top five fall and winter coats

i’ve put together a list of my top five fall and winter coats. like shoes and bags, coats are investment pieces: there’s an upfront cost, but with a little maintenance, care, and attention to the weather, they’ll last you a lifetime. 

i grew up in the midwest, so coats have always been a staple in my wardrobe.  hopefully, you don’t have to deal with the sub-zero temperatures of a Chicago, but unless you live in Florida or Southern California, come December, you’re most likely going to be reaching for a jacket. even when i lived on a Pacific Island, i needed a coat to travel to Japan, China, or the Mainland. you never know when a trip to a colder climate may present itself.

i’ve got you covered:  keep reading and check the YouTube video above to stay warm and stylish this fall and winter. 

Top five fall and winter coats

leather moto jacket

moto jackets are modern classics. i’ve showcased them extensively on the blog over the years.  (see here.)  you can find them in both (faux) leather and suede, but if you’re shopping on a budget, you’re going to want to start with (faux) leather. there’s nothing worse than getting caught in the elements in a suede jacket!

moto jackets are extremely versatile.  you can pair them with pants or jeans;  pumps or boots.  here, i’ve gone for a more modern, chic look with a black base. but you can imagine pairing the jacket with a white blouse and a pair of good old blue jeans. earlier this year, i shared a blue faux leather jacket from Walmart that adds a pop of color to your wardrobe. so many choices, so little time.

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field jacket

next on my top five fall and winter coats is the field jacket that’s timeless traditional. 

whether you’re traipsing through the English countryside or walking the streets of Manhattan, a field jacket just emanates “class.”  again, i’ve showcased the quilted field jacket and simple field jacket throughout the years. this jacket is perfect for both the damp and brisk fall air. for those that live in wet climates, you know as well as i do that the dampness can cut through to your bones, making it almost impossible to get warm.  

i’m showcasing a muted olive jacket and mustard jacket that layers perfectly with sweaters and pairs with either pants or denim. throw on a pair of riding boots or rain boots, and you’re ready to take to the streets of New York or London for a day of site-seeing and shopping. or you can’t go wrong with navy blue.

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puffer jacket and vest

there are very few jackets i have featured on the blog as much as the puffer jacket. (see here, here, here.) it’s hard to name a jacket, coat, or vest that you will get more use out of than a good puffer.  not only are they warm and can get you through those long, cold midwestern nights, but they pair with just about anything and everything. 

below, i’ve pulled a variety of different examples of how i wear my puffer(s):  denim and moto-boots; pants and slip-ons; and athleta-wear & sneakers.  the sheer versatility of the puffer makes it a must-have.  and if you’ve gotta leave the house on a cold winter day, you can trust your puffer is going to keep you warm. you’re going to want to have one in your winter arsenal this year. 

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overcoat

an overcoat is probably the most basic and the most essential coat to have in your winter closet. it’s a piece you can invest in once and will last you a lifetime.  (and something you can pass down to your kiddos too!) 

below, i’m featuring a military-style overcoat. (you can read more about it here.) this coat is trend-proof—always fashionable, always in-style. you can find similar ones at your favorite retailers, or you can head to your local military surplus store.  overcoats run the full spectrum of price points, and no matter what your budget is, there are so many options to fit your own personal style. 

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statement coat

roundina statement coat says you and only you.  whether it’s a bright color or colors, animal print, or a totally fun and unique pattern, it’s your chance to shine, even in the depths of a long, cold winter. 

i’ve gone through my archives and pulled out a few different examples of statement coats for inspiration.  (check them out in detail here, here, and here.)  but i want to hear from you:  what statement coat makes it on your essential jackets and coats list? 

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About The Author

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 66, 5’8, and size 8.

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