For those of you who don’t know, I grew up in Watertown, New York. Chris jokingly calls it, the North Pole. When you Google it, you’ll see that it’s only 30 miles from the Canadian border! So…I can confidently tell you, I really know cold. Not just below-freezing temperatures, but ‘below-ZERO temperatures with negative, double-digit wind chills’ temperatures! Now, I live in Telluride, Colorado where it isn’t quite Watertown-cold…but it’s still pretty darn cold. I think you get the picture. I know from firsthand experience what extreme cold is like and how to stay warm.
But, in order to stay warm, you don’t have to look like the Michelin man and sacrifice style. I firmly believe you can have both. Below, I’m sharing some of the best and warmest winter coats and jackets for real cold weather that are also stylish! If you live in a cold climate, you will love this list. Even if you don’t, you may still benefit especially if you plan to travel to a chilly place.
BTW, if you’re interested in how to layer your clothes step-by-step, in order to stay warm, make sure you read
#1 | Puffer Jacket
Fasttrack is a Telluride-mom favorite that I originally found out about from one of the local boutiques here. You know that if it’s sold in the local boutiques of a ski town…it’s legit warm! It’s a very luxurious, Pakistani brand that makes beautiful, lightweight puffers that are chic, effortless, and perfect for layering (but warm enough on their own too!). They’re a little pricey, but if you live in a cold climate or frequently visit a cold climate, it’s worth investing in a coat that’s actually warm that you’ll wear every single year!
This puffer is a really pretty taupe color that’s different than the usual black and gray puffers you see everywhere during the winter. It’s super warm, lightweight, drapes beautifully, and is great for layering. The funnel neck helps to keep your neck warm, and I love the longer length for keeping my legs and butt warm. The overall fit is slimmer, so you don’t get that Michelin Man look, but it still creates shape and has some forgiveness. One sizing note, the sleeves have a slimmer fit.
This is the perfect jacket to wear if the weather is a little iffy and you’re not sure if the sun is going to come out. Or if you naturally run hot and just prefer a lighter jacket. I’m wearing a size 38 and it runs true to size.
