You are naturally an expert in the area you live. The best food in the area, the ideal time to visit—the list goes on. Chicagoans will quickly become experts on this topic. The best winter coats.
With surviving six months of snowstorms and temperatures that love to drop to -30 whenever we’re least expecting it, Chicago teaches you nothing if not how to stay warm—but since it’s us, staying warm isn’t enough. We must look around. Good and stay warm, and that isn’t always an easy feat.
Our editors, Chicagoans by birth, have their opinions on which winter coats are worth the money. We each took a hard look in our closets and are breaking down the coats That we turn to year after year—which means they’re just that good.
Maddie
This coat was purchased last year after my tried-and-true parka, aged 6, died. This is the parka I love most. It’s not only the warmest coat I’ve ever worn, but I also actually look forward to wearing it. It was slightly larger than the original size, so I ordered it one size larger. I love how the gold hardware and the fit make it feel more elegant and sophisticated. This coat is a must-have.
This camel coat is a must-have for any cold-weather girl. The “Dad Coat” fit of it make it feel a little more effortless, so I find myself reaching for it to style in a more casual way than I ordinarily would. This is my most worn coat, aside from my puffer (which I reach for more warmth reasons),
Beth
I managed to live the whole of 2020 without a Parka. I’m not sure how I did it, but last summer, my biggest goal in the Nordstrom sale was to get myself a really good puffer coat. I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life, but I simply cannot handle wearing a giant, puffy, long parka. I wanted something comfortable, stylish, and warm. This fits the bill, and I’ve gotten a handful of compliments on it since I started wearing it. The shiny fabric makes it look trendy and high-end, but the inside keeps me ultra-warm (even in the already-single digits we’ve had in Chicago).
I don’t like giant jackets, as I mentioned above. I find them so uncomfortable and self-conscious that they make me feel uneasy. So, I have stopped wearing giant jackets. Instead, I am now wearing large sweaters and warm accessories. This leather bomber was a perfect winterized jacket that I had been looking at for months. Turns out, my dad already had an almost identical version hanging in the back of his closet from God-knows-when that I “borrowed.” I have worn it over a dozen times since with a big scarf and gloves, and I’m obsessed. It’s perfect for outdoor events like shopping with friends or strolling through the park when you want to look good but know you won’t be taking your jacket off.
Jessica
This giant puffer jacket is my strategy for getting through Chicago winters. It is warm enough to face the freezing temps, waterproof So snow doesn’t soak through, and soEasy to match with any outfit. Plus, I’m totally guilty of keeping it on for hours after I get back inside—it’s basically like wearing my comforter.
Jess
After many years of owning the long-lasting black Michael Kors parka (you all know it), I decided to upgrade last winter. If you live somewhere cold, you know how important it can be to have a parka that is warm but also cute. After doing a lot of research, I found that Abercrombie offers many stylish and well-reviewed options. I chose this one. Although my exact style is no longer available, I am here to confirm that Abercrombie parkas are definitely worth it—this is the warmest jacket I own, and I always get compliments on it.
This faux leather puffer was my Christmas gift, but I already know it will be my winter go-to. Chicagoans are often faced with the dilemma between looking cute and freezing everywhere they go. This puffer solves that problem: It’s thick and warm but also looks super chic. I searched high and low for a faux leather puffer that wouldn’t break the bank but doesn’t look too cheap, and this one is the perfect choice. I also love that it has a hood—major bonus points for those snowy days.
Ashley
My parents were visiting me in Michigan during Thanksgiving break. It was freezing cold and I was left without a parka. I ran to Target to get this budget-friendly coat. It was one size larger than I normally go for an oversized fit. And it does the job. Yesterday I wore it to walk 2 miles in 12 degree weather. I was sweating by the end. 10/10 recommend.
I’ve had this Madewell shacket for over a year now, and it’s my go-to transitional coat that carries me into and out of winter. It hasn’t seen the outdoors in a few weeks, but on that first day where freezing temps decide to release their chokehold on Chicago, it’ll be the first piece I reach for.
Keely
I’ve had this viral parka from Amazon for a couple of years now, and it’s grown to be my absolute favorite coat. The oversized fit makes it super chic (especially now since oversized coats are so in) and it keeps me warmer than far more expensive parkas that I’ve had. I would rebuy this coat over and over, and every winter, I’m excited to break it out.
Source: The Every Girl