Happy New Year. It’s time for our first Signature Style of 2025 with Cindy. I am excited to share some gorgeous coats that would be a quality addition to your winter capsule closet- some on markdown. A good coat is always a smart investment that you will wear for years.
I had a hard time making this post as there are so many good coats out there – some just waiting to be worn- hanging in a closet. Others are waiting to be bought. I hope this meandering post inspires you to see what you have, wear your coats in new ways and get them out! Maybe you need a new one?
I love seeing women in a proper coat. The world could use with a bit of more dressing up. Anytime I make the effort to get on a nice coat, I feel better than schlumping out in my athletic clothes. So why don’t I do it more? Just the addition of a coat on top of my everyday look- be it workout wear, or jeans, elevates my look!
The winter coat you didn’t know you needed..
It’s been extra cold in a lot of places this year. You may be asking yourself, do I have the right outerwear? We Californians can get by with minimal jackets many years, but this year is different. I have worn a long puffer jacket (my sleeping bag coat), many days in December. I also have been rotating between my longer wool coats.
I love a puffer (just added another -later in this post), but lately, I have been seeing more young women wearing these longer wool coats and I love it. In Tahoe I saw a group of gals had them on with sweaters and snow boots and it looked great. If your wool coat feels like a burden, you may need a lighter weight one. I have a few that are unlined and still super warm, minus the heaviness. I appreciate that when running about… I can get overheated easily. I think they are perfect for west coast climates and if you take one to colder regions, just add a puffer underneath.
My coat closet.. and last year’s coat addition found at TJ Maxx.
Let’s look at coat styling inspiration, many from Pinterest…
Something BLUE!
Maybe it’s the new year, but I am craving blues. I love a long coat like this look on Blake Lively I shared last year. The mix of hues looks so good.
Similar is the lovely blue Mixed Media trench coat (also here )with hoodie with a zip jacket that’s removable. I also adore this Bernardo hooded coat, (half off), and this ombre longer coat (on sale).
I have a classic navy belted Marta Coat above left and below left, (on sale) from Rails I bought last year that is such a great wardrobe staple. Rails coats are a good investment and well made with beautiful fabrics. Their Everest coat which is simple and also unlined and perfect, (many colors), below right… My coat above right is J. Crew and they still make this chic zip Italian wool coat (on sale) or longer version now.
Print and Statement Coats
These coats are an outfit themselves. All you need to do is throw it over basics- jeans, black pants, whatever and you are set. Think leopard coats, big prints, or a fresh color. This L’Agence coat worn by Emily in Paris star Lilly Collins is happy in the dark days of winter! I want happy come January and February.
L’Agence makes some beautiful pieces and this coat is an investment. Avec Les Filles has something equally as fun on sale, not the same weight or material, but a similar feel. (Also here.) Reviews say it runs bigger. Emerson Fry, my favorite place to buy coats (made in the U.S.) has this plaid cutie right. Links are also in the photos.
I have a leopard coat I throw in when I want to feel extra stylish from Emerson Fry. They no longer make it, but there are preloved versions of it on resale. Similar here and more here and here.
I love leopard and this bold one by Avec Les Filles is on sale here and here. I alos love Rail’s leopard coat and it is still available in the UK. I also really dig this BR Coatigan with a cool print that has a zebra/herringbone look.
I also love the Lore Coat by Rails. At the event I hosted with them last year, our friend Minh bought the green and it is so pretty on. I bought the plaid, which has been a conversation starter. People always ask me about it and it’s a joy to wear!
The Camel Coat
Who doesn’t love a camel coat? I think Love Story, winter holidays in New York, and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Grace Kelly all delivered in one garment. You won’t look edgy in a camel coat, but rather one who is above trends and fads. A good camel coat will serve you well -maybe even for a lifetime. My grandmother had one and wore it for decades.
A few to consider…
This by Rails is slightly oversized and unlined. This coat is beautiful and comes in many colors. Their Opera coat is another gem and on sale now. Another on my radar is this new sweatshirt material peacoat/trench by Frank & Eileen.
I also fell in love with this camel coat by BA&SH. Love the drawstring tie. I tried it in the store during the event last November at Bloomies in Valley Fair. It is a gorgeous piece. Also beautiful is this creamier camel coat (half off now) by Reiss, right.
A few others I dig…
Other Coats I love…
I have a green coat that I found years ago. I mix it with other green tones sometimes and with neutrals or just jeans and a white t-shirt.
I love a colored coat and this green one is beautiful, simple and unlined from BR. This longer wool wrap coat by Hobbs London is a bit pricier, but gorgeous. This toggle coat is perfect for your weekend in New England dreams…
A good made in America brand…
I adore Emerson Fry coats and have four of them. I have slowly collected them over the years. They are made in Brooklyn, New York and are amazing quality. Their coats aren’t on sale, and usually sell out and are made in small batches. Right now on my list are this Double Button cashmere wool number and this Layering Jacket in army green.
