"As a lifelong Chicagoan, I’ve had my fair share of winter coats. In the early 2010s, I had the black Michael Kors parka—if you know, you know. Prior to that, I had everything from Target puffers to Burton ski coats. Now, I rely on my Abercrombie parka for super cold days, a J.Crew puffer for ones that aren’t so bad, and a whole slew of “fun coats” for everything else.
So, what makes a winter coat “the best”? While curating this list of our favorite winter coats of 2024, I asked our editors to share coats that they own and love. We have more Chicagoans on the team (who are used to brutal winters), as well as some who live on the East Coast and some who live in not-so-cold climates. In addition to our editors’ favorites, I scoured the internet for the highest-reviewed coats in each category. These options are warm but won’t totally ruin your cute outfit.
Whether you’re searching for an updated parka or puffer, a dressy wool coat, or a fun fur one, there is an option below that you’ll love. Scroll on to find the item that you’ll be bundled up the most with this winter 😉.
Best Winter Parkas
If you live in cold weather, you know that a great parka is the absolute key to getting through the winter. There’s nothing worse than being out in sub-20-degree weather and realizing your coat just isn’t warm enough. These parkas meet the criteria for keeping you warm and looking cute at the same time.
A couple of years ago, I took a friends trip to Banff in Alberta, Canada, in the middle of December. It was beautiful and definitely worth visiting, but as a sunshine girly—snow isn’t really my thing—I knew that weathering the cold was something I needed to properly prepare for. This parka was my saving grace, and it might just be yours this winter, too.
—Patty Schepel, Editorial Intern
4 colors available
sizes XS – XXL; 4 lengths
A few years ago, upon moving back to Chicago, I found myself on the hunt for a new parka. I was looking for one that was actually warm but also didn’t make me feel like I was wearing a giant black sleeping bag. I settled on an older version of this Abercrombie parka, and it’s gotten me through each winter since, feeling cozy and looking cute.
—Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
3 colors available
sizes XXS – XL
I lovingly refer to this parka as my “wearable sleeping bag” because it feels like just that. This coat has kept me warm during several frigid-cold Chicago winters and is my go-to when I really need to bundle up. The length is great on my 5’3″ frame, and I love that it’s made from recycled materials, too.
—Julia Poulter, Sr. Managing Editor
2 colors available; 3 styles
sizes XS – XXL
Best Winter Puffer Coats
Puffers may not be as “intense” as a parka, but they still keep you warm during the winter season. The pro to a puffer is that they’re easy to lug around and shed off when you get to your destination. Plus, if it goes with your outfit, you have the option of keeping it on, too.
I lovingly call this Columbia coat my “golden ticket” because of its shiny gold interior that helps to retain body heat but is (somehow?) still magically breathable. It has a drawstring waist so that you can wear it relaxed or cinched, and this maroon color gives a perfect, understated pop of color that my far-too-neutral wardrobe tends to lack. I just got this coat in the fall, and so far, it’s performed stunningly in rain, wind, snow, and those particularly confusing days where it’s 20 degrees in the morning but 40 degrees by midday.
—Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Managing Editor
4 colors available
sizes XS – XXL; 2 lengths
Best Wool Coats & Wool-Blend Coats
The versatility of wool coats is definitely worth mentioning—dress down or dress up depending on the occasion. If you’re still deciding on what to wear with your holiday wardrobe, a wool coat or wool-blend coat won’t disappoint with whatever you choose. Don’t miss out on this staple this winter season. It’s a timeless piece you’ll want to add to your closet ASAP.
After a months-long search for the perfect wool coat—and subsequently trying on dozens of them—I finally found this one. I can’t tell you the amount of compliments I get on this, and I believe it’s due to the impeccable fit. It’s oversized, but not so oversized that it looks like it’s swallowing you up. With an 80 percent wool makeup and a $200 price tag, it’s pretty hard to beat.
—Madeline Galassi, Sr. Fashion Editor, The Everygirl
6 colors available
sizes XS – XL
I am the proud owner of this coat in three colors, and, honestly, I’d buy more 😂. This is the perfect lightweight coat for late fall and not-so-freezing winter days to keep you warm without adding a lot of bulk. I get so many compliments when I wear this coat—I’ve recommended it to so many friends and family members who swear by it too.
—Julia Poulter, Sr. Managing Editor
6 colors available
sizes 00 – 24; 3 lengths
Best Faux Fur Coats & Sherpa Coats
Need a coat for strolling around the winter market or just wanting to look cute in the cold? Faux fur and sherpa coats are your answer. Dressing for the cold weather doesn’t have to look dull. These coats and jackets add texture to your outfit, so you may find yourself wearing one on the daily. They’re “cool girl” worthy. The question is, which one are you getting this season?
I’m not joking when I say I’ve been hunting for the perfect jacket in this style for years. With each one I saw, there was just one little thing that wasn’t right. Then, I came across this budget-friendly option from Hollister (which is very similar to Abercrombie and worth checking out, BTW!). The quality is amazing, it’s incredibly warm, and I get so many compliments every time I wear it.
—Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
5 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL
I live in LA, so I have not bought myself a winter coat in seven years. When I’m home for the holidays in the midwest, I quite literally either borrow a coat from my mom or suffer through the cold with my light jacket. But this year I came across this Sherpa Coat from Gap that was on MAJOR sale and decided I would break my no-coat streak because I had to have it. It is so warm and high-quality I am shocked by how affordable it is, and the sherpa material feels so luxurious. The belt is such a chic touch to add a structured style element. Yes, it’s 65 degrees in LA, but you bet I’m wearing this coat no matter what.
—Josie Santi, Sr. Wellness Editor, The Everygirl
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.