If you’ve lived in the north your entire life but failed to get fully acclimated to the cold, then it may be time to invest in long winter coats – besides, who doesn’t want an excuse to purchase a brand new warm and stylish coat anyway? A high quality jacket can be quite the investment so we weighed the pros and cons to help you pull the trigger and offer five top picks that’ll help you make it through the cold winter months with a smile on your face.
Pros & Cons of Long Winter Coats
If you’re being torn between a long coat or something short and sporty, we weigh the pros and cons for you. Like anything else you buy, there’s always going to be upsides and downsides to the purchase.
Pros
An obvious advantage to owning a long winter coat is that it provides more coverage, especially on days you wear skirts or dresses. Not only does it look better when the skirt is shorter than the coat or the same length, but it will do a better job of keeping your legs toasty.
Another pro is you can wear pretty much anything under the coat and get away with it. Longer coats seem to have a more sleek design compared to shorter coats. So, if you’re running a few quick errands you don’t need to worry about changing out of your loungewear if you toss your long coat over top for a more put together look.
Cons
Probably the biggest drawback to having a long coat is that it takes up a good deal of storage and it’s hard to store overall. If you’re traveling somewhere cold, your best bet is to wear the coat instead of worrying about fitting it in your luggage, which will be a pain. However, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect packable jacket, we’ve got your back.
Additionally, if you’re on the shorter side, a longer coat may swamp you but it’s likely a necessity if you live somewhere super cold.
Top 5 Fashionably Long Winter Coats
Banana Republic
This coat proves that you can make a fashion statement even when wearing a calf length puffer coat. The mock collar looks chic and does an incredible job keeping you toasty. Snap closures, side seam pockets, and ribbed knit cuffs are all hidden. It comes in regular, tall, and petite so you can ensure you won’t be swimming in a long jacket if you’re on the shorter side.
Banana Republic almost always provides high quality products so you know you’re getting your money’s worth with this jacket.
Price: $190
The North Face
This coat is great because it comes in four different colors and is insulated with 600-fill recycled waterfowl down. The elastic cuffs leave no room for the winter chill to creep inside and the placket with heritage-style snaps covers the two-way center front zip to further lock the cold out. This coat is undeniably going to keep you warm in even the coldest temperatures.
The North Face is an incredibly popular brand when it comes to winter outerwear because it nails the perfect balance between form and function. As for form, you can use the adjustable waist belt to add some definition to your frame, which is often lacking from thick parkas. For function, there’s plenty of options for storing belongings both big and small. Between the interior secure zippered chest pocket, two top entry patch front pockets and side entry hand pockets, you’ll never run out space to keep items safe.
Price: $400
Lands’ End
The sleek style and packability of this coat combined with the price makes it an incredible steal. It’s not easy finding a long, warm winter coat that’s easy to store but this one packs into its own pocket. The 800 fill power down helps achieve a lightweight, bulk-free warmth that everyone’s looking for.
The flattering quilt lines enhance your shape with a cinched waist appearance. A nifty two-way zipper is another added bonus to help improve venting and mobility especially with a coat that hits just above the knee.
Price: $185
Michael Kors
There are many reasons to fall in love with this coat and the adjustable push clasp belt and detachable collar with faux fur trim are just the beginning. One of our favorite things is the clever knit thumbhole cuffs that add a touch of convenience and a sporty vibe. Zip and snap the buttons all the way up to the chic upright collar to keep you nice and toasty.
Aside from the obvious beauty that this luxurious coat is, you simply can’t beat how well it functions. The zippers on each side of the bottom allow you to open it for easier movement. The coat goes all the way down to your calves for extra coverage and is filled with a mixture of down and feature insulation. Michael Kors yet again proves you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Price: $440
Everlane
What’s better than a puffer that’s similar to a giant, fluffy duvet? This duvet puffer features a cozy hood, a waist belt tie closure (which we love, if you haven’t caught on by now), two side pockets, and a button and zip-up closure. The long, boxy cut differs from the other styles we’ve recommended but this coat is perfect for laying over sweaters and blanket scarves.
Everything is made from 100% recycled fabric except for the zippers and trim. Look good and feel good knowing you’re contributing to helping the environment.
Price: $248
With these long winter coats, you’ll be ready to take on the plunging temperatures like a pro.
