Trend Highlight: Winter Coats

Now that we’re trekking across campus through piles of snow every day and we’re lucky if the temperature reaches the high 30s, we can’t settle for an inferior coat. At this point in the year, our fall denim jackets just won’t cut it anymore. Luckily, there are thousands of stylish winter coats out there that will have you looking trendy and keep you from shivering, without breaking the bank. With a little bit of layering, you don’t even need to spend your life savings on a down jacket! Personally, my everyday winter coat is a $50 Forever 21 grey faux fur parka I bought when I, being from Texas and not owning a single coat at the time, got a little cold walking down Michigan Avenue during a senior year Northwestern/Chicago visit. Sadly, it’s no longer being sold so I can’t send everyone Forever 21’s way for this steal. But I can promise that even when walking 15 minutes to class some winter mornings, as long as I had my earmuffs and gloves, I’ve never been unbearably cold. This coat has already survived one Chicago winter, and I have no doubt it’ll survive the next few ones. And best of all, instead of looking like a marshmallow during these icy months, my outerwear is just as cute as my outfit underneath. With puffy parkas like Rihanna and trench coats like Taylor Swift, the trendy coat inspo for the rest of Winter Quarter is endless.

Parkas

Parkas are the most common of winter jackets, and undoubtedly can keep you warm in the winter. However, many of them can cost over a thousand dollars. This padded parka with a faux fur-lined hood is most similar to my current jacket. At a lower price of $79.99 from H&M, this well-insulated winter investment is worth it. Pair it with jeans or leggings to warm up your look!

Padded Parka, H&M, $79.99

Wool Coats

Wool coats are also one of the most common and stylish winter outerwear pieces every season. With the ability to dress up almost any outfit, a wool coat can turn an outfit for a day of classes into a candidate for a New York street style blog. This Paloma coat from Andrew Marc New York is a reasonable $79, with a stylish faux fur hood and exposed zipper. Pair this coat with a sweater, skirt, tights, and boots to complete the winter look.

Paloma Coat, Andrew Marc New York, $79

Shawl Coats

Shawl coats, my personal favorite type of coat, are extremely trendy. I had a shawl coat when I was younger, and this winter has me searching for one all over again. This Wool-blend Boucle Coat for $69.99 at H&M is a reasonable, warm option. With soft faux fur lining the collar, your face and upper body are shielded from the wind. Plus, the asymmetric style is flattering paired with a dress, tights, and heeled boots.

Wool-blend Boucle Coat, H&M, $69.99

Puffer Jackets

Although usually pretty extra, puffer jackets are a huge statement piece. With everyone from Kim Kardashian to Rihanna wearing them, we’re in the midst of a huge boom in puffer jacket popularity. So that we don’t fall over when walking across campus everyday from the sheer size of most puffer jackets, it’s ideal to buy one that’s shortened— like this Metallic Ski Puffer Jacket from Topshop. Although it’s $210, it’s 100% polyester and trimmed with white faux fur, which guarantees that your outfit will be both bold and warm.

Topshop, Metallic Ski Puffer Jacket by Topshop SNO $210

Trench Coats

Trench coats are one of the most timelessly stylish winter coat options. Although they’re not as insulated as a parka, with enough layering, they can be just as warm. This green trench coat from Topshop, although pricey at $230, would perfectly protect you from the brutal winds when paired with a turtleneck, black jeans, and a scarf. With so many colors and lengths to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one to channel your inner Alexa Chung.

Melton Trench Coat, Topshop, $230