Buy Once, Wear Forever: 20 Under-$500 Coats That'll Last You Years

As the world's biggest proponent of curating an investment wardrobe, the number one tip I tell most of my friends is to buy a coat first.
By all accounts, coats can be one of the most expensive things in someone's wardrobe. The materials and construction add up—from feather-filled puffers to ethically sourced wool. Not only will a good, expensive coat keep you warm, but it's also a fashion statement in itself. With what feels like an endless number of colors, fabrics, and materials to try, there's outwear for every occasion.
From one native Floridian to another, I always tell my friends who plan to visit during the fall and winter to snatch up a coat ahead of their trip. Thankfully, as I'm the bona fide fashion friend, they listen to my advice. Below are 20 coats I actually sent to a friend who was looking for something she described as "chic and sophisticated—like a rich Upper East Side mom." Consider me obsessed with these finds.
Black Coats
How to style: black coat + classic jeans + slouchy sweