The best winter dress coats for women that don't sacrifice warmth for style
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Petite Studio, Varley, Lilysilk
Bundling up doesn't mean you have to blend in. If you're attending winter weddings, holiday parties, or alpine retreats, you'll want an winter dress coat that's equal parts polished and snug. Our favorite overcoats elevate your look with luxe materials while sealing out cold winds. Features like high collars, hoods, fleece lining, and belts add warmth and style.
Below is a curated guide to stylish and warm winter dress coats, including a handful we tested ourselves. We were able to style these coats for formal events, and they still protected us from the cold and wind. Further, you'll find picks based on extensive research from customer reviews, with an emphasis on weighty wool blends and lengthy insulated jackets. For more heavy-duty picks, check out our guide to the best winter coats for women.
Sally Kaplan/Insider
Besides the perfectly oversized fit, the thing I love most about this coat is that it's lined on the inside for added warmth. Many slouch coats are made without a lining because the lack of added structure allows the wool to drape more loosely. While that may give you a slightly more cozy silhouette, it means you miss out on any real insulation. The lining here gives the coat just enough structure to feel sophisticated and clean, but clever details like a shoulder seam that continues down the arm still gives it an almost cape-like, drop-shoulder fit.
I would personally recommend opting for the black color over the tan. While the tan might look nice in online photos, I can tell that the color is pretty flat, which means it won't look quite as elegant in person. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
"I've been wearing this trench coat since the fall, but it's followed me into the winter because I love a comfortable, slouchy long coat like this one. The Tanya Taylor Suede Clayton Coat has a roomy fit, which allows me to layer multiple sweaters underneath. The rich chocolate color is very saturated and reads as brown, even in low lighting.
Made with a heavyweight goat leather suede, this soft, thick material drapes beautifully, and most importantly, keeps me warm. The one drawback is that I'll only wear it if the forecast looks clear, since the material is so luxurious that I don't dare get it wet. But I still travel with it because it has four huge pockets, and feels like a cozy blanket when I'm on a long train ride." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Samantha Crozier/Business Insider
"I've been looking for a coat like this in every thrift store I find. Once, I tried one on that I thought would be perfect — but I quickly realized that my allergies were aggravated not only by the dust caked into the coat, but also by the fur itself.
This one from Lyla Grant gives me the look of a great vintage fur without the allergies, dubious ethics, and maintenance that a fox fur would require. It sheds minimally, looks fantastic over a dressy outfit, and gets me endless compliments." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews
Apparis, Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
"I tried on this faux fur coat as an experiment to see whether I was pulling off the 'mob wife' look, and ultimately decided I feel more myself in a fleece or down-filled winter dress coat. However, as far as faux fur goes, the Steffi Coat impressed me with it soft, cut pile fibers. I've seen how lesser faux fur can make one look like a walking fire hazard, but Apparis made this with a soft, 100% GRS-certified recycled material called PLUCHE that looks and feels expensive.
It shed a little on my first few wears, but otherwise I'm pleased with how the length of this relaxed coat reaches past my bum to keep me warm on cold nights out (especially when paired with a matching fluffy headwarmer)." —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Aligne, Shopbop
This relaxed-fit wrap coat is one of Aligne's signature styles that sells out repeatedly since its debut years ago. The George is the quintessential wool dress coat, and as seen on Katie Holmes, looks effortlessly elegant atop a silk slip dress. It has an oversized lapel and a belted waist to keep you snug, while the slant front pockets add functionality.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
When dressed up, this coat is simply made for winter weddings — but being from Patagonia, it looks just as correct when sat around a campfire. The high-pile fleece material feels synthetic to the touch and sheds a bit at first, but it does its job of keeping me insulated.
It has elasticated wrist cuffs and a high fuzzy collar also help block cool air from coming in. Even in high winds I don't need a scarf when I wear this coat. I do however wish the collar had more structure to it, because it only stands on its own when zipped all the way up.
Another great feature its its dual zipper. I tested this coat by wearing it while climbing stairs and riding a bike. Because I can leave the top half zipped and the bottom half unzipped, it means I'm warm up around my core and my legs can still move freely.
