It’s the middle of November and I still don’t need to wear a coat. In Minnesota. Global warming concerns aside, the weather has been pretty amazing and I’m doing my best to make the most of it. But winter is inevitable, and after spending last year freezing in layers upon layers underneath my thin fall jacket, it was time to invest in a real winter coat.
I looked at all of the options… probably too many, as it made narrowing and choosing terribly difficult! Admittedly, many of these options are investment pieces. If you buy a well-made, classic coat, there’s really no reason why it won’t last forever, so I belive that American Made outerwear is worth investing in. (Besides, your coat and boots are really all people see for about 6 months of the year! You can wear the same jeans and white t-shirt underneath every day and no one would notice.) Some of my favorites:
I never feel more like myself (or perhaps, the version of myself that I want to be) than when I’m wearing my leather jacket. If you have a thinner version, try layering it under your winter coat, like a bad-ass blazer.
1. The Arrivals Rainier Leather Moto
2. The Arrivals Moya Waterproof Shearling
3. Veda Grand Leather Jacket
4. ThePerfext Brooklyn Leather Jacket
Probably the most important category shown today. I like to these of these as “grown-up” jackets…
1. Nili Lotan Wrap Kimono Coat
2. Veronica Beard Chesterfield Dickey Coat
3. Smythe Pyramid Coat
4. ThePerfext Manhattan Coat
Because you still want to look pulled together when you are running errands, shopping, etc. and it’s freezing out, and the old North Face puffer just isn’t cutting it anymore.
1. Zero + Maria Cornejo Edi Trench Coat
2. No. 6 Parka Coat
3. The Arrivals Artemis Modular Parka
4. Veronica Beard Granite Parka
Less critical, but it’s always nice to have a beautiful, fun coat to throw on for a holiday party or when you are dressed up.
1. Laveer Nordic Coat
2. Creatures of Comfort Maureen Coat
3. Cocoon Cashmere Swing Cape
4. Rachel Comey Trail Coat
Woah. That’s a lot of options! What’s your go-to jacket? As for me, I scooped this up (in black) during a 20% off sale at a local shop last month. It hasn’t been cold enough to wear it yet, but that hasn’t stopped me from putting it on inside a few times!
Graphics for The American Edit by REBECCAH ERICKSON