Introduction

Us ladies are all too familiar with dressing a bit more lazy in the colder months. It seems so much easier to throw on sweats and fuzzy socks than to piece together an intentionally styled outfit to keep us warm. Since I have also fallen victim to dressing lazy during winter in the past, I have really tried to focus on simple ways to elevate my winter outfits. One of the most effective ways that I have found to do this is by becoming selective with the coats and jackets I am using to layer with. This one small transition has completely transformed my winter style, which is why I am here sharing it with you in this article today.

The Trench Coat

A timeless closet staple that every woman should own. Traditionally a very masculine piece, the modern trench coats are being made to suit a more feminine style with closures such as buttons and belts that highlight the smallest area of a women’s waist and create the hour glass effect. There are also trench coats available with single and double-breasted lapels depending on your personal style and preferences.

The wrap coat is essentially the same as a trench coat, but rather than relying on buttons for closure, it is accessorized with a thick belt to tie the coat closed for a clean, chic aesthetic. The wrap coat can also come in shorter variations like the pea coat style you will learn about below. You can’t go wrong with either of these outerwear options, but if you prefer a simple style with minimal detail and embellishments, I would recommend the wrap coat.

Faux Wool Pea Coat

You can think of the pea coat as a shorter variation of the wrap or trench coat mentioned above. It has similar features such as the button and belt placement without the midi-to-maxi length of the wrap or trench coat, making it another classic and timeless outerwear option.

Style tip: You might opt for a pea coat over a trench coat if it is contributing to your rule of thirds as it pertains to outfit proportions (for example when wearing a mini skirt or short dress) or if you are wanting to highlight your pants or bottoms, as the trench coat length may cover or draw attention away from that area.

The Faux Fur Coat

Whether you are heading out for a holiday party, date night, or charity gala, the faux fur coat is a fail proof option to style over your little black dress or formal attire. It will not only add warmth to your look, but also a classy and sophisticated detail.

Style tip: A well-bought, high-quality faux fur jacket can outlast real fur and requires virtually no maintenance or special care instructions as opposed to real fur.

The Faux Shearling Jacket

A great everyday option to go with your more casual outfits. This classic style is a timeless coat that you can wear for years to come. The faux shearling (interior) and faux leather/suede (exterior) material give this coat two layers of added warmth on chilly winter days.

Though there are many different styles of faux shearling jackets, the moto style is one of the most common and notoriously creates a casual and edgy look. In order to avoid buying too trendy of a moto style faux shearling jacket, be mindful of the placements of zippers, buttons, and buckles, and keep them as minimal as possible.

The Cape Jacket

Just as it sounds the style of the cape jacket creates a the appearance of a cape or poncho with no or very loose arm holes. It layers over you similar to a small blanket or shawl would with a very relaxed and flowy fit. The cape jacket is an elegant and unique coat for your more formal or elevated winter outfits. It will instantly elevate your style, and makes the perfect layer for those of you who enjoy a classic and timeless look with a twist.

The Quilted Coat

Also known as a puffer jacket, the quilted coat is a practical and easy go-to that can be extremely versatile (depending on style and material). The quilted coat is perhaps one of the most widely chosen layers here in the United States because of it’s practicality. I don’t recommend styling this jacket with your workwear or for formal occasions, but it does make a great outerwear option for all other times.

The Coatigan

One of the lesser known options, but the coatigan makes for a great light-weight layer on those warmer winter days. It is a hybrid outerwear style that is a cross between a coat and a cardigan. Typically it has the style of a longer wrap or pea coat (lapels and all), and the material of a cardigan or sweater. Additionally, if you are looking to add an under-layer to your outerwear on exceptionally chilly days, the coatigan will create a warm and effortlessly chic look to your outfit.

In Conclusion…

As you can see there are many different stylish outerwear options to chose from that you can layer over the most casual of outfits to the most elegant and formal evening gowns. No matter the outfit or occasion, being mindful of the outerwear you chose can ultimately make or break your outfit. You can even elevate your casual outfits by styling them with a more elevated coat to create a more stylish look. Your coats and jackets can take your winter outfits from ordinary to extraordinary, so layer with care.