As the weather cools down in the Northern hemisphere it’s time to think about the best winter coats for women to suit your style!
A great coat is an essential element of your style in cold weather and it’s one of the most important buying decisions you will make this season. A good coat can truly elevate any look – as well as keeping you warm, of course.
Why choosing a great coat is important for your style
A coat can set your style mood or even pull your look together on a day that you don’t really feel like dressing up so much.
A good coat will also make an entrance and leave an impression. Plus, you will wear it many times over the season.
Enough good reasons to buy a really good one! Let’s explore how to choose a coat and select the right one for your style!
What are the essential coats and best women’s coats for your wardrobe?
The essential coats will be different for each person as we all have different style personalities, lifestyles and comfort levels.
You also need to determine if you want to have multiple coats or go for a one-coat-suits-everything solution.
Ideally though, you will have multiple coats in your wardrobe as it’s difficult to find a coat that would be ideal for all situations.
Below are some great coat trends for Fall 2020, including many which incorporate the best Fall 2020 trends.
Below are my suggestions for a ladies winter coats wardrobe:
1. One regular coat that you wear during the day.
This would be your most regularly worn coat. When thinking about the best winter coats for women to choose from, this coat should be your priority.
The ideal length would be around knee-height or mid-thigh. You can choose a casual coat or something dressier, depending on your style personality.
Renata (above) opts for a classic long, brown wool coat which goes perfectly with her winter boots.
Check out this similar coat, sweater, skirt, suede boots and chain necklace.
2. A super chic, versatile coat
When thinking about the best winter coats for women, choose a coat that will be your go-to to wear over evening wear, or for dressy occasions. You could think about a shorter faux fur coat, for example (which you could also wear with jeans) or you could choose a swing coat to follow the lines of your dress.
3. Best winter coats for women: A more casual coat
Look for a coat which will be more casual for the weekends. This will be perfect for weekend strolls. Usually, this one will be shorter.
Ashley (above) chooses a coatigan style which is perfect for adding some warmth when the weather starts to cool.
Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, v-neck top, pants, booties, handbag and necklace.
4. A warm parka or short pea coat
This could give your wardrobe extra flexibility and would look great worn with jeans. This one will be great when heading out for walks or running errands.
5. A raincoat or trenchcoat
Unless you live somewhere where the seasons are all pretty much the same, you will want a coat which isn’t too heavy in weight, but which can make sure you stay dry.
This will be ideal for transitioning from summer to fall, or from winter to spring and is definitely among the styles of best winter coats for women.
The trench coat makes almost every essential items list by celebrity stylists since it’s just so timeless.
This coat could last you a long time and is great for those in-between seasons.
Julie (above) wears a classic trench with her jeans and sneakers.
Steal her look with this similar trench coat, mock neck blouse, jeans and sneakers.
The trench coat is one of my picks in this piece on the 28 essential pieces every woman over 40 needs in her closet.
Women’s coats you can combine
1, 2 and 3 could be combined as well as 3 and 4 if your budget is limited or you prefer a smaller coat wardrobe.
If you are like me, you may want to add one really current and fashionable coat which you could use for either your number 1 or 2 coat.
Some questions to ask yourself when buying a women’s coat
Am I happy to invest in quality?
A good coat can last you several years so it is often worth it to buy one of great quality.
You may choose to go for lower quality when it comes to very fashionable coats.
To determine the quality, check the lining and finishes of the coat. They are usually good indicators.
Petra (above) opts for a beautiful baby blue coat that will definitely stand the test of time.
Check out these light blue coat options from Max Mara and Sam Edelman, and you can wear it with this similar pair of pants, booties, handbag, scarf and sunglasses.
Best winter coats for women: Do I want something timeless or trendy?
The smaller your budget the wiser it is to choose a coat that is more timeless and classic. However, you could always opt for a more expensive timeless coat and a lower-budget trendy option.
What is the main function of my coat?
- How practical does my coat need to be?
