Let’s face it: When temps drop down, your jacket becomes the most important part of every outfit you wear. It’s the last thing you put on and the first thing everyone else sees — so in a perfect world, it should be both cute and functional. There’s no shortage of options for women’s winter coats, but how exactly do you pick the right one for you? We’re so glad you asked.
There are a few important things to consider when looking for your go-to jacket. You want it to look good and keep you warm. You want it to fit you well and be spacious enough for thick under-layers. Most of all, you want it to last you the whole season (and beyond).
If warmth is your top priority — which, in Canadian winters, it probably should be — consider what your coat is made of. Well-insulated coats (either with down or synthetic fibres) are a saving grace for frigid temps. And while most puffer coats are already water-repellent, you’ll want to opt for something wind-repellent too if you’re really looking to dodge the cold.
But let’s say you’re not an outdoorsy person in the winter (same). In that case, you have a new set of qualities to consider. For a lightweight everyday option, you might want a packable jacket. And if the extent of your outside activity is walking from your car to the door, you’ll likely be looking for a winter coat that complements your style without forcing you to freeze. It’s out there, trust.
What’s more enticing during gray days than a swollen zip-up jacket you can completely disappear into? Introducing: The puffiest of puffer coats. This beloved Uniqlo design is affordable and cozy, while still feeling like a cool statement.
Made with premium down, it’s high-performance and protects from wind and water. Plus, it’s available in five colours, whether you’re feeling a lavender look or a clean-cut off-white shade. We love how it traps body heat on even the coldest winter day.
If you’re looking to wrap up in luxe outerwear, allow Max Mara’s iconic Manuela coat to be your garment of choice. The Italian brand has a knack for making instant classics that transcend seasonal trends, and when it comes to coats, that’s an important aspect to have.
With pure camel hair construction and lengthening silhouette, it strikes the balance between oversized and refined. With a strong lapel collar and structured shoulders, it adds an oomph of intentionality to weather-minded bundling.
This teddy bear coat gives such designer vibes, you wouldn’t even guess it starts at $93. Fuzzy and plush, its soft-to-the-touch texture is immediately warming and on-trend. A palatable dupe for this fan-favourite Max Mara piece, it gives a luxe oversized finish without bulking up your ensemble.
Made of polyester, it puts a softening spin on the classic lapel coat, with a two-button closure for added insulation. It’s hailed by reviewers for being warm and functional, but also dressy enough for a night out. We think it’s the best women’s coat of the season if you’re leaning into the teddy texture trend.
This weather is no joke, and Columbia gets it. This insulated coat is fabricated to keep you warm through all your frigid adventures, with plus size options ranging up to 3X. With it’s versatile and breathable design (including an adjustable hood and thumbhole cuffs!), it’s great for any occasion.
With its cinchable hemline and waterproof finish, you can keep moisture out and heat locked in. It also has multiple storage-minded pockets, to ensure you stay equipped with everything you need.
The perfect option for elevated outerwear, this unisex wool-like coat is suitable for both corporate settings and evening attire. With a notched collar, side pockets and a tie detail that creates the perfect hourglass silhouette, it exudes chic professionalism while still meeting the insulated mark.
The only weather you can actually guarantee during winter? The unpredictable kind. That’s why it’s crucial to have an on-the-go jacket on hand. This compressible down-filled puffer comes with a sturdy zipper closure and a padded windproof hood.
Designed with a subtle hourglass silhouette, it accentuates natural curves while still feeling plush. It’s wind and waterproof, and it bundles into a small ball to be carried in your computer bag or purse.
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: Shearling jackets are the coolest unsung heroes of winter weather. This piece (with over 800 glowing reviews) offers a hardened edge via its leather-like make and metal accents.
With a high-neck zipper closure and inside lined with faux suede, it keeps you warm on those days when the wind simply won’t quit.
Angry winds are no match for this ankle-length coat. Filled with a soft-down alternative, this quilted garment keeps you cozy from head to toe (including a hood!). And with nine colours, it fits into any aesthetic taste. Just throw it on, zip it up, and voila — consider yourself protected from the elements.
As a leader in sustainable fashion, Canadian brand Frank and Oak uses innovation to propel a circularity-minded business model. This elevated puffer is no exception. Made of recycled materials and vegan insulation fibres, it’s breathable, functional, and gloriously oversized.
Fitting like a hooded XL shawl, it’s great for those days when you want to fully nestle into your coat.
Waterproof, snowproof, and wind-stormproof, this coat by Canadian brand Arc’Teryx is the key for outdoorsy winter activities. With 750 fill RDS-certified goose down, it’s like wearing a snuggly duvet. And with gaskets at the cuffs and necks to keep wind out, reviewers love that it not only keeps the chest warm but also the arms and legs.
In case you haven’t heard, the mob wife aesthetic is dominating the dressing mood this winter. If you’re looking to tap into the trend while still staying warm, consider this piece the key to doing so. Alo’s unisex faux fur coat is both oversized and classically chic, without skimping on insulation.
Made of luxe faux fur with satiny interior lining, it’s perfect for cosplaying a mafia wife or simply looking good in a blizzard.
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Natalie Michie is the style editor at FASHION Magazine. With a pop culture obsession, she is passionate about exploring the relationship between fashion, internet trends and social issues. She has written for Elle Canada, CBC, Chatelaine and Toronto Life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and over-analyzing movies on TikTok.
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