Best Winter Jackets and Coats for Women: Stay Warm (and Stylish)

Baby, it’s cold outside! With winter officially in full swing, there’s no better time to invest in a high quality coat to keep you toasty without sacrificing style, whether you’re braving the ski slopes, hitting the city streets, or just looking for the perfect puffer to pair with everything, activewear included.

The best winter jackets and coats for women are warm, versatile, stylish, and suitable for the climate you’ll be sporting them in. You may even need multiple options for different purposes, like a heavyweight down jacket for frigid winter temps and a beautiful, warm wool coat for dressing up. We spoke with a few stylists and scoured the Internet to discover the greatest, top-rated, coziest and cool coats to slay the season.

Our top picks for the best winter jackets and coats for women

How we chose the best winter jackets and coats for women

We spoke with four fashion and style experts to understand what to look for in the best winter jackets and coats for women, and featured a few of their expert recommendations. We also only included outerwear with plenty of positive reviews, as well as brands we personally own and love so we can vouch for the quality.

What to consider when buying winter jackets and coats for women

Quality outerwear is definitely an investment, so before forking out hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a beautiful, brand new winter jacket or coat, you’ll want to ask yourself the following questions:

Where will you wear the coat?

“When trying to decide which types of winter coats you’ll need, you’ll need to consider both the climate you live in (how cold, how wet, how much snow, etc.) and, just as importantly, what you’re planning to do in your winter coat,” says style expert Shana Draugelis, founder of The Mom Edit.

For short stints in the cold, like getting to and from your car, Draugelis recommends something cute, comfortable, and easy to take off and carry around when indoors. “But if you’re going to be standing at the playground for hours on end in the snow (or maybe even sleet), then a more technical, truly warm jacket is in order. I do think almost everyone can benefit from one stylish, fashion jacket for going out at night, though,” she says.

For extreme cold, Stitch Fix stylist Jessica Sockel says to opt for insulated parkas, while milder climates may only require a light jacket: “A breathable and waterproof option is great for outdoor activities, while a stylish wool coat is perfect for city dwelling.”

How does it fit?

As you consider the fit of a jacket or coat, you’ll want to account for what you plan on wearing underneath. Is there enough room in the arms (and under the arms) to layer the jacket over a chunky sweater, or will it only work with a thinner top? “Make sure you have enough room for layering, but not so much space that you look like the Michelin man,” advises celebrity style expert Melissa Rivers.

To stay simultaneously warm and stylish, Sockel swears by the “Three Layer Rule”. “It’s easy for anyone to replicate–it involves creating an outfit using three distinct layers that each serve a specific purpose to keep you comfortable and stylish,” she explains. “For example, start by wearing a light knit as your base layer, a cardigan over that, and finishing with a longline wool coat. This method is a great way to account for shifts in weather throughout the day and it ensures your look offers the perfect amount of variety and dimension.”

Is it warm and functional?

“When buying a winter coat, it’s important to consider factors such as insulation, material, and fit,” says Sockel. “Look for a coat with insulation made from down or synthetic materials to keep you warm during the cold season.” For those living in harsher climates, she suggests opting for materials that are both waterproof and windproof, “to protect you against the cold, along with anything else Mother Nature throws your way!” You’ll also want to think about technical details and features that matter to you, like a hood, well-placed pockets, and zippers.

Do you love it?

At the end of the day, any winter coat should suit your own personal style and functionality preferences, in addition to being comfortable to wear. Consider everything from color and length to the overall look of the jacket. Are you more of a neutrals, luxe minimalist kind of girl, or do you prefer something bold, sporty, and casual?

What’s your budget?

The best winter jackets and coats for women can range in cost from under $100 to several thousand. Determine your budget first, and then filter your search to include only options within that range. It can also be a good idea to wait for a great sale, or take advantage of first time purchase discounts at online retailers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the different types of winter jackets?

From parkas, peacoats, and puffers to wool, down, fleece, and faux fur, winter jackets come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to cater to everyone and every type of weather. “We see clients opting for parkas, which are heavy, insulated coats great for the extreme cold,” says Sockel. “There are ski jackets that are designed for winter sports and often feature waterproofing and insulation.”

Puffer jackets are perfect for her clients who want a more trend-forward look that’s still going to keep them warm, she adds, and if you’re looking for more flexibility and breathability, Sockel loves a softshell jacket. She’s also seeing a surge in popularity of wool coats and pea coats, “since they are so easy to dress up for a formal event or more casually paired over a workout set after the gym.”

When should you wear a down jacket?

According to Rivers, you can wear a down coat pretty much anywhere, as well as find them at almost any price point. Draugelis agrees, noting that down jackets are her most-worn winter coats. “They’re the best mix of warmth and comfort, and the new ones are incredibly lightweight,” she says. “I also appreciate the wide range of styles, too–everything from trendy cropped puffers (fun fact: these look amazing with dresses) to a maxi-length coat that feels like wearing a sleeping bag.” She’s worn her down jacket virtually everywhere, including running errands, going for walks, restaurants, and even to fancy parties. “It’s a really versatile piece, and cute, too!”

What’s the difference between a down jacket’s fill power and fill weight?

“Fill power tells you the quality of the down, and for truly warm parkas (or maxi puffers), this is where I like the fill power to be at least 600,” says Draugelis. Alternatively, fill weight just tells you how much down they used in the jacket overall. “In general, the higher the fill weight, the more insulated the jacket. That said, if the fill weight is higher, but the quality of down used was low (aka fill power), then the jacket may not be that warm.” She personally pays more attention to fill power.

How should a winter jacket fit?

Rivers says shoulder fit is one of the most important fits for a winter coat. “The seams should sit at the edge of your shoulders without hanging over or being too narrow,” she tells us. Sleeve length is also crucial: “Sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists when your arms are relaxed, but they shouldn't be so long that they cover your hands. Also, make sure you’re not feeling restricted when you put your coat on, because you want to have the freedom to move and layer,” she notes. “Lastly, if there’s a hood, it should fit nicely around your head without obstructing your view. Picking a coat with an adjustable hood is even better!”

How much does a winter jacket cost?

Winter coats and jackets are available at a wide range of price points, so finding something in your budget shouldn’t be tough. “Depending on what you’re looking for, I’ve found some great faux-fur jackets for under $75, and some really warm parkas for over $1,000, although you certainly don’t have to spend that much,” says Draugelis. “In general, expect to spend around $200-$500 on a good winter coat.”

How long should a winter jacket last?

It all depends–the lifespan of a winter jacket can vary greatly based on usage, quality, and care, points out Sockel. “A well-maintained, high-quality jacket can last ten or more years, while lower-quality ones may last a few years.”