A high-quality coat is a Winter wardrobe staple. At least, if you live in a place like New York. We all need coats and we need more than one depending on different temperatures.

They need to be functional, but they also should be stylish, since we wear them for at least 6 months of the year! When we walk on the streets, or when we arrive at a place at this time of the year, a coat is the first thing people will notice in our outfits. 

So here are some tips on what you should look for when shopping for a new coat: 

1 - SUBWAY COMMUTERS

Do you commute to work by subway every day? If so, you need a nice dark color wool coat. By nice I mean first-class and stylish. Not all wool coats are the same, the quality of the wool makes all the difference. 

2 - WHAT'S YOUR GOAL: SOFT, WARM, CHEAP?

Always read the tag to know exactly what you are buying:

• Is it 100% merino wool? In that case, it should be perfect, since this is considered the best wool.

• Does it have a percentage of cashmere? Then it should be warmer and softer.

• Does it have a blend of wool, polyester, and acrylic? Now, this one is probably not so warm but might be cheaper than the others.

• Where was it made? Italy is one of the best manufacturers of wool coats.

There are endless possibilities. That's why the price points vary so much!

3 - BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DISCOUNTS!

December and January are the best time to buy a superb coat because of the sales. In January, you find lower prices, but you might not be able to find many options.

This depends on how cold the Fall-Winter was as well as the country's economic situation. My suggestion is simple: pick some options, check if the stores have the style you want, and subscribe to their newsletter to get the latest updates on their deals.

4 - THIS ONE'S FOR MOMS WHO DRIVE ALL DAY:

Are you a mom who drives a lot? A light nylon puffer short jacket does the job. In this case, it's good to have a lighter one for Fall and a thicker one with down filling for Winter.

Extra tip: wearing a light jacket inside a wool coat makes up for a stylish layer. I love this trick because it also adds texture to the look!

5 - TIRED OF WEARING BLACK IN WINTER?

Do you hate the idea of wearing a black coat for months? I feel your pain! I suggest that after you have a wool coat in a dark color, you should try one in a lighter color such as camel, or a fun one like this one in the picture.

Choose a color that fits your personal style, that goes well with your wardrobe color palette and complexion. This way you will probably wear this piece for many years to come!

6 - PUFFER JACKET - LOVE IT OR HATE IT?

You might not like puffer jackets, but I personally think that they are the best to wear in January and February in New York if you need to be outdoors.

Some of them can cost an arm and a leg but if you live in a cold area it's a valid reason to invest in one. Besides the quality of the filling, make sure you check if the sewing is well-made to avoid seeing the feathers come out.

7 - DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR COAT ONCE WINTER IS OVER

After Winter is gone, the best practice is to read your coat's label to learn about its fabric and care. If it's dry clean only, take it to professionals to have it cleaned and ready for the next cold season. Don't wait until next Fall!

Once you arrive home, throw away the plastic cover and those flimsy dry cleaner hangers. They are just for safe transportation, but they don't do any good for our clothes.  

Are you planning to buy a new coat this year or are you happy with what you have? Share your plans in the comments below! 

Even if you live far from me, you can be on the waiting list for my Virtual Styling Service. I can guide you towards a curated wardrobe, with the perfect clothes for your personal style, lifestyle, and budget. 

Drop me a line at hello@marciacrivorot.com and let's chat!

Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.