3 Coats for Cold Winter Weather
Winter combines two of my favorite things: cold temperatures and outerwear. Growing up in Texas, winter was mild compared to almost everywhere I’ve lived since. Though there might be cold spells a few times throughout the season, it’s nothing compared to living in freezing temperatures for months.
Our first military duty station was Fairbanks, Alaska, and we acclimated so well to the winter weather, I miss it so much some days. January and February are typically the coldest months of winter in Korea with temperatures ranging from teens to low 30’s. Wool coats are great winter coats, but you also need space to be able to layer under them properly to keep yourself warm if you’re spending time outside.
If you’re traveling to a cold weather destination and have no idea what kind of coat to pack, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 3 picks for outerwear for cold weather destinations.
THE PUFFER COAT
Wearing a long black puffer coat on a winter hike
If you’ve seen pictures of Seoul in wintertime, you knew this was coming. I don’t think you can consider yourself a local in Korea if you haven’t bought a long puffer coat, and preferably in black. Besides the below freezing temperatures, the wind will bite through all your layers, so a longer puffer coat keeps everything from your upper body to your lower body warm and cozy.
A few of my non-negotiable when it comes to buying a puffer coat are: 1) a hood to protect you for the wind/weather. You’ll be sorely disappointed if you buy one without a hood. 2) dual zippers OR a zipper that stops above your knee. This is for movement practically, trust me. You don’t want your calves smushed together walking down the street, you’ll look like a penguin. 3) inside pockets. I wish every jacket had at least one good sized, usable inside pocket, but especially a puffer coat. If it’s this cold outside, I don’t want to keep my phone in an outside pocket.
If you don’t feel like you need the length, a shorter puffer coat will do a great job at keep your body warm. I just recently bought a shorter one to wear while hiking and cropped puffer coats are trending right now as well. Of all the coats on my list, this one is the most casual. This isn’t something I’d wear with a dressed up outfit, but I will rock this thing every morning while walking or biking to get coffee. You can pair this with cool insulated booties, a crossbody bag and a hat for a casual day out.
This Orolay jacket from Amazon has been a best seller for a few years now with 28,000+ reviews, 75% of which are 5 star reviews. It has a ton of pockets, a good sized hood and size extenders for more movement. It comes in kids sizes as well. This blue one is climbing the charts as well. I specifically chose the blue color to be able to show all the details on the jacket, but it comes in black and several other colors. It has two large front pockets as well as hand pockets, the hood is detachable, it has side zippers and it has windproof cuffs built into the sleeves. A lot of good features here AND it’s under $100! The one pictured is knee length but if you need something shorter, it comes in a mid-thigh version as well. This maxi length one has almost everything I mentioned that meets my needs: dual zipper, hood, and an interior pocket. Even better, the outside pockets are fleece lined so they’re extra cozy. The hood is removable, it also has built in windproof cuffs in the sleeves and it comes in 6 colors.
THE TEDDY BEAR COAT
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since MaxMara released the now iconic teddy bear coat. If you haven’t purchased a teddy bear coat let me tell you about it - it’s like wearing a cozy blanket. I have a chocolate colored one, a mauve colored one, a caramel colored one and a tan teddy bear vest but I’m still constantly looking for more unique ones to add to my collection. You can find teddy bear coats in an array of color options and price points, so there’s a fit for everyone.
My first one was a tan one from Target and I cut the sleeves off and turned it into a vest. I love that I can still get use out of this during the spring and fall and anywhere with a warmer winter than where I live now. I love a slightly oversized fit because I can still wear it a sweater underneath. I also love that a teddy bear coat jazzes up a jeans + tee outfit, but still looks chic with heels and leather pants.
This one from Jessica Simpson is under $100 (even with tax!) and comes in 5 colors. While I love the caramel color, I also think the beige/black grid is fun too! It’s also insulated, has a cool lining and will be a good length on most heights. Another great choice is this UGG version and I looooove the moss green color. If you’re into a shorter length style, this color and style from UGG is also a very pretty option.
THE FUR COAT
Wearing a faux fur coat in Seoul at Christmastime
Before you come for me, I 100% believe in buying your furs secondhand or faux. Having said that, there’s a reason you see fur coats all over snowy destinations and it’s because it really does keep you warm. This is cold-weather, Northern Europe, old money chic in my opinion. Funny enough, I think almost every ajumma in Korea owns a mink coat. I love seeing them walking down the streets in their fur and tennis shoes.
I’m not going to link any coats to purchase here because I wholeheartedly think you should buy this secondhand, so here are some Pinterest inspiration images instead! Also, don’t buy it if you don’t love it. It’s taken me about 2 years to finally find a mink fur that I love, and that’s how investing in something should be. Not rushed. Not influenced by someone else’s option. Make sure to check your local thrift stores, vintage shops and eBay for the one that speaks to you.
1) Dakota Johnson looking effortlessly chic in jeans, heels and a fur coat. 2) Leandra Medine Cohen, the original Man Repeller, in a maxi fur coat. 3) One of the OG street style icons, Mira Duma, wearing a maxi fur coat with a casual outfit.
If you’re not already, follow me on instagram at sarahsymbalisty for more daily life bits and on Pinterest for home decor and style inspiration!
Remember: just because I love something and think it’s chic doesn’t mean that you have to agree! Buy and wear what suits YOU and your lifesetyle, no matter what anyone else thinks.
