The Best Coats and Jackets for Winter…From Someone Who Lives in Extreme Cold!

Warmest Coats and Jackets for Winter

For those of you who don’t know, I grew up in Watertown, New York. Chris jokingly calls it, the North Pole. When you Google it, you’ll see that it’s only 30 miles from the Canadian border! So…I can confidently tell you, I really know cold. Not just below-freezing temperatures, but ‘below-ZERO temperatures with negative, double-digit wind chills’ temperatures! Now, I live in Telluride, Colorado where it isn’t quite Watertown-cold…but it’s still pretty darn cold. I think you get the picture. I know from firsthand experience what extreme cold is like and how to stay warm.

But, in order to stay warm, you don’t have to look like the Michelin man and sacrifice style. I firmly believe you can have both. Below, I’m sharing some of the best and warmest winter coats and jackets for real cold weather that are also stylish! If you live in a cold climate, you will love this list. Even if you don’t, you may still benefit especially if you plan to travel to a chilly place.

BTW, if you’re interested in how to layer your clothes step-by-step, in order to stay warm, make sure you read this post.

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#1 | Herno Puffer Jacket

Herno is a Telluride-mom favorite that I originally found out about from one of the local boutiques here. You know that if it’s sold in the local boutiques of a ski town…it’s legit warm! It’s a very luxurious, Italian brand that makes beautiful, lightweight puffers that are chic, effortless, and perfect for layering (but warm enough on their own too!). They’re a little pricey, but if you live in a cold climate or frequently visit a cold climate, it’s worth investing in a coat that’s actually warm that you’ll wear every single year!

This puffer is a really pretty taupe color that’s different than the usual black and gray puffers you see everywhere during the winter. It’s super warm, lightweight, drapes beautifully, and is great for layering. The funnel neck helps to keep your neck warm, and I love the longer length for keeping my legs and butt warm. The overall fit is slimmer, so you don’t get that Michelin Man look, but it still creates shape and has some forgiveness. One sizing note, the sleeves have a slimmer fit.

This is the perfect jacket to wear if the weather is a little iffy and you’re not sure if the sun is going to come out. Or if you naturally run hot and just prefer a lighter jacket. I’m wearing a size 38 and it runs true to size.

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#2 | Herno Black Puffer

I wanted to share a more traditional, longer black puffer coat as well. This one is also by Herno and has all of the same wonderful qualities of the first puffer…luxurious, lightweight yet warm, easy to layer, and a longer length for maximum warmth. This has a zipper instead of snaps like the previous jacket…so it’s easier to get on and off if that’s something that’s important to you. I’m wearing a 38 in this coat as well. This coat comes with a glam faux fur collar too (not pictured).

Shop more by Herno here.

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#3 | SAM. New York Puffer

Next up is a brand and jacket I’ve been featuring for years…Sam.! I own multiple pieces by this brand and they’re all super stylish and warm. If you want a super modern and versatile, everyday puffer jacket check out Sam. All of their pieces have stylish and unique details like a shiny finish, shearling or leather accents, a leather look, belted waist, etc. This short navy puffer is so warm I’ve even skied in it! It’s wind-resistant, water repellent, and the stand collar keeps your neck warm. I love the navy, but it comes in 9 other colors. It’s 2-3x thicker than the Herno puffers so that’s a consideration if you’re interested in layering. I’m wearing a small and it runs true to size.

Shop more by Sam. here.

White Fringe Sweater

Underneath these coats and jackets, I’m wearing a super cute sweater by Milly. I love the cropped length, which is perfect with high-waisted jeans (especially if you have a shorter torso). I also love the fun fringe texture that’s very on-trend right now. I’m wearing a small and it runs true to size. Sizing note: do not order this if you have a long torso.

#4 | Faux Fur Coat

If you want to add some drama to your winter coat collection, along with next-level coziness and warmth, go with a faux fur coat! You may remember this coat from this post where I featured two gorgeous holiday outfits. This gorgeous faux fur coat by Milly is SO glam (sold out, but linked similar below). The faux fur feels real, the fit is great, the color is stunning, and it’s really warm! Walking around in this coat would make a serious statement (in a good way!). I’m wearing a size small. For more affordable faux fur coats and jacket, I also love the brand Apparis.

#5 | Sam Edelman Coat 

How beautiful is this Sam Edelman coat?! I love the gold buttons and that it looks more like a blazer than a coat. The military-inspired look is very chic and sophisticated. I also love the length. This is a great option for any of you who live in warmer winter climates like Texas. It’s pretty, but it’s lightweight and not meant for extreme cold. If you are going to wear it in extreme cold, I recommend wearing a lightweight puffer (like the Herno puffer jackets!) or a really warm cashmere sweater underneath. I’m wearing a size 4 and it runs TTS. It has limited sizing but we linked similar options below.

