Outerwear AW23

Often worn six months out of the year, winter coats can be easy to tire of. Versatility matters, as does fit, flattery and quality to look stylish through the (seemingly never-ending) winter season. Plus outerwear can be pricey, so valuing investment pieces with a focus on cost per wear will help you make smart, informed and guilt-free purchases with staying power. Consider these timeless, perennial styles that promise to deliver style and substance season after season:

1. Teddy Bear Coat
   The iconic Teddy Bear Coat is a cult classic known for nostalgic-stirring comfort that simulates a cuddle. Classic, cute and cozy, its simple double breasted, single-button design with statement lapels and plunging pockets allow for a silhouette exaggerated just enough but without overwhelming. From polyester to camel hair, range of materials vary in both quality and cost so consider potentials like pilling and soiling before purchasing. Pair with body skimming separates like leather leggings, skinny turtlenecks and bodysuits to minimize bulk.

2. Puffer coat
   The reliable puffer coat can weather any storm — literally. Its ripstop nylon outer shell is tear-proof, water-resistant, quick-drying and easy to clean, making it the most durable, high-performance wardrobe workhorse through winter. Look for features like insulated liners, interior pockets, elasticized cinch cords and detachable hoods — with or without fur trim — to benefit from all the bells and whistles. This is a great silhouette to dress up or down, so consider pairings from weekend wear to black tie, and everything in between.

3. Belted coat
   The minimalist belted coat is the best way to look and feel bulk-free through winter. Its pared-down design keeps a nipped waist the star of the show, minimizing volume and maximizing femininity. Go for quality wools — ideally cashmere or camel hair, and the finer the better — for the most streamlined silhouette, and look for hallmark design details like slit or patch pockets, peak lapels, shawl collar, fur trim, detachable sash belt and no liner. Always accentuate the waist by wearing it cinched, or leave it open with sash belt loosely tied in back — a trick to visually taper the waist and direct attention to it.

4. Double-breasted coat
   The classic menswear-inspired double-breasted coat couldn’t look dated if it tried. Its iconic silhouette is unisex, timeless and elegant, making it a worthy investment for anyone and everyone. Look for clean, tailored silhouettes with waist flap pockets, single chest pocket, back vent and silk liner, and pair with streamlined pieces like pencil skirts, sheath dresses and skinny jeans. Avoid gangster-style, trend-forward or oversized-designs with exaggerated details like statement shoulder pads, extra-long sleeves and extra-wide lapels. And if you’re petite, avoid double-breasted coats altogether. It’s just too much bulk that visually widens and shortens.

5. Duffle coat
   Duffle coats are more stylish than you think. Look for contemporary interpretations of this classic style with reimagined design details that set a whimsy — not preppy — tone like bubble shapes, metal toggle closures, clean patch pockets, contoured sleeves and statement hoods. Shop quality wool materials in your most serviceable dark neutral — camel, navy, olive, black — and pair with sophisticated elements like leather, metallics, fur and tulle for high-low juxtapositions that keep the look modern, fresh and fun.