- Will I be sitting a lot while wearing it?
- Will I ride a bike?
- Or will this coat mainly be for evenings out and walking?
Clearly, have the function of the coat in mind when you are considering the best winter coats for women and what will work for you.
It’s very important to have coats that make you feel comfortable and do their job well.
When you have a lot of evening events, it’s good to have at least one good 3-quarter-length coat that will fit well over your dresses.
Dorota (above) chooses a black three-quarter length coat which would look equally stylish over day or evening wear.
Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, jeans, booties, belt and handbag.
What will I wear underneath?
- Will it have to accommodate bulky sweaters? (very trendy this season)
- Will it cover my longer skirts?
- Can I still wear it with a lighter jacket or blazer underneath if I want to?
Be sure to have at least one coat that easily accommodates a jacket underneath.
Although it’s not necessary that your skirts are completely covered these days, you may still like to have one long coat that does as it’s a very clean and stylish look.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
What are the weather conditions in which I will wear this coat?
- How thick does the coat need to be?
- Do I get cold easily?
- Will I be wearing it a lot outside?
- Or will it mainly be used in already heated trains or buses?
Similar to the question above, but really consider the thickness of the coat here.
Alice (above) opts for a padded coat to make sure she is warm and cozy.
Check out this similar puffer coat, sweater, jeans, tall boots, scarf and wear it with a Gucci handbag.
Do I want to make a statement or blend in? Do I dare to take a risk with a color or pattern?
Although it’s good to always have one black or very neutral coat, you don’t need three of those.
I have often expressed my wish for more colorful and unusual coats on this site.
Even if you are normally a neutrals person, a colored coat would make a really good addition and fit well with all your neutral outfits.
We need to brighten up those dark streets in winter ladies!
What shape of coat or winter jackets for women should you go for?
When choosing a coat it’s good to consider your body type. Try to determine where the bulk of the coat is and how that affects your figure. The best winter coats for women will be different from one woman to the next.
You will want your coat to skim over any areas you aren’t so keen on and highlight those parts of your figure that you like.
Below are the main shapes of women’s coats to choose from as well as some ideas about current trends and colors to opt for:
1. Almost straight coat
This type of coat will skim your body, flowing straight down, rather than nipping in at the waist.
That’s not to say, however, that you can’t add some interest with the color you choose, or the shape of the coat collar.
This kind of style is ideal for daytime, especially the shorter versions.
But, it can still look very chic and can be dressed up for a special occasion too.
Lizzi (above) chooses a double breasted option with an oversized collar. Double breasted can be flattering for certain body shapes, including the rectangle. But if you are worried about adding extra width around the midriff area, you may prefer single breasted.
Steal her look with this similar coat, dress, sneakers and handbag.
2. Dress coats for women – a tailored coat for dressy days and evening
Dressy coats are usually more tailored. They can have a straight or a-shape silhouette.
Or you could opt for a more retro style like the swing coat, which nips in at the waist and would be idea over a flared skirt.
Choose a fabric that is not too thick to maintain a sleek clean line and make sure your coat closely follows the contours of your body.
You may want to go for a coat with a flared skirt for added drama, or perhaps take inspiration from tailored menswear.
If you love the menswear-inspired coats which are very on-trend now, there are more below for you!
CURLBIUTY swing double breasted wool pea coat
3. Menswear-inspired coats
A menswear-inspired coat can look very stylish for so many occasions.
You could opt to wear over a more feminine dress to play on the contrast or you could simply wear over jeans and a sweater with booties or loafers.
For added style points, you could combine two trends in one by opting for a menswear inspired style combined with an on-trend print such as plaid.
An oversized or menswear inspired piece can (believe or not) make your look more polished.
The classic cuts (and in many ways the neutral hues) have a way of pulling a look together with very minimal effort.
Sandra (above) chooses an on-trend plaid coat which goes beautifully over her yellow sweater dress.
Check out this similar coat, dress and knee high boots.
