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Unless you’re a color pro, most of us tend to gravitate towards neutral (and dull) capsule wardrobes for the sake of packing light. One thing that you have to remember, is that your clothing may not be in the majority of your travel pictures (and neither will be the essential thermals you should be wearing underneath), but your winter coat will.
The best part is, when it’s cold outside, you don’t have to worry about packing it inside your luggage. Here is our round-up of the boldest and the best winter coats this season!
Best Winter Coats
Written By: Niki Landry
When it comes to buying clothing I tend to be practical. For the most part, I try to stick with classic shapes, neutral colors, and timeless pieces. It’s a good rule to shop by, especially for travel, but occasionally it needs to be broken.
Sometimes, it’s important to top your neutral wardrobe with a piece that shows your bolder side, style, and personality. The video below might help prepare for winter travel.
Get started on preparing for winter travel with this video!
We also created a three-part YouTube series on packing light for winter travel that could be helpful to you. Below I’ve amassed a roundup of statement coats to inspire you to be bold and beautiful this winter.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
When it comes to buying the best winter coats to work with a mostly neutral travel wardrobe, I like the outerwear to stick to one of these categories: interesting texture, fun pattern, bright color, or cool shape. Of course you can find a coat that combines all of these items, but for me it doesn’t really fit into my everyday life.
I think the styles below would be easy to incorporate into normal wardrobes and give you a little something extra! Which style will you choose?
Here’s our top picks for the best winter coats to brighten up your drab travel wardrobe:
Houndstooth
When it comes to patterns, I live and die by a simple geometric pattern. I have more polka dot items in my closet then I care to admit. So when I came across this houndstooth coat, I new it had to be included. A little subtler than the other coats, I like the combo of the large scale pattern, subdued color, and unstructured shape.
This houndstooth style is definitely more fashion than function so we would classify this as the best winter coats to make a statement in a moderate winter environment.
London Fog Women’s Chevron Coat with Faux-Fur Trim
Faux Fur
A leopard faux fur coat isn’t the easiest of looks to pull off, but I like the simple shape of this one. Update the look by pairing it with easy and casual clothes underneath so the rest of your outfit doesn’t compete with the coat. Definitely don’t wear them with your leopard shoes.
It seems this is a crowd favorite for going out in England!
Calvin Klein Women’s Wool Cape
Cape
Capes have been very popular as outerwear the last few years. I especially like the black color of the one above – very chic and classy (and makes for amazing pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace). Since capes create volume on top, be sure to wear slim bottoms to balance the coat.
kensie Women’s Plaid Cocoon Wool Coat
Plaid
Plaid is the pattern of choice when it comes to outerwear. It’s easy to find lots of colors in any style you choose. I picked the style above because I thought the oversized check pattern felt like an updated take on a classic. Add the long length and you are set for a stylish winter.
Now these are definitely the best winter coats for cold temperatures and can work for various capsule wardrobe color stories!
Burberry The Kensington Heritage Trench Coat
Investment
Burberry is known for making iconic, stylish and structured trench coats. This piece is no exception. The Kensington Heritage Long Belted Trench has a timeless shape that’s both classic and modern. Added bonus if you’re taking it over to Europe too, especially London or Paris! If I’m spending a good amount of money on a coat, I want to make sure it will get a lot of use.
Remember, the best winter coats are something you would want to wear at home, too, not just on your travels! (This applies to all clothing you buy for a trip. Read the number one rule of packing.)
Cole Haan Women’s Belted Asymmetrical Wool Coat
Asymmetrical
Play up your shapes this season! The asymmetrical silhouette has been a hot trend these past few seasons and we don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
Yet while the asymmetrical sleeve is gorgeous, it’s not necessarily the warmest look. Instead, opt for the asymmetrical zipper. It adds some unexpected drama to your look while still keeping you nice and toasty.
How to Pack Winter Coats or Other Layers
It’s usually recommended that you wear the heaviest layer on the plane, like a coat, but that still leaves other layers to deal with. Packing cubes can help you organize coats (If you plan to pack it) and other winter clothing. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything (the video below illustrates!).
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
How Editor-In-Chief Alex Rocks Winter Coats
What are your tips on finding the best winter coats? Please share in the comments below!
For more winter fashion tips, please read:
- How to Pack for Cold Weather Like a Boss
- Best Winter jackets for Outdoor Adventures
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
- Best Waterproof Boots for Travel this Season
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Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs. nikilandry.com nikilandrydesigns niki-landry-designs-llc
I love the down coats from Lands’End. They have such beautiful colours and are even available in plus size. Bought one in green and petrol, they look great on pictures :-).
Love those colors!!! Thank you for sharing your photo worthy winter jacket with us! 😀
Thanks for sharing your great tips with us. I really like your blog. you want to see some collection of plus size clothes check it.
Hi Jesleen, so pleased you enjoy the blog and the tips!! Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂
These are great tips for beating the winter coat blahs while staying at home in the winter too!
Glad you like them Natasha!
I wear either a navy blue riding coat (it’s knee-length and 75% cashmere) or a beige long coat under my floor-length black fine wool cloak. 😀 But only if it’s really cold! Otherwise, just the cloak by itself, with a colourful silk scarf, – or grey or pink cashmere, I have a thing for scarves! – and my favourite pink tartan cap. 😀 I certainly stand out from the crowd. 😀
Sounds lovely and very pretty 🙂