by Sarah Morrison
If you happen to be an East Coast dweller like myself, then chances are high that winter wardrobing has sprung to mind quicker than a New York Minute. Mother Nature, often a prickly friend, has evidently, foregone the autumnal act in favor of its bone-chillingly cold counterpart (freezing much?), which leaves us cranking up the heat at any possible opportunity. The temps we come to expect not now, but most appropriately in the early days of the calendar year are indeed the returning visitor we didn’t quite ask for, but here’s hoping a short visit, at least!
Now while classic wax jackets, sweater coats, and the sheer magic of lightweight layering still play the part in navigating those sporadic warm fronts that float by, the gripping quality in the air that’s increasingly common means we’re going to need options—warmer options—and sooner rather than later.
Which brings me to the topic at hand: outerwear. The finishing polish, so to speak. The right selection of which can anchor any outfit with warm refinement that still, impressively, goes easy on the wallet. Flirting between high street and down-to-earth luxury, the greatest hits of the outerwear world are classic for their timeless quality, sure, but most importantly, for their well-justified price; one that doesn’t completely water eyes, going further with our dollar and, in our individual style.
As a few select brands can proudly boast themselves, contrary to the naysayers, warmth, style, and (relative) affordability can indeed be achieved; in fact, they’re surprisingly within close reach. Here, I’ve rounded up 7 chic, yet very well-priced coat brands that are perfect fodder for conquering whatever the winter chill has in store now, later, and, in the many years to come.
1. Ba&sh
If there ever was a tangible representation of chic Parisian winter style, Ba&sh is most definitely it. Borrowing from the City of Lights’ polished, yet effortless sensibility, Ba&sh’s outerwear line is irresistible for its versatile offering of designs that can dress up or down with ease, and fabrications that just beg to be touched (thanks, virgin wool). It’s a no-brainer, this is one aesthetic you’ll want on heavy rotation all season long.
Price range: $430-$865 at ba-sh.com
2. Club Monaco
Club Monaco stands up season after season for its commitment to refined silhouettes that are thoughtfully designed for ease and modern appeal. Never neglecting on the details, their tailored coats, often marked by warming hues and fits that flatter just right, are the staples worth wearing over and over again.
Price range: $349-$695 at clubmonaco.com
3. & Other Stories
No one brand does statement style quite like & Other Stories. And we will never tire of it—frankly. It steals the show for its bevy of dramatic silhouettes that break away from the expected, yet don’t necessarily overwhelm. What’s more to love? The versatile colorways play well with pretty much everything in our closets.
Price range: $149-$349 at stories.com
4. Mackage
The everyday, made luxe: that’s Mackage. Incredibly easy for its grab-and-go range of silhouettes, and elevated for its high-performance materials, Mackage is swiftly becoming the new holy grail for every fashion girl around. As for the pretty penny the price begets? Surely worth its weight in the endless looks you’ll steal wearing any one of their incredibly flattering silhouettes—no questions asked.
Price range: $550-$1,690 at mackage.com
5. Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti knows a thing or two about sophisticated dressing on a budget. Take, for example, their impeccably designed (and reasonably priced) puffer jackets, to start. Incredibly warm white duck down filling marries decidedly chic designs, like lamination and richly hued palettes to offer a “step above” sensibility that’s hard to pass up.
Price range: $120-$1,300 at massimodutti.com
6. Wilfred by Aritzia
Canadian-label Aritzia owes much of its success to its closely-curated line of elevated essentials, found most consistently in its beloved Wilfred collection. The outerwear is no exception: the Wilfred collection is one to watch each year for its interesting plays on texture, color, and pattern, bringing a cool twist that doesn’t overwhelm its wearer. Unexpected interest at its finest.
Price range: $198-$450 at aritzia.com
7. Cuyana
If you’re determined to achieve the same unmistakable comfort of your favorite lived-in sweater, look no further than Cuyana. Throw-on-and-go is Cuyana’s silhouette speciality, as is its ability to look as good (and warm!) as it feels. Needless to say, this one is the easy choice for leveling up in your work-to-weekend circuit.
Price range: $295-$495 at cuyana.com
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