Style tip: With such classic and masculine cuts, do not be afraid to create a flattering contrast by selecting very feminine pieces to accompany your cut, or selecting a menswear inspired piece in fascinating prints and shades.
4. Women’s belted coats
Belted coats are chic and comfortable and often very figure flattering on many women.
Apple shaped women may want to opt for a slim tailored coat without a belt that creates a similar effect but will often look better as it will skim over the belly.
Whether you leave your belt hanging loose in a askew-but-chic look, tie it right at the center, or get creative with an off-center tie, belted coats and jackets are a classic piece.
Kimba (above) pairs her leopard print and booties with a forest green belted coat.
Get her look with this similar belted coat, pants, booties and bag.
Style tip: When belting short coats or jackets, make sure the jacket is well fitting and sleek. Any additional material will create a bulkier silhouette, which might not be the most flattering look.
5. Ladies long coat
If you are taller, you can also opt for longer coats, which are currently very fashionable and can add drama to your look.
Shorter women should be careful with this coat style as it can overwhelm them. They often look better with a shorter coat.
Karen (above) shows a middle ground, with a knee-length option.
Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, top, jeans, booties and sunglasses.
Sam Edelman belted trench coat
There is more advice here on how to dress if you’re petite.
6. Short coats
Short coats are very practical and can be very hip. Choose something that is slightly tailored or has a bit of an edge.
Jaye (above) wears a faux fur coat which looks great with her jeans, and which could also be worn over a little black dress.
Check out this short jacket that you can wear with this similar coat, shirt, denim leggings and booties.
Dickies faux shearling lined corduroy jacket
7. Women’s parka coats
Practical and handy for weekends and great for keeping you warm, but be mindful that puffy thick parkas will add bulk.
The most flattering parkas are usually tailored at the waist.
Utility style jackets and parkas are the epitome of not overthinking your outerwear.
If you’re looking to keep it casual, go with well fitting jeans or leggings that complement your coat or jacket of choice.
A skin tone complimenting shade (the army green is one option), instantly gives off a casual chic look that is hard to miss.
Style tip: To amp up your look, pair your parka with select luxe pieces (like tailored slim/straight leg black pants and eye catching shoes).
8. Ladies leather jacket
A leather coat is a great addition to your coat wardrobe. Great to make a classic outfit more edgy or practical for the weekends.
A great advantage is that you can wear a light leather coat both indoors as well as on warmer fall or winter days.
You could opt for a classic black moto jacket or a bright shade to get you noticed.
If you already have a black biker in your closet, you could look for a different color, such as burgundy, navy or olive. Take a look here at the most on-trend colors for fall 2020.
Jona (above) wears a longer style leather coat with her plaid pants.
Recreate her outfit with this similar leather coat, shirt, pants, booties, sunglasses, and finish off the look with a Gucci crossbody bag.
BLANKNYC faux leather moto jacket
You can check out our list of the best leather jackets for women that you can wear with everything!
9. Women’s trench coat
The classic trench is always chic and is frequently recommended as an essential wardrobe piece by many stylists.
It never goes out of a style and you can’t go wrong with the standard three-quarter camel version but shorter versions are very practical and chic too.
Go for a well-tailored cut that fits your body well without too many embellishments, but make sure it has a belt.
10. Warmest winter coats for women
If you are looking for a coat which is very practical to give you extra warmth, you may want to opt for a quilted piece.
This can, obviously, add extra bulk to your look, so I would keep the rest of your pieces streamlined.
Nic (above) chooses a classic quilted olive green style.
Check out this similar puffer coat, sweater, jeans and booties.
The North Face water repellent hooded parka
11. Women’s peacoat
A peacoat is another of those classic styles which is always on-trend.
So, if you do decide that a peacoat is for you, you can probably afford to think about going for a piece which is great quality as you will be wearing it for years.
12. Women’s red coat
If you really want a color to make you stand out from the crowd, what could be better than red?