The waist pockets are lined with a hand-warming fabric and have plenty of room to carry your essentials if you rather forgo a handbag. Plus, there's a zippered interior chest pocket so you can keep your valuables secure and close. The Lonesome Mesa coat also comes in forest green and navy, but I chose the light beige because it's a refreshing switch from the dark, shadowy winter coats I usually tend towards in wintertime. —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Naadam
It doesn't get much cozier than this. Naadam is our top-tested source for high-quality cashmere, and beyond its famous sweaters, has a small selection of jackets and coats made with the famously luxe fabric.
This midi-length dress coat is made with two layers of its Super Luxe signature 12-gauge cashmere, meaning you get double the insulation and double the softness. Even better: this dense material is reversible, so you really get two coats in one. It has a bit of structure in the shoulders, then tapers out to a relaxed, roomy fit.
Marcella
Marcella is one of our favorite brands for women's basics because it each of its comfortable, wearable designs features a slight metropolitan edge. The clothing from this NYC-cool girl brand is mostly black or white, but every once in a while Marcella will surprise us with a pop of color (as seen here in this crimson 100% virgin wool number). The relaxed-fit Charlton coat comes fully lined, and has an asymmetrical seam in the rear.
Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck's elegant longline wool coat looks fit for a First Lady. It has a removable faux fur collar, which you can add on if you're on dressing up with some heeled boots and statement earrings, or take off when you're leaning more casual with denim and a beanie. The Trinity's slim fit creates an hourglass silhouette, and it's made with 100% wool to provide insulated protection from the cold.
Petite Studio
As you might guess, Petite Studio makes fashionable clothing tailored to women who are always hemming their clothing (our five-foot-two style editor Samantha Crozier can attest). If you've struggled to find a winter dress coat that doesn't drag on the ground, its Carina Wool and Silk Scarf Coat measures 42 inches from the shoulder, so it won't look like the coat is wearing you rather than the other way around. And since the scarf is attached, you won't risk leaving it behind in a cafe booth (as I've done more than times I can count). It's made with a double-faced wool-silk blend that comes in chocolate or charcoal.
Everlane
Everlane crafts this layer from a recycled wool-polyester blend, so it's a dress coat you can feel good about wearing. It has a front-button closure, a removable belt, and welt pockets, which add refinement to the fully-lined design. Choose from classic black or taupe herringbone.
Varley
I'm too accident prone to wear a full winter-white look, but this light taupe bouclé knit feels like a good compromise. Its texture stands out against typical nylon puffers, with a jacquard diamond pattern woven atop an insulating layer of DuPont Sorona fill. These après-chic details are like a Fair Isle sweater reimagined into a cozy winter coat.
Lilysilk
Despite its name, Lilysilk specializes in many natural textiles besides silk. We've tested its trench coats, cashmere sweaters, and work pants, and each time we came away impressed with the high-quality materials and craftsmanship. This chic duster is made with a silk-wool blend fabric that resists wrinkles and warms without weighing you down. The collar can stand up or lay flat. Either way, you can style the Windowpane Coat with a colorful scarf to contrast against its black-and-white pattern.
Save the Duck
Save the Duck is one of our favorite sources for vegan winter jackets. It uses PrimaLoft insulation instead of traditional down fill, which we've found provides comparable warmth to the real deal.
This high-collar puffer jacket uses the brand's own Plumtech padding, which creates a warm, cushioned layer beneath soft faux shearling. The elasticated cuffs help seal out cold air.
Buck Mason
Our style editors have come to rely on Buck Mason for its consistently luxe natural textiles, whether we're talking sweaters or sweatpants. Its Balmacaan (a Scottish term referring to this type of raglan-sleeved coat) is made with a rugged, midweight wool tweed. The vintage-inspired houndstooth pattern gives it a heritage feel.
Nobody's Child
This delicious chocolate coat from Nobody's Child feels super soft all the way to your chin with its teddy fleece-lined standing collar. The exterior is a matte synthetic sheepskin that contrasts well with polished leather accessories. It closes with unique toggle-button fastenings and has a relaxed fit to make room for layers of sweaters underneath.
Farm Rio
Brazilian fashion label Farm Rio is known for its fearless prints, and this technicolor dream coat is no exception. This maxi puffer jacket is amblazoned with a swirling print that reminds me of grandma's curtains (in a good way). It's reversible, so there's two ways to wear, and the neckline can zip all the way to the top, giving you full protection from the cold. It also has a belt to give you a more cinched-in silhouette.