AG Jeans

These AG jeans are a pair I’ve had for about three years and LOVE! They have a more relaxed straight-leg fit, making them a great option if you’re interested in trying out the more relaxed-fit jean trend going on right now. They’re also just a really great basic to have in your closet!

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See by Chloe Booties

On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of lug-sole, shearling-lined booties by See by Chloe. These have been GREAT this winter! They’re really nice to just slip on and go get the kids from the bus or run a quick errand. I don’t even need socks, I just slip them on and go. They’re also very cozy and the rubber sole means I don’t slip on the ice or snow. They run true to size, get your normal shoe size.

More Winter Favorites

If you still haven’t found the perfect women’s winter coat for you from my picks above, be sure to check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s winter fashion shop here. I was also given the opportunity to put together a “BUSBEE STYLE” curated shop on SaksFifthAvenue.com. If you have a minute, I would really appreciate it if you stopped by the shop to support me.

Types Of Jackets And Coats

Whether you live in an extremely cold climate or a more mild winter climate, I’m sharing a few different types of winter jackets and coats below so you know alllll of your options and can choose what’s right for you, your lifestyle, and your climate.

Teddy Coats

Similar to a faux fur jacket, a big teddy coat really brings on the drama. The teddy coat I’m wearing above is by Max Mara and it’s so iconic that it’s a celebrity favorite and just celebrated 10 years! I did an entire review of this coat here if you’re interested.

Wool & Cashmere Coats

Whether you live in extreme cold like have a mild winter, finding coats with higher-quality fabrics like wool, cashmere, or alpaca blends will keep you warmer during the winter. They are typically a little more expensive but when you consider the cost per wear, it’s worth it to invest a little more on your winter basics.

Puffer Coats & Jackets

I shared three of my favorite puffer coats above but I wanted to make sure they’re on this list so nobody misses them! Puffers come in many different styles, fabrics, and levels of thickness.

Quilted Coats

Quilted jackets and coats are similar to puffers, but quilted jackets typically have a more classic, streamlined look while puffers feel a little sportier and casual.

Leather Jackets

If you live in a really cold climate, the rest of this list isn’t for you…but you can still wear these pieces layered under your winter coats and jackets. A great piece of outerwear to have in your closet is a leather jacket. I love leather jackets and have quite a few colors and styles. But if you need a versatile leather jacket look for one that’s black, has minimal hardware, and a classic fit.

Shearling Jackets & Coats

Shearling and faux shearling are really having a moment right now. They can be equally as warm as a teddy or wool coat if it’s made from the right material.

Denim Jackets

Denim jackets are a great winter outerwear choice if you live in warm climates like Texas or Florida!

Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets come in a lot of different styles, fabrics, and weights. But I really love the sportier, casual look of a bomber jacket with a sweater and jeans during winter. A lightweight bomber is perfect for Texans and Floridians but won’t work for colder climates.

Blazers

Blazers are another piece of outerwear I tend to gravitate toward. During the winter, you can layer them underneath your warmer coats. Or wear a blazer on its own if you live in a warm climate. Veronica Beard makes my favorite, high-quality blazers that I reach for again and again.

Shackets

Shackets are a newer, trendier outerwear choice but if you love the look and live in a warm climate, it’s a great option. They come in lots of different styles and fabrics so it’s really about finding one that you love.

Parkas & Anoraks

If you live in a cold and wet winter climate, having parkas or anoraks in your closet is a must! The difference between parkas or anoraks and puffers is that parkas and anoraks are usually waterproof. If you need a high-quality parka or anorak, I recommend checking out North Face, Canada Goose, or Mackage.

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Thank you SO much for stopping by!

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Alissa - Social Media Manager

It's all too easy for me to get carried away with my own mental checklist of things to do, and I often find myself feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by the pressure of it all. The practice of "mindfulness" was highlighted at Miraval, and it's easily one of my biggest takeaways. Mindfulness is defined as simply bringing awareness and acceptance to our moment-to-moment experiences. To practice it, I have been focusing on being more mindful of my everyday experiences. Whether it's reflecting on everything I am grateful for as I cozy into bed at night, breathing in the fresh air outside as I notice the sights and sounds around me, or simply standing in my kitchen appreciating the smell of delicious homemade food with the sound of my kids' laughter echoing in the background. Taking the time to be more mindful has made such a difference in pulling me out of the grind and into the moment with a deeper appreciation for where I am.

