One of these is an absolute wardrobe essential, at least in my book: they look good with almost anything—from jeans to something much fancier—and they’re always so damned polished. This pretty classic number is from Vince and comes in several good hues. It’s also about as streamlined as they come, which I view as a plus.
How about one in sherpa fabric? So cute.
The tailoring on this single breasted coat from Cos makes it look pricier than it is.
This is from a fantastic outerwear brand called Harris Wharf, and it’s not cheap, but it has such a subtly perfect cocoon shape.
An elegant houndstooth option that rings in at just under $200.
This grey coat has such a 50s collegiate vibe to me.
A cute boucle choice adds texture to any outfit.
A chic double breasted coat in the lightest grey.
I almost inevitably love a funnel neck coat, and this one is just so good.
And here’s another pretty good one.
A stylish, one-step way to approach winter whites.
I don’t usually dig a shawl collar, but it looks fantastic on this houndstooth coat from Madewell.
Darn it, the Harris Wharf selection at Nordstrom is dangerous! Once again, Kim finds a new brand for me to love.
I have had my Harris Wharf olive cocoon coat since late 2016 and have never had more compliments on any other item of clothes. Beautifully constructed. Warm even though it is unlined. Picked up a navy poncho coat in 2021 from Ann Mashburn as well. Great for cold offices.
I’m putting in an early bid for “week of requests”…a cos edit please! I’m recently infatuated with them (a regular-income woman’s The Row???) or maybe even a side by side comparison a la my new fangirl crush @neelam.ahooja? And if you’re not already following her…a really fun insta….
I love her too. Her style is amazing
The Madewell coat seems like such an 80s throwback! Remember all the oversized menswear coats everyone had? Or if you were penniless me, a man’s overcoat from the thrift store. There were also a lot of coats with exaggerated details (cuffs, collars, decorative belts). I so wanted one!
I had a thrift store find, and tbh wish I’d kept it! Torn lining, clapped out pockets, black and dark grey plaid with those big faux leather buttons…good times!
I still have a decently cute bubble-ish coat I got at one of those by-the-pound places in the 80s. I’ve got to get rid of it, I never wear it and it’s not a really warm coat. I did wear it though, back then.
If it’s in decent shape you could probably get real $ for it! Ironically I just paid $80ish for a 1970s vintage dress that I could’ve bought at Goodwill in the 90s for $2.
Whoa Nelly! Hmm. Interesting – thanks!
Yes! Had the oversized mens coat found in a thrift shop nyc. My Dads blazers! God I wish I kept it all. I was just telling my son about it as he was wanting a long coat.
I wore my dad’s overcoat to school. It was so the teenage lead in Uncle Buck. I love those ginormous pockets!!
YES Love this – brings back memories and I already procured 2 in the past 2 years. One is a lined MaxMara one that I got at the Nordstroms Anniversary Sale. Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! May *need* the Madewell one.
Popping in to compliment your taste, MaxMara is so elegant rich-girl.
Genuine question about these types of coats. I used to wear them in my 20s and early 30s when I had to dress up for work, but I found it virtually impossible to stay warm in them in the winter. Once I switched to puffers, I never looked back. Any advice on finding a super warm version?
As a lover of the topcoat, I tend to keep them tucked away January – February. Once it dips below 40 as a high temp it doesn’t do the job. At times, I’ll put a thin down puffer vest underneath mine to make it last longer if I’m out all day.
A long, light puffer under a wool topcoat works really well for me as a suit-wearing, public transit commuter during Canadian winters. You can find brands that do this for you (J Crew has offered them in the past), but I prefer the flexibility of the 2 pieces.
Thanks for the idea, which would definitely keep me warm, but I fear a puffer under an overcoat would leave me with a look that I couldn’t quite abide…worse than the Michelin man!
lol. I can’t abide not being able to bend my elbows either. The key for me is how insulating a thin puffer is when used as a layer. I use an old version of this: https://www.patagonia.ca/product/womens-fiona-down-parka/192964088726.html On its own, it is my spring/fall casual coat.
I have one of the Thinsulate-lined J Crew wool coats and it keeps me warm down to probably 20 or so. Below that I do need Big Puffy.
Layers!
I’m interested in your thoughts re the “boob factor” in the double breasted coats. The Madewell gray is a perfect example of what I’m referring to. Once you see those button nipples, you can never un-see them, LOL.
Curse you, Bette! It really is impossible to unsee now that you pointed it out.
I always think I can’t wear a topcoat because I’m short, but then I think…Olsen twins…all about the tailoring. That Vince one in wine…lord have mercy…it’s giving me a “hello” in all caps.
I see funnel-necked coats and turtleneck sweaters and I wonder how people wear them because Makeup. Is it possible to wear them for more than 5 minutes without smearing foundation on them? I just can’t.
I love the look of a good topcoat! Sometimes they’re just too unwieldy for daily activity but the look wins me over. I got the Nili Lotan for Target glen plaid one a couple of seasons ago and it’s insanely nice for the modest price.
Just bought that Vince in grey and it is good! Warm but not too thick. Still thin enough to be slouchy. Size down. Xx
I want all of these! Gorgeous picks.
I went to an Aritzia store today and they had some pretty nice coats, all in the $350-$400 range. The tags say that they are warm–some -10 degrees, some -20. I got my puffer from them this year, so maybe I’m just having an Aritzia moment…
This reminds me of my first real coat, which I purchased at the age of 27, to wear to meet my
new in-laws in Ireland. I’ll never forget it – it was bright red wool, calf length, very tailored. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I never had the need for an actual coat, so I was super excited! (My in-laws were incredulous that this was the first coat I ever owned). I still love coats, althought that red one is long gone alas…