Gap
With a classic straight silhouette, deep V-neck, and single-breasted buttons, Gap's Wool-Blend Wrap Coat is polished and timeless. The fit is roomy, so you can fit a bulky sweater underneath with no issue. If you prefer a more fitted look, consider sizing down. It's available in three hues, as well as petite and tall sizes.
Peruvian Connection
This dress coat is an outfit all on its own. It's a colorful, frayed longline design is patterned with shapes inspired by bark cloth from Samoa. Peruvian Connection crafts this statement piece with a beautifully soft and insulating blend of 70% baby alpaca and 30% wool. It has a classic lapel collar, spacious pockets, and a buttoning placket.
Modern Citizen
Modern Citizen is a minimalist's dream. Its muted design language offers quiet luxury aesthetic at decently accessible prices. The oversized Zephra coat is made with a textured wool-polyester blend fabric, and its super high-rise statement collar is perfect for blocking frigid breezes.
Read more in our full Modern Citizen review.
Net-A-Porter
Wear this luxe cinched puffer all day on the slopes, and it seamlessly transitions into a chic après-ski look. The waterproof coat is equipped with 800-fill power that'll keep you snug even in negative temperatures. Still, you can't deny its elegance thanks to a fitted silhouette, logo belt, and diagonal quilting. It has a fleece-lined inner, storm cuffs with thumb loops, a detachable hood, and zippered pockets.
Sally Kaplan/Insider
"I tell this to everyone I know: The Super Puff from Aritzia is the best coat ever. I have two of the really long ones in different colors because I grew up in Florida and can't stand for any part of my body to be cold. It's so incredibly warm that I barely even realize how freezing it is when I'm outside! It's great in the snow thanks to its adjustable hood, and at the opening for your hands, there's an extra little sleeve with thumbholes that prevents any wind from getting in. It's the only coat I trust for the coldest, windiest, crappiest days of winter.
I'd recommend going with your usual size for the Super Puff. I'm between a medium and a large in most coats/tops and opted for the medium because I'm really short — so that was definitely the right call for me. If you're super tall and in between sizes, I'd recommend sizing up so you can layer chunky sweaters underneath."— Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider, UGG
This coat is so cute and cozy and I love that it fits pretty much any occasion — from fancy holiday party to weekend brunch. It's really thick and warm, so perfect for the true dead of winter. I'm 5'11" and it easily stretches down to my knees, so with winter boots and a hat I feel truly bundled from head to toe. I love that it's available in plus sizes. I'm normally a 2X but sized up to a 3X so I'd have plenty of room for extra layers. It's very roomy, but still has a tailored shape to it that I find is lacking in most teddy bear coats.
The only thing to be mindful of is the bright white color, which I've found is fundamentally incompatible with life in dirty downtown Manhattan (and life with a black cat that is very intrigued by any sherpa-like fabric), but I couldn't resist the snowy white color for winter and I love the contrast it adds against my black hair.
It's dry-clean only, and I know I'll have to send it out for cleaning at least once during the season to keep it looking nice. I also think it would be a lovely choice for a bride looking for a winter wedding coat. — Lauren Savoie, former deputy editor, Insider Reviews
Talia Ergas, Aritzia/Business Insider
A leather trench coat is one of those luxury items I had written off thanks to its steep price tag. That is, until I came across this Aritzia stunner which offers a much more reasonable price tag thanks to its 100% polyurethane vegan leather. That doesn't mean it feels cheap, though: The material is so soft and buttery that it feels just like my favorite broken-in genuine leather jacket. I own the cognac hue, and I've gotten so many compliments on it.
The fit is generous on this coat, and the sleeves are long. I'm tall, so for me, the fit looked intentionally oversized, but shorter people may prefer to size down for a better fit. I appreciate that the roominess allows me to wear this coat over heavy sweaters, especially since this is a mid-weight coat that could benefit from layering on the coldest days.
Talia Ergas/Business Insider, J.Crew
The first time I saw this sleek coat, it stopped me in my tracks. Everything about it is so elegant: the herringbone weave on the stadium-cloth wool, the gold crest buttons and zipper, the high-neck collar, and the satin lining complete with an interior breast pocket. I especially love the asymmetrical flap pockets, which are an unexpected but stylish feature.
