No matter where you live or your personal style philosophy, it’s tough to argue being cold is preferable to being warm. Most of us have experienced at least once the uncomfortable feeling of underdressing — then getting caught unprepared in the wind, rain or snow and shivering our way through the rest of the outing.
A truly great outfit appears stylish and helps the wearer remain comfortable and confident throughout the day. Another way to look at it: Your outfit is only complete if you’re dressed for the weather too.
Any well-rounded wardrobe will contain a collection of jackets, suitable for everything from a mild-yet-breezy spring afternoon to the chilliest day of the year. Which one you reach for on any given day will depend on the forecast and the region in which you live. But the bottom line is having outerwear choices is key to staying comfortable, safe and stylish year-round.
Here are five different types of coats every city dweller needs.
Fall/Spring Jacket
The first wardrobe staple is a light jacket for when the air starts turning brisk during the fall or when it finally has started to warm up in the springtime.
This is a fun one to shop for because there are lots of options, like:
- Denim
- Bomber
- Workwear
- Faux fur
- Shearling
- Sweater
- Leather
The key to rocking a fall/spring jacket is layering with t effectively — whether that means anchoring the look with a turtleneck, a sweatshirt or even another jacket.
Lightweight Windbreaker
If you’re someone who likes to run outdoors or not so much, having a lightweight windbreaker in your closet is a great way to stay protected against the elements — without having to throw on a bulkier jacket in which you might overheat. Luckily windbreakers have experienced a fashion resurgence, so there are lots of interesting cuts and colors from which to choose.
Sleek Trench Coat
While trench coats came into the fore during World War I as utilitarian military outerwear they have now morphed into a true fashion staple. Versatile and striking, these two qualities ensure the trench coat will stick around on “must-have” lists for years to come.
Stylish, Cozy Wool Coat
Designer women’s wool coats come in all shapes and lengths, but they all tend exude a timeless sense of city-appropriate chic. Whether you choose a more traditional peacoat or an edgy oversized fit, these garments are versatile enough to go from work to happy hour to special events. Moreover, wool is naturally water-resistant and warm, so it’s a sure bet you’ll stay toasty.
High-Performance Winter Jacket
Mountain climbers and snowboarders understand the value of a good jacket. While you might not be shredding much powder or facing Everest-like conditions in your city, it’s still important to invest in a high-quality, high-performance winter jacket meant for especially low temperatures.
There’s good news for the fashionistas out there: You don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. In other words, you don’t have to step outside looking like the Michelin man just to stay warm — even if you live in the Midwest or along the East coast where winters can get treacherous and sub-zero.
The key is doing your research and understanding the ratings for each jacket, then choosing one that looks great and performs well on the coldest days you’ll face.
Every city dweller needs a range of outerwear for the sake of style and comfort. These five categories will help you build your wardrobe to cover all the bases.