Puffers
I bought this Herno puffer after wanting one for years. I love the bracelet sleeves, the lightness and the high, but soft collar. It is the perfect layering jacket. and for travel. It’s very warm for the weight and made in Italy. I always thought it was too much money. Finally, I used some funds I saved and bought it over Xmas. So happy with it! They also come in longer versions and other options here.
I love the bracelet sleeves in this and the puffer below, and other coats. You can have a sweater or blouse peek out and your bangles can show!
A lovely alternative at a lower price is this cute option from J.McLaughlin here in a few hues.
A few others to consider…
Are you a coat wearer? Are you like me and have too many? Love to hear your favorite brands and ones you’ve treasured for years in the comments!
I wish you a cozy January! I’ll be back on Saturday with the weekend meander.
If you missed the last Signature Style, we shared jackets and I shared essential jackets every closet needs here.
Please stop by Cindy’s blog and check out her coat edit..
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
Kim
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Hi Kim,
Happy 2025! Yes it has been chilly in the Bay Area and I’ve finally been wearing some of my winter coats from NZ that have been languishing in the wardrobe for years!
Thank you for a great roundup of coats… love the blue ombré one. Here’s to a toasty warm winter in chic coats! X
Happy New Year Fiona! Yay for you wearing those coats. I adore that ombre one too.
I bet your NZ coats are quality wool. Stay cozy! xo
Happy New Year.
Love your thoughts and ideas.
Thank you so much Paul!
Happy New Year to you too.
I’m a coat addict. My favorite is from Trina Turk, wrap style. Of course, now that I’m retired and live in the mountains of Western North Carolina it feels too dressy for everyday. I use my puffer for very cold mountain days.
Hi Laura, me too. Oh I love Trina and her things are so nice. The wrap coat is beautiful!
I think that is a classic and I should add it here! Thank you. Sounds beautiful where you are.
I knew if I read this, I would be in trouble!! I rarely read fashion posts from others (other than you!) that I find myself wanting something. Darn, that Avec de Filles leopard in brown is to die for, and the BR green unlined one. How on earth did I miss that! I am crazy over that shade of green. You are so right about how a nice coat elevates a look. I wear my casual ones way too much!!
I want that coat too! Isn’t it good? It’s too hard to write these without falling in love with something…
I love the green and it would be so good on you Cindy! I have been trying to wear a coat a day this week, and it’s been fun.
xo
Hi Kim, Happy New Year! It’s good to see you back with the blog.
I love coats, but realistically there’s a very short window here for just wool coats. Mostly I have puffers and one really good parka. But I love the selection you’ve shown – I especially love a camel coat; a Max Mara one would be my Holy Grail!
Happy New Year Patricia!
I know we have a small time to wear them here. Oh to have the Max Mara camel coat!
You have great taste. Someone asked me if my Emerson Fry Camel coat, from a few years ago, was Max Mara…
At the time I had no idea that coat was such a sensation!
Hi Kim,
First of all welcome back! You have been missed.
YOU are the most fashionable coat, jacket lady that I have ever come across.
I donated all my coats, they were either too big, or too heavy for our climate when we moved here from Marin County. I love a puffer vest. I have lots of colors and wear those to keep me warm. I did keep my leopard coat. I love yours, you look great in that and so many others.
Happy healthy New Year, we intend to welcome the year 2025 with tolerance, sense of humor, resilience, and above all, hope to carry us through challenging times ahead.
Hi Katherine!
Aw thank you and happy New Year!
I can understand being in Az you may not need coats so much anymore! Puffers sure do a good job don’t they? Yay for keeping the leopard.
I know we will have to hang together in this new year. Sending you hugs. xo
Happy New Year! I am new around here and happy to be here. I found your blog while pinning recently.
I love coats and just bought a men’s navy wool coat second hand. I have yet to wear it but wanted it for the oversize look it would give. It just got really cold here in GA so I guess I will be wearing my “new” to me coat soon enough.
Have a wonderful week!
Hi Shon, Welcome! I am glad you found me.
Great idea getting a man’s second hand coat. They are usually so beautifully made and often rarely worn! It’s a great idea to get that oversized look.
Stay warm and I hope you get to enjoy your coat.
Thanks so much for your note! xo
Hello Kim,
Happy New Year! I just bought a coat on sale from Hobbs USA site as they do excellent classic coats and petite sizes in 100% wool. I also love Harris Wharf London and their gorgeous saturated colors but they did not have my size.
Love your picks; especially Emerson Fry which always has such beautiful things. Take care friend!
Hi Francesca! I think the Hobbs coats are lovely! So nice when they are 100% wool. I’m sure you are going to enjoy that for a long time.
So happy for you. Enjoy it! xo
Happy New Year. Hope it’s a great one for you. No coats for me atm, swimsuits instead. I love the green one and the green pants you are wearing.
Thanks Rita! Swimsuits sound good! x
Great post, Kim. It’s so cold here today. I’m going to follow your links!
Happy New Year.