Sally (above) pairs her floral wrap dress with a long tomato red coat.
Get her look with this similar coat, dress, boots and handbag
13. Ladies hooded winter coats
You may wish to have a hooded coat so you can pull up your hood for extra warmth, and protection against the elements.
But, it can be hard to find hooded coats which are sleek and stylish. A classic wrap coat or zipped style with a belt which also features a hood could be a good option.
Karl Lagerfeld Paris trench coat
14. Women’s winter coat with fur hood
A coat with a fur hood can be cozy if you live in a climate which is particularly cold. You can wear it with jeans and any pair of winter boots.
I would look for a coat which is slightly tailored at the waist to flatter your figure.
Marcy (below) keeps herself warm with a hooded fur coat that has a neutral color.
Check out this similar coat, jeans and booties.
More things to talk about when choosing your coat
Which colors should you choose? Should you always opt for a womens black winter coat?
It’s always good to have at least one neutral coat in your wardrobe or perhaps two.
A black or dark navy coat is very practical in climates where the weather is wet or unpredictable.
Be sure to have a good assortment of brighter colored or light scarves though to brighten up your face.
I also love the look and sophistication of a cream or light colored coat. This can be very chic for both the day and evening.
I would definitely encourage you to add a colored coat as well.
Choose one in a color that suits you well. They are much easier to wear than you might imagine and they will make lots of impact on your style.
How do I fit a coat?
You will want to buy a high-quality coat that will last you several seasons, therefore a perfect fit is crucial! Here are some pointers to get it right.
- Be sure to get a good fit from the shoulders. It should hang straight down.
- Make sure there is enough room through the armholes.
- Make sure that any seams, pleats, closures or pockets lie flat and that the hem is even.
- Coats with full arm lengths should cover the wrists.
- Close the coat completely and make sure it does not pull anywhere.
- Make sure you can move around in your coat comfortably. Walk a bit and sit down and ensure that the fit and weight suits you.
Nadine (above) chooses a yellow style which fits her well at the shoulders and arms.
Steal her look with this similar yellow coat, blouse, pants, loafers, handbag, belt and sunglasses.
More styles of coats
1. Faux fur coat
Fur stoles, fur on shoes, fur on gloves, fur coats, fur and shearling were everywhere on the Fall 2020 catwalks.
If you are feeling creative and experimental, select a bright and bold hue.
Style tip: If you like the idea of fur but aren’t feeling too bold, go with a neutral shade in a classic cut that will last you season after season.
BLANKNYC moto jacket with faux fur trim
2. Cape coat
Capes are still the rage this fall and instantly upgrade your look (from wearing over sheath dresses to your most distressed jeans).
Take a glance at a capsule challenge I did around capes and ponchos for additional inspiration.
Deborah (above) chooses a cape style and keeps her outfit monochrome.
Check out this similar cape, blouse, skirt and boots.
Style tip: Select a solid colored cape (such as a camel wool cape) and pair it with an all black bottom.
3. Jacquard jacket
You see it often (especially when it comes to dresses and skirts), but jacquard coats and jackets are great fall transitional pieces.
Jacquard pieces are fabulous in that they offer intricate and fascinating patterns (even on solid colored pieces) and almost always offer a sleek look.
Style tip: Test out the metallic tones of the season by opting for a metallic jacquard coat.
Avec Les Filles jacquard raincoat
4. Open front coat
Is there anything easier than an open-front coat or jacket? No buttoning, no tying, no snapping, no additional effort to get it on.
This ease naturally lends itself to the look. Whether you select a waterfall style or go with an embellished look, your options are pretty limitless in this style.
Style tip: If you select a waterfall style or heavily embellished piece, keep the look from being too bulky or busy by selecting a bulk-free top or dress to go under your coat.
Sarah (above) chooses a classic camel, open-front coat.
Check out this similar coat, sweater, jeans, suede boots, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
5. Women’s casual jackets – the puffer style
Another fall runway mainstay are puffer coats. Their name does an ample job of describing them – they’re puffy.
