearling without the crazy price!
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Green Faux Fur
This faux fur coat by Kendall & Kylie is SO warm and in a GORGEOUS color! It’s also soft, stylish, and super warm! You can see how I styled it in this post. I threw on this cardigan thinking it was the same length as the coat, but it’s obviously longer. I didn’t have time to swap it out because Elizabeth was having a moment AKA temper tantrum. I would suggest wearing one the same length. But you can see how this coat layers beautifully over the turtleneck and sweater.
Reversible Red Coat
I’ve shared this coat before in a post here. I absolutely love the deep rich color. And the best part…it’s reversible! One side is faux fur and the other is suede. So it’s like you’re getting two coats for the price of one! It’s SO good.
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“Fashion is about something that comes from within you.” ~Ralph Lauren
Really SAM coat for 900 ? Lady PeoplE pay Mortgage at this price. Reality check maybe ????
The SAM. New York puffers are definitely expensive. I would look at the line I suggested that is almost exactly like the SAM. coats and jackets. It’s called S13: https://rstyle.me/n/dfuyjf58an Here are some on clearance: https://rstyle.me/n/dfuyk958an and here are more S13 options: https://rstyle.me/n/dfuym558an
Hi erin, I am in the market for a hip leather or suede moto, but I don’t want anything too “hard core/rocker chick.” I am in my 50s and would like something hip (like erica hoida but perhaps a little less edgy). I was going through all your videos, but haven’t found anything that sort of breaks down the moto jacket. There have been some recommendations from the various nordy sales, but I just wondered if a top ten leather jacket video might be worth doing? I have a long torso and prefer cuts that give cures as opposed to a sponge bob look. So a video with moto jacket options would be awesome. love your videos! Thank you for all you do!
That is a great idea!! ~Erin xo
Erin, Thank you Thank you for what you do! I have zero fashion sense, whereas my daughter intuitively knows what is fashionable. Since following you this past fall I have effortlessly been able to buy clothes and shoes/boots for myself (some things I would have never picked!) and gifts for my daughter… and she always remarks “mom that’s so cute!!” I have even followed some ideas you showed for your daughter on my granddaughter. I am so happy to no longer be fashion blind. I love all your suggestions and hate when I read your email late and miss some of the good sales! I also love your sweet fashion and life video’s. Still working on Instagram 🙂 Thanks again and hope you are having lots of fun on your vacation.
I LOVE this note, Bobbi! Thank you so much… it means a lot that you took the time to share this with me. Thank you, thank you! Erin xo
The green and red are stunning on you especially in the neutral colored environment!
Thank you so much, Lara! All of these coats are SUPER warm!!
That Nicole Benisti puffer is awesome!!!
RIGHT? They always have them on sale at Gilt and Ruelala
I think i sent you an email earlier today but not sure if i hit the send button
You did!
Hello erin, thank you for another amazing post!! once again i’m writing with a question. in the picture with the land’s end red parka, can you tell me what boots you’re wearing? they look like they might be sorels and if so, what is the style name?
many thanks, i truly appreciate your time and information
They are also Lands’ End!