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Susan - Digital Content Editor

There were many poignant takeaways from the retreat, but if I had to choose just one it would be the importance of accepting transitions in life. As someone who really doesn’t love change, this is difficult for me. But recognizing transitions are inevitable and trying to find the positive in them has been eye-opening and has taught me to reframe my thoughts about change. This pretty much leads to the one habit I’m implementing fairly consistently (still a work in progress!) which involves rethinking my reaction to stress or anxiety…even if it’s something small. At Miraval, we learned that even small (seemingly relatively innocent) little stressors can together have a BIG impact in terms of our happiness and the negativity we carry around in a day. If I start to get anxious about something, I can control the feelings by doing one of these things: breathe/meditate for one minute, change my thinking pattern, listen to music, walk or move briskly. Basically, just change what I’m doing to temporarily step back and gain some perspective. I can ask myself, “Am I giving this “problem” more weight than it deserves?” Essentially, I’m distracting myself from the negativity and choosing to focus on something more positive. I’ve learned there is always something positive to focus on if I choose to find it! So, I try to catch myself before I go down the negative rabbit hole.

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Denise – YouTube Co-Producer

Since returning from our team retreat at Miraval, I have been doing a deep dive into habits. Research has shown that those who create a new “small” habit often have a larger ripple effect in their lives, even more than those who try to implement a larger change. At Miraval, we attended a session that focused on brain health. One of the small takeaways from this session was that the body needs to be hydrated in order to function most efficiently. We have all heard this before…drinking 8 glasses of water a day is in no way new advice, but for some reason, something in this lecture gave me the motivation to try and shift from virtually zero glasses a day to the recommended amount of 8. I’m a diehard Diet Snapple, coffee, and Diet Lemonade girl! Upon returning home, I bought myself a new water bottle, started filling it each morning, and brought it up to my desk. Without even realizing it, I found myself emptying the 32 oz bottle 2 and sometimes 3 times per day. Within a week, the changes I felt (more moisturized skin, less hunger, a more settled stomach) were undeniable. The same research also shows that once you develop a habit, it is easy to “habit stack”. This means you can add on more habits to existing ones and that is exactly what I did. I have moved my vitamins and supplements to my desk which I now take daily because I have the water sitting right next to me. As an added bonus, I am also consuming a ton less artificial sweeteners and caffeine now that I am reaching for my water. If you’re interested in diving deeper into information about habits, I’m currently reading The Power of Habit and Atomic Habits, both linked below.

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Joy – Virtual Assistant

While at Miraval, we took a class about intuitive living and one of the principles was to “Be Clueless.” Which just means that you should choose not to give power to the thinking mind. Instead, practice being clueless by enhancing your senses and connecting to them. One habit I have adopted since the retreat is going outside each day after work and sitting in silence for 15 minutes. I set the timer on my phone, close my eyes, and just listen. Once I've heard 10-15 unique sounds, I then open my eyes and finish out the 15 minutes looking around but remaining silent. It's been a wonderful calming way to transition out of my work brain. And I’m giving more power to my senses than to my thinking mind.

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Rachel – Community Manager

The Team Retreat was something I was looking forward to for months, yet as we got closer and closer to it, I began to feel nervous and unsure of what was to come - anxious feelings that I get with anything new, no matter how exciting it may be. Well, this retreat was, first of all… AMAZING. It was wonderful to be in a beautiful place, to get pampered, to meet and connect with the most amazing team of women, and to simply have a break from the craziness of everyday life… but the best part of it all was what I took home with me. During this short time, I was able to learn so many helpful practices that have truly changed my own well-being and ability to connect with the world around me. The overall theme of the Miraval journey is to focus on and implement mindfulness and balance. Before this week, I thought I was practicing this in my daily life…but boy was I wrong! One particular practice that I have loved adding to my routine, is that of Mindful Eating. The question was posed in a group session at Miraval, “Are you tasting your food or just your thoughts?” Often when I sit down to have a meal, I’ll look at my phone, try to get work done, watch a show, or simply try to eat as quickly as I can to get on to the next task of my day. Without ever thinking about the food I'm eating, only thinking about whatever else is going on inside of my head. But this practice allows you to slow down and truly enjoy. The simple act of placing your fork on the table in between bites forces you to physically move slower and gives you the space to focus on and savor the food that you are consuming. As soon as I heard this, I thought it would be an easy thing to add to my routine every day. Even better…Every single meal could be mindful and what a difference that could make! Well, reality sets in once you return home from a place like Miraval, and the to-do list comes right back. But we were reminded that even one Mindful Meal a week can make such a difference. And how true that has proven to be!

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Kaitlyn - Digital Strategy Manager

I’m extremely hard on myself…Even when it’s pretty unwarranted. I think many women can relate to that. Deciding to skip a workout, not getting to everything on my to-do list for the day, or forgetting to pick up the dry cleaning are all simple (and usually inconsequential) things that make me start that negative inner monologue about not being “insert adjective here” enough. If this sounds familiar…you’re not alone! One of the tools I learned during our Mindful Stress Mastery class at Miraval is something I’ve started implementing and can already tell makes a difference. When that negative inner monologue starts, put your right hand over your chest or stomach and place your left hand on your forearm. When you do it, say “gentle” in your head or out loud as a reminder to be gentle with yourself. Touch is such a strong sense and when you give yourself that small reminder, it can make a huge impact.