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.

#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.

#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.

#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!

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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