Mary Ann, I saw it was going to be in the 30s there in Florida! I couldn’t believe it. Stay warm! I hope you save some of your coats from SF!!
xo
Thanks Mary Ann!
Hi, Kim —
Nice to hear from you! I am also a sucker for coats and jackets. Just need to work on wearing the ones I own! I have a lovely double breasted camel, a black funnel-neck car coat, and an apple green cashmere coat. I just looked at that last one and there was a receipt in the pocket from March 11, 2020 — the week I stopped dressing up and going downtown to the office! (Also a bunch of old kleenex… ) Ok, I will wear it to my chiropractic appointment today! So often it is wet here in Portland and I grab casual. Thanks for the inspiration to make an effort to wear my coats this season!
Julia, Sounds like you have a beautiful collection! I love the description of all of those- especially the green. Isn’t that funny about the date in the pocket being 2020? I feel like a lot of things stopped then. I bet a lot of us have coats and dressier clothes that haven’t been worn since that time. So glad you are wearing it to you chiro today. I get grabbing casual coats for the wet. I do the same.
Hope you have a lovely day in beautiful Portland!
Kim, I love coats and jackets too! Since it rains a lot here in west coast BC , I have to opt for a raincoat or jacket often. But I can still add some interest with a scarf . I am happy that, having lost some ‘padding’ especially up top, my Brooks Brothers classic tan trench coat fits so much better. I worked there years ago, in Calgary, and was able to enjoy employee rates. It is a staple now , and I feel stylish when wearing it. Will be used on the two trips I have planned this year, my 75th …spring in Netherlands on a river cruise and then in the fall ,starting in Paris, and touring the Yorkshire Dales and another visit to Scotland . Definitely wearing in Paris! I have a leopard print raincoat as well, with a hood when needed dashing from the car. Athleta puffers are so useful… 3/4 length with hood , jacket , and a vest. All fall colours and so useful… bought during sales. My lux Max Mara black wool coat is my gem. A 40% off bargain I couldn’t resist and will enjoy for many more years. I edited my closet due to downsizing and consigned some very good pieces. Nice to have the cash and know someone else can enjoy them. Don’t get me started on my wool wrap jackets or blazers! Again, it has to be dry to wear one. I also have that lovely green you wear so well. I receive such lovely compliments when I wear a wrap coat and scarf combo.
I end with this… agreeing with Katherine’s wise words regarding the year ahead . Apparently we may be your 51st state… “ not a snow balls chance in hell” to echo our outgoing PM! Have a great beginning to this year ahead, Kim.
Cath sounds like you have some gems. Wonderful you kept your Brooks Brothers! MaxMara coats are amazing too. That was a great investment! I love wrap coats too.
I want to apologize to you as an American. Trump does not represent us and that 51st state was so heartless and awful to our best ally in the world. I keep remodeling myself that nearly 90 MILLION Americans did not vote. That means those who voted for him, are a small portion. Know most of us adore Canada and are thankful to you all during this terrible fire.
Happy 2025 to you too.
Kim, sincerely no apology required! Trump is such an egotistical man he needs to be constantly in the news…and loves being a disruptive influence.His type feeds on shock value . Watching the fires in LA is so upsetting…such loss…worst is lives gone. We here know the angst of forest fires …experienced several awfully destructive ones. As good neighbours, we help, just as the USA helped us. Hopefully the returning Santa Ana winds are not as forceful this week. Give the heroic firefighters a better chance at containment, and an eventual end .
Love this post, Kim! Your IG stories inspired me to order a red oversized boucle coat from Macy’s. I love a wool coat, but have really just been wearing puffers since I moved to Maine. This one is long and the fabric is thick, so it should keep me warm here! Love the idea of styling it with casual jeans and even athleisure wear. I need to get a cozy cashmere beanie to complete the outfit. Years ago when I was in grad school I had a green plaid coat that I loved and wore to class every day in the winter! Why did we stop wearing coats?! Thanks for the inspiration!
Molly so glad to hear about the red boucle coat from Macys! It sounds lovely. I know it’s a nice change to see one with athleisure wear right? Oh your green plaid sounds cool. I know I don’t know why we stopped wearing coats!? We have to get back to them!
Happy New Year, Kim,
I think an outfit’s third or outer layer enhances or detracts from the overall look. You have a fantastic coat selection, and many excellent options are on your wish list. Thank you for sharing your shopping inspiration!
Rosemary
Rosemary I agree! Aw thank you.
Kim, coats and jackets are one of my favorite closet pieces. I have so many winter coats that my husband says I could wear a different one every day this winter.
You have found so many beautiful pieces to add to your wardrobe, classic pieces that will last for years!
Hi Kim,
Happy New Year! Love your Herno jacket, it looks great on you. Would you mind sharing what size you got?
Thank you,
Laura
Hi Laura, Happy New Year! I just looked and I have a 44 Italian size or American size 8. It’s got a lot of room for a sweater and I love how light, but warm it is. I hope that helps.