Be Warm, Look Cool: 7 Favorite Coats to Wear Now

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

I began writing this blog over a week ago and then it just sat on my computer. Between my husband breaking two ribs in a skiing accident, my daughter's high school finals schedule and both children tag teaming on the flu, not to mention inauguration angst and the rest, well....it has been a week. There really was never time to wax on about puffer coats and the like. And it seemed sort of, well, unimportant in a moment in time where there were much more pressing matters.

But today I am ready to get back to writing. The events of the world and of my household, while pressing, don't diminish the beauty of Krissi's photographs or my own love of writing. It is time to get creative again. So, it is back to some thoughts on taking on winter and looking good while doing it.

We are in the midst of major coat season, and it isn't going away anytime soon. Personally, I love a good coat and may even have a coat "problem", if you consider that I can't get enough of them. Here in the Pacific Northwest, a coat is required nearly all year long, with the exception of mid and late summer. To me, that means more variety in my coat closet and who doesn't love that?

It is mid ski season as well, which means the puffer coat is required, either as a layering piece underneath your down coat or as outerwear. I recently bought the Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece AeroLoft Women's Down Bomber (phew! That is one long name...) and LOVE it. The front of the jacket and the back shoulders are made of down. My favorite feature of this "bomber" is it's side zips and hidden inside kangaroo style pocket. With its high zip collar t is a great piece for heading to the gym or out on a walk and it is fashionable enough to wear with denim and boots. And it is on sale....

The ultimate in warm coats has to be my Canada Goose Chilliwack Bomber. I have worn it on the slopes skiing and around town on days when the cold wind bites. It is the ultimate in warmth.While it isn't officially a "puffer coat" it is a puffy down jacket, so I included it on my list. I wore it with my black Vince leggings and Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots for cruising around on a bitter cold afternoon in the city.

Moncler Frill Cuff Padded Jacket

 I bought this gorgeous Moncler Frill Cuff Padded Jacket this fall at MB Finds Consignment. It has zippers that open up the cuffs to layers of tulle and fabric frills. The details on the jacket include navy grosgrain ribbon detailing, even on the buttons. It is a stand out piece that is just proof once again that consignment shopping should be a part of every fashion girl's program. You can check out the whole line here, but because they are a bit of an investment there are a lot of fakes out there. If you aren't lucky enough to find one in consignment, be certain to make a major purchase like this from a reputable seller, like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. 

I bought this long black down Juicy Couture coat a couple of years ago before I went on a November trip to NYC. The good news is it was unseasonably warm in New York that trip, and the bad news was that had to leave the coat in the hotel room the entire time because it was too warm for it. Since then it has been my go-to coat when it is cold and I want to be covered to my knees. Mine nips at the waist which gives it a feminine silhouette, as does this similar Cole Haan coat you can find here.

My latest find is this beautiful Herno cropped puffer cardigan that is a hybrid of two winter essentials: the puffer and the sweater. Meant to be worn like a cardigan or light outerwear, it has cropped sleeves and a high neck. I wore it with a silver metallic tie neck blouse and a gray cashmere sweater that made my look both warm and chic.

Here is another favorite of mine, a puffer that shows off two hot trends: bell sleeves and ruffles. This Elizabeth Roberts Anne Puffer in chic cream is proof the puffer can be chic. Amazing. You can find this coat at Intermix.

No matter what your style, there are puffer coats of every length and shape. Since we are winding down January that means you can find many of these great jackets and coats on sale. Be warm, look cool. xx