The Best Winter Coats for any budget
Tis the season to bundle up – and being from the very cold city of Chicago, I get a lot of questions about winter coats. The truth is, I’m not an expert at all! I own J.Crew’s Wintress Puffer and Cocoon Coat, a quilted Ralph Lauren Coat that’s currently unavailable, and a few other super cute options that aren’t quite as warm as those three. And I get through Chicago winters just fine with this lineup. Well, with the help of multiple layers, cozy sweaters, oversized scarves, hats, and fuzzy mittens, of course!
So, if you’re shopping for a coat, I’m not going to tell you that you need to spend $1000 on a Canada Goose coat in order to survive the rest of winter. If you want to invest in one, more power to you! If not, I’ve got a bunch of other options at lots of price points, ready for you to add to your collection. Let’s have a look!
BUDGET BUYS: The Best Winter Coats Under $250
I think it says a lot that I’ve lived in Chicago, Syracuse and New York City and I’ve never spent a fortune on my coats. Of course it’s not because I don’t believe it’s worth it, but if you can find something within you budget, you can totally get by! This one is a lot like the RL coat I own and love… and how darling is this Club Monaco Ruffle Coat? Swoon! Here are a few more under $250:
SPLURGE: The Best Winter Coats Over $250
On the other hand, if you have the cash and you’re freezing – why not invest in a super warm coat? Especially one you can hold on to forever? Every person I know who has a Canada Goose swears by it, but if you need something that costs a little less, I’m dying over this Madewell coat. How perfect are those layers?! Here are a few more investment coats:
Do you love your winter coat?
Or are you looking for another one? I’d love to know what gets you through the winter months!
January 24, 2018 @ 8:27 am
Aritzia parkas are hands down the best investment winter coats IMO!! You can get a vegan parka (for real!!) or a responsibly sourced goose down parka for a fraction of the cost of Moncler or Canada Goose. I absolutely hate all the terrible things I’ve read about the way those companies source their down so I love that Aritzia has great options you can feel good about!
January 24, 2018 @ 9:44 am
Ali, SO glad you commented here! I always forget about Aritizia coats because I don’t own one – but I looooove yours! Such a good point about responsibly sourced, too. Thanks for the tip!!
January 24, 2018 @ 11:06 am
I never feel bad about spending money on outerwear because I know here in Chicago there will inevitably be an occasion to wear ALL kinds of coats! I bought a new parka by Helly Hansen in November, which was awesome for those bitter cold days. But then I got uncomfortably hot on my commute, or while running errands – so I just purchased the Patagonia Radalie Parka (~$200) which is great for the 25-40 degree temps. Both coats are green, which I love because it’s pretty neutral but not black. And that Madewell coat you picked out is super nifty!
January 24, 2018 @ 11:10 am
Oh I don’t know Helly Hansen coats! Patagonia is an awesome brand though – love that you have 2 for different temps!