Growing up in Utah, I almost never wore a coat. Bizarre, seeing how much snow Salt Lake City gets, but when you are young, and just going from your car to inside a shop or school, who needs a coat?
Now, I am 31 and living in New York City, and there is nothing I care more about between the months of December and March than my coats. You’d think we wouldn’t spend much time “outdoors,” but between commuting on foot and waiting for busses and subways, I think city dwellers are outside way more than your average Joe.
Last year was the first year I owned more than one coat. I usually just bough one cheap coat, and wore it to the ground each year. But I’m starting to branch out and realize that my outerwear is just as, if not more of a statement as my actual outfit.
Before you can start adding in fun coats, like teddies, faux fur, and multi color jackets, I think it is important to have the basics locked down. For me, that is a good quality parka jacket, a down or down alternative coat, and a nicer wool coat for those dressier days.
I will continue updating this post as I get new coats in and try different brands. Stay on the lookout for a post coming up all about statement coats!
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Personal Favorites
For a coat that is under $60, this one is a real winner. It is a midweight coat, great for the chiller fall days or early winter when things haven’t gotten completely bitter. I wasn’t sure how these were going to fit, so I grabbed the 4XL to be on the safe side.
I will say, I could have definitely worn the 3X, but I love the fit of the size up. It makes it roomy, easy to layer sweaters under, and is just so comfortable!
This is also H&M, just like the maroon coat above. It is $10 more, and about 100 times warmer. If I were choosing between the two for my particular life style, I would go with this one!
I am also wearing the 4XL, but I am going to be exchanging it with my usual size 3XL. If you are between sizes, definitely size down in this one. It is a bit longer in the back, and nice and heavy. The perfect coat for the days when it sits in the 30’s, though it may not be warm enough for sub freezing temps.
This coat is definitely an investment, but it keeps going on major sale, so hold out for at least 40% off! Don’t buy it full price.
With that being said, though… It is beautiful. The Italian boiled wool is gorgeous and the details definitely match the price point on this beauty. I would say it does run big, so consider sizing down. I am wearing the 24, and would normally pick a 26 for a coat. But I have plenty of room for sweaters and layers in this coat. If you find things to run tight in your arms, stay true to size.
It comes in a ton of colors, and while I love a camel coat, this one is a bit darker than I expected. More of a chestnut instead of the camel I thought it would be. The emerald green is what I will be exchanging it for.
I had really high hopes for this coat, but it doesn’t quite suit my body shape. While the quality is just as amazing as the other J Crew coat, it fit a little off. I ordered the 24 and think it fits true to size.
The upper portion in my arms, neck and chest were very oversized and bulky, while I could barely zip it up at my hip area. This would be a great coat for those with larger chests or who are straighter across the board.
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