From very matte to super shiny finishes, puffers are coming in all shapes, sizes, and lengths.
One thing about them, they are definitely built for the cold, so should keep you warm.
Style tip: Belt it and go for a monochromatic look if you want to keep the whole ensemble as figure flattering and lengthening as possible.
6. Sleeveless jacket
Sleeveless coats and jackets seem to be almost counter-intuitive when thinking about keeping the chill away.
However, achieving the sleeveless outerwear look while keeping warm is possible.
The goal here is to make sure you select pieces underneath that do a great job of keeping you warm without adding bulk (think cashmere or thinner wool pieces).
Think of your sleeves as an interchangeable aspect of your look. More so, you can dress up the look with luxe cashmere turtlenecks or opt for a dressed down sweater-like sleeve.
Kylie (above) wears her sleeveless coat over her dress.
Recreate her look with this similar vest, dress, booties and tights.
Style tip: Embrace the sleeveless look by creating a new style every time you wear it.
Chelsea28 pleated sleeveless long jacket
There are more ideas here on why you need a sleeveless vest in your closet.
7. Women’s suede jacket
Yes, the material and coat style reminiscent of the 70s was another runaway hit.
What was enjoyable, however, were the diversity of styles, cuts, and shades that hit the runway.
Style tip: If you would like a boho-light look, go for a fringed suede coat in a black shade. The fringe isn’t as striking, but you still get a bit of the boho edge. For a more classic style, opt for a trench coat.
BB Dakota drape front faux suede jacket
Which coat will you buy this season? What do you consider the best winter coats for women? How do you choose a coat? Which coats do you (wish you) have in your wardrobe?
Which coat is right for you when thinking about the best winter coats for women depends on all the points we have discussed above.
I hope this article answered all or most of your questions on how to choose a coat. I’d love to hear about your own favorite coats for winter and fall.
If you are looking for one right now then happy shopping!
What kind of coat will add to your wardrobe this season?
Continue reading:
- The Best Women’s Sleeveless Vests In Store Now – And Why You Need One In Your Closet
- How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer
- How To Wear A Trench Coat And The Best Trench Coats In Stores Now
Like this article on the best winter coats for women? Save it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Dorota
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
For those of use who sew because of problems finding coats that fit (more than just coats – all clothes, really), or who regularly take their new clothes to tailors for alteration, it would be nice if from time to time you could mention alteration possibilities &/or suitable sewing patterns in your articles. Information on which coat styles could easily be altered, and which shouldn’t would also be very helpful in knowing which coats to purchase.
The discussion in the comments on too narrow sleeve holes was helpful. I have broad shoulders which most coats/jackets don’t accommodate without going up a size or two. When this is combined with small armholes I have to go to a large enough size that I swim in them, and the neck doesn’t fit. There’s nothing like investing a lot of money in a good quality coat, only to find that it won’t fit over your favourite business blazer and can’t be altered, to put you off shelling out money for good quality in future.
This is a great article, btw (I should have mentioned that above).
I appreciated your suggestion to wear a blazer when trying on winter coats (I learned this the hard way). I’d also add to swing your arms and shoulders around and try picking up things when trying them on, to ensure you have enough range of motion for usual activities like driving, shopping, commuting, etc…
Also, in particularly cold climates (you really can’t get enough warmth in -40C weather!), having enough room to wear another layer on the coldest days is very helpful. My late mother-in-law would sew a removeable warm lining for all her winter coats, and put buttons on the inside of her coats to attach them. That way she only had the added bulk when needed.
Thanks for a great article.
I need a multi season coat which works for heavy rain periods winter and unexpected cold ice and snow during the winter.
Can anybody suggests me how bigger size i should choose for looking elegant in coats if my size is 30.size 32 or 34?
