My Four Favorite Transitional Coats

Wool Coat, Teddy Coat, Lined Raincoat (old), Leopard Coat, Headband, Turtleneck Sweater, Denim, Boots

This week the temperatures really took a turn and it’s feeling like late fall in NYC! It’s also quite clear that when it comes to outerwear, my trench coats and leather jackets aren’t going to cut it anymore. Having grown up in Chicago, I’m no stranger to seasons (especially the cold ones) and always have a well-stocked coat closet! That being said, living in the city in a small rental means my actual coat closet is quite tiny. My philosophy on outerwear fits in with my larger philosophy on clothing and shopping – I’ve learned to be strategic and intentional with my purchases and maximize comfort, wearability and versatility. Today I’m going to share four of my outwear staples that keep me snuggly and stylish throughout fall and winter!

A quick backstory – as much as I love outerwear, I really hadn’t revisited my coat closet until the last two years. Why? Coats can be expensive! Two years ago, most of my coats had been purchased in college and while some were hanging on by literal threads (RIP brown North Face puffer) others were in great condition but the silhouettes and styles weren’t ones I was reaching for anymore (farewell J.Crew Pea Coat). So, like I was doing with the rest of my wardrobe, I thought through what I really needed and wanted and slowly but surely, I’m replacing the oldies with a refined selection of quality, timeless pieces I adore. A few things I’ve learned: I wear long coats the most, camel is my favorite neutral for outerwear and it’s nice to have warm options that are not parkas (although, there is a time and a place for those, too!). 

A word of advice – if a coat isn’t serving you anymore but is in good condition, find a local shelter or wait for a holiday coat drive at your local community center, church or office and donate it. Someone will be grateful – and warm – because of you!

Now, without further ado, my transitional outwear staples!

MENSWEAR-INSPIRED WOOL COAT This is the coat I reach for time and time again. It can be dressed up or down and is warm enough on really cold days (it’s lined!). I actually have two versions of it and both are camel. This one is by Polo Ralph Lauren (2-14P, 0-18 and 14-20W) and I snagged it last year during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (a GREAT time to replace outerwear!). The silhouette is refined yet slightly boxy, which leaves plenty of room underneath for a blazer or chunky sweater. My other one is the J.Crew Regent Coat which wasn’t re-released this year but I like this one, this one and this one too!

TEDDY COAT I am 100% here for the teddy coat trend! Haters will say this phase will pass, but haters also say UGGs are old news and I wear my UGGs every single year so, I tend not to listen to haters! I actually had my eye on a Teddy Coat last year but I had just replaced my wool coat so I decided to wait. Turns out, I thought about that coat for well over a year so I ultimately purchased this version (xxs-3x) during a recent J.Crew coat sale. I’m typically more of a camel / oatmeal fan, but love the versatility of this warm brandy color. Plus, I don’t own anything like it and I already have two camel coats! I also love that most Teddy Coats are oversized, great for layering and can even be belted. I’m a big fan of this one and this one too.

LINED RAINCOAT I got this Burberry raincoat over 10 years ago during a lucky trip to Nordstrom Rack with my mom. I still can’t believe it’s mine! The waterproof material, hood and super warm, zip-in wool lining make it a multi-seasonal staple and a great option for travel. Most of my outerwear is neutral but it’s nice to have one pop of color – obviously this is mine! I have my mom to thank for that – she encouraged me to go with the red and I’m so glad I did. Although they don’t make this exact coat anymore, I’ve included similar options like this one and this one. Having owned and loved this coat for so long, I can confidently say that if I had the option to buy something similar for full price I would. It’s well made and will stand the test of time – definitely worth it in my book.

LEOPARD COAT I adore leopard. I view it as a neutral and wear it every season, every year. I like to think of this coat (xxs-xxl, 14-24P) as classic with a twist! The versatile funnel neck, hidden snap closure and multi-colored print (the pops of white are so dreamy) make it incredibly versatile and easily paired with almost anything (including other leopard prints!). I originally purchased a darker leopard printed cropped coat, but after it sat in my closet for a few weeks (unworn), I realized I wasn’t reaching for it because of the short length. I returned it and went with a longer option – it’s just as soft but the long length means I’ll wear it well into winter. I love how shorter coats look on other people but realistically, I’m a long coat person and prefer to stick with what I know I will wear. I’m so excited to wear this beauty this season – it’s such a fun addition to my more traditional coat collection. This one and this one are cute too!

Which staple is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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