The first coat style that comes to mind, and that works for men and women, is the classic trench, or not so classic trench. If you have any old trench coat from one of your parents, or you can find one, this is a great winter coat idea because it'll keep you cozy and, when dressed up well, it can be very fashionable. If paired with a collared shirt, straight jeans, and high heels, it can look elegant yet simple. Or, for a more formal approach, you can pair it with a short, fitted dress. For guys, you can pair it with a crisp top and dark jeans with nice leather shoes or oxfords.
Another coat style which all of us struggle with, is the puffy coat, or overly large and long, overall big coat. It is not hopeless. Just don't revert to this (You and your dog can look much better than this):
First of all, I love Emma Stone. But I'm not just saying this because I love her. She knows how to work the long puffy coat, even in powder blue. The way she pairs it with knee socks, plain but high boots, and a mini skirt makes the perfect statement and works with the coat. When in doubt, go with a short skirt and boots, (and knee socks if so desired) but keep it all toned down since there's a lot going on with the coat.
Plain old big coats are a good choice too, because when worn with a big scarf (like above) and skinny tailored pants, it can give a badass chic effect. This army green color is the perfect accent, too.
Also, if you can find a somewhat unique puffy coat, like the one above, that can make it easier to work with. But remember, not too much with the puffy/big coats, at least in the way of fitting because if you have a huge coat, flare pants, boots, a big hat...ahhhhhhhh. Don't do it. Your friends won't be able to find you under all that fabric.
Another smart fashion choice to make in the way of winter jackets is the leather bomber. Classic! It looks great with pretty much anything, depending on the cut and style, and I'm especially digging it this winter. Above, Kate Moss wears a leather bomber with metal/pin accents. When you have something so rough looking, at least for girls, it's a great contrast to wear a flowy dress like this, with it.
Another great coat type is your simple, old-fashioned tailored jacket...or not so simple...This is a great choice for winter because, since it's not usually too over the top, and tends to be fitted, it can be layered with sweaters, scarves, gloves and any other winter accessory. This blazer works for men, too.
This ensemble really plays up the plaid jacket because the trousers are cuffed, the shoes are just right, and the bow-tie is just enough to make the outfit come together. Girls, don't be afraid to try something like this, too.
The velvet collar on this coat is the perfect accent to make the jacket stand out.
Try pairing the jacket with opaque tights, like above, and a short skirt and boots. Messenger bag and mutton-chops man optional.
This outfit works so well because since the jacket has big shoulders and a sharp collar, the pink pattern really softens it. The lacy top and the long necklace and braid work really well, too.
This is a looser version of the tailored coat, and it's definitely a statement piece, considering the cut and the pattern. If you're brave, try pairing something like this with a short patterned, but 2 or less colored, skirt, as seen above, and plain, classy shoes. Or, try pairing it with plain black, but leather pants, as seen below (with the other statement coat). A chambray shirt is almost always a good idea, especially when the jacket doesn't have much of a collar (below), and the shirt is buttoned up.
Now, the ultimate winter coat option is the fur coat. This is what I think of when I think of warm, yet certainly stylish coats that speak for themselves and don't need much accessorizing, at all. Yesterday I came home and my mom was wearing this quite out there, huge fur coat with a tiered bottom and a grey and brown pattern. She says it's "real faux chinchilla!" But she did a great job of pairing it with a simple outfit, because it was so much to handle. And my mother is small, so she had to be careful not to drown it it. She paired it with simple black boots with a small heel, and black leggings and a grey dress. If you can get your hands on one of these, you won't be sorry, and you'll receive many hugs throughout the day.
Even though there's a lot going on here, (above) it somehow works because the colors are simple and go together well, and there's only one pattern: the tights, which make this outfit much more modern.
Classic!
Another more casual winter coat option is the Carhartt. It's retro, working man feel is the ultimate badass chick statement, and for men, it's the perfect suble retro piece for your wardrobe. And, it's pretty damn warm.
I found this jacket on the internet and instantly fell in love. It's got a Carhartt cut, but the pattern and colors, and the way it's been worn is the perfect piece to set you apart from all the other Carhartt wearers, and it'll dress up any shirts.
Another, older coat style is the swing coat. It'll keep you warm and looking carefree, breezy, but well put together.
This swing coat reminds me somewhat of the peacoat, which makes it more modern, but it still has old-fashioned aspects, like the length and color, which make it a great coat.
If you're feeling brave, try a patterned coat like Anna Wintour's, above. She goes all out with the boots, jewelry, and the fur cuffs.
She and her daughter are both feeling the fur collars, which when worn like so, are simple and elegant. Below are two coats that are combine the swing and the fur coat. Timeless!
The three coats below are a mix of the swing coat as well as the classic trench. This combination makes them somewhat mod, and the colors, too. Try pairing something like this with softer accents like a white lacy dress, or a miniskirt/dress and tights. Boots work well with this, also.
The last coat option I can think of is a slouchy, but tailored jacket, which can be dressed up with scarves and dresses and flat shoes. This jacket applies to men, as well.
This outfit, above, is really well put together but still casual and comfy.
This tweed boyfriend coat worn with a girly dress is the perfect mix of masculine and feminine. When it's cold, pair it with tights, a dress, and boots, or skinny pants and a feminine top.
This last option of the slouchy yet tailored coat, is the army version. Just like the Kate Moss rough jacket + soft fluffy dress, this army cut is best with a girly skirt or dress. But it'd look just as good with a pair of tight skinny jeans and boots. So, that's all for winter warmth. I hope this helps when trying to figure out what to wear this winter!