Manufacturers use slightly varying measurements for their sizes. So it is difficult to predict down to the exact size number. For overcoats, my taste is to err a little on the large side for added comfort. One can always add a belt to vary the exact look. I like the elegance in flow of the fabric in a more comfortable fit, worn closed or open.
Consider that you may want to wear something thicker or a blazer underneath at times, and two steps up would preserve comfort then, and allow easy on and off. Select a coat with silky satin lining, it will improve freedom of movement and look very elegant.
This post came Just in time for cooler weather.. Thank you slyvia.
So glad it was useful Cindy. Don’t forget to tell us if you invest in a new coat!
I am glad you did this article. A right coat can make or break your outfit in winter. When it is cold outside you need a coat that keeps you warm I have a coat wardrobe. I got black full length mink. I got a white gray fur for special occasions. I got black wool coat. I got winter white wool coat, green trench coat. I got red wool coat for eighteen dollars from metrostyle online during Thanksgiving 2016. I didn’t wear a red coat until winter 2017.
Great tips Silvia! Excellent post with useful information to make a choice. Basically I got two fabulous coats I love. And found them by coincidence: both red. One is quite conservative but fancy because of the color, the other has got different texture so more casual. Happy weekend. Sabina @Oceanblue Style
Excellent post with tons of information on choosing the right coat. In NY we had the worst winter and I wound up wearing my puffy coat all the time. It was depressing and I am on the hunt for a nice alternative. Many coats are just too light when it goes down to the freezing temperatures but you have given me some great ideas.
Yes it’s great to have an alternative to your down coat. Happy coat hunting Rebecca!
Another criteria to be considered when buying a coat is travelling. If you hate checking in your luggage, you will need a “one-in-all” coat solution: tolerable for business, warm enough for waiting for your train in the snow at 6 AM in Grenoble, riding a bike through Manhattan, and possibly foldable for warm afternoons …
Ok, a black long down coat is not what will give your look the ultimate stylish touch – but it won`t destroy your look neither, and it’s just so versatile …
Yes very true Mat. Thanks for the great feedback!
I absolutely agree with all your criteria … (getting sleeves long enough is quite a challenge, especially in latin countries, no need to be specially tall).
As an urban biker, I am fond of long, rather wide coats and fortunately they seem to have a come-back these days. Why? Not only they keep me warm, but also they perfectly conceal mini-skirts pushed up over my hips while riding. (The only point is not to forget getting them down before I take off the coat ;-). Sometimes I need to sew complementary buttons on the coat to make sure it will cover my legs all the long.
Another great item for winterly urban biking are down-coats (I perfectly understand you don’t have these in Singapour ;-). More and more brands (Uniqlo to start with) have them in different lengths. For biking, the longer the better.
Haha I can just see it in front of me Mat. You taking off your coat and your mini skirt barely covering your bum! No we don’t need any kind of coat here, but this article was written for the Northern hemisphere and a down coat is an absolute must. I put them in the parka category here, but yes a long down coat is an option too.
Terrific post Sylvia. It gives good pointers.
Finding a coat “with enough room through the armholes” is quite a challenge. Apart from the wide boxy coats.
I have gone mad in Italy so I have added to my vast collection: a fitted longer black coat (great with all scarves and covering every skirt/dress) and a bright pink wide coat. I particularly like the latter as I love bright colours. I am going to brighten up the streets in The Netherlands.
Greetje
Yes it is but very important if you like to wear jackets and blazers like you do. I look forward to seeing your new coats!
Fantastic ideas for buying the right coat, especially when there are so many great styles around at the moment. I just bought a new coat; it’s purple and a classic style. I did try on a ‘mens’ style which is wide across the shoulders and narrower at the bottom, but because I am A shaped, with narrow shoulders and wide hips, it was too wide across the shoulders and tight across the hips.
It’s great to have a good guide like yours, Sylvia to help identify the right coat to buy.
Purple is fabulous Aileen. Good that you chose a model that suits your body type! Feel free to upload to Facebook and show it off!