The coat comes in five colors (I chose the creamy natural hue) and it's available in classic, petite, and tall lengths. I'm 5-foot-7 and the classic length fit me perfectly. The coat fits slightly oversized, but I appreciated the roominess with the boxy silhouette. You can choose to size down if you want a closer fit, though. The high collar reaches my chin, which is nice for keeping out the wind but a bit inconvenient when I'm wearing makeup, since my foundation has rubbed off a bit on the light-colored fabric.
Sylvie Mus/Jenni Kayne
Oversized coats can be tricky to style elegantly, but this one gets a classy upgrade from its deep chocolate hue and Parisienne-inspired silhouette. The roomy fit also makes it easy to layer over thicker garments like bulky sweaters. It's made from a plush blend of 79% wool and 21% nylon.
Favorite Daughter
Stunning details set this boucle Favorite Daughter wool-blend coat apart: cotton-cashmere ribbed cuffs, faux horn buttons, and delicate stitching. It looks sophisticated over a cocktail number, but can be dressed down equally well with jeans and a sweater. This fitted ankle-length longline coat comes in three neutral colors.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie is one of my favorite places to shop for coats since many of the items come in various lengths. Take, for instance, this tailored wool-blend number, which is available in petite, regular, and tall sizing. The knee-length topper features a classic lapel collar, cozy interior lining, button-front closure, and pockets. Choose from seven colors.
Triple F.A.T. Goose
With an extremely fitted design, soft interior, and plenty of down insulation, you won't need to layer up when wearing this parka from Triple F.A.T. Goose. One of the best winter coats for women, it features an interior cinch-waist cord that you can adjust for a more feminine shape. We especially love the adjustable hood with draw cords and the extended visor that offers a little extra protection for your face. Because it's so fitted, this piece runs a bit small, so consider sizing up.
Vogue, Canada Goose
After testing a variety of Canada Goose coats, we highly recommend the luxury labels for coats that offer unparalleled warmth. With a shawl-style collar and a removable belt, you'll get some sartorial versatility from this coat, which comes in five neutral colors and fits true to size. It features recessed cuffs at the sleeve and backpack straps inside the jacket that make it easy to carry around once you're indoors.
To learn more about what makes Canada Goose coats worth the lofty price tag, check out our Canada Goose Cold Room review.
Jenni Kayne, Shopbop
If you want a coat that's suited for daily use but also dresses up well, this super plush number by Jenni Kayne fits the bill. It's oversized enough to fit over any winter layers, and roomy sleeves help with mobility. If you prefer a bit less volume, we recommend sizing down for a closer fit.
Sentaler
While the oversized hooded collar on this mid-length wrap coat offers toastiness, we have to admit we mostly love it for the drama. The exceptionally soft, warm, and lightweight baby alpaca wool is another standout feature. It has a single-button closure and a self-tie belt at the waist. It's available in seven stunning hues ranging from a sophisticated beige to a peony pink.
Anthropologie
I received this cozy mid-length coat as a Christmas gift last year, and it quickly became my favorite topper for an evening out. The faux fur fabric is incredibly soft — the coat check staff always comments on it! My favorite feature has to be the chevron pattern on the fur, though, which adds a polished and unique look.
This coat kept me plenty warm throughout the winter, though on the most frigid days, I preferred to layer up beneath and add a thick scarf because of the roomy fit. I have the tan version, which looks luxurious and elegant and pairs well with pretty much anything in my closet. I love it so much I may even double up and get the black, too.
Lands' End
This mixed-media outer layer is part quilted water-resistant polyester shell and part wool. You can remove the faux fur from the hood or remove the hood entirely, giving you three looks in a single jacket. Though it's designed to keep you snug in temperatures well below freezing, it's neither bulky nor frumpy — plus, it comes in an inclusive size range. There are two zippered hand pockets to keep your hands warm and your items secured.
Madewell
Madewell's alpaca-wool-blend coat is a bestseller for a reason. The fabric is heavyweight without being bulky, and the Smoked Claret colorway stands out against your typical black wool wrap coats. The fit is roomy, and extends past your knees to envelop you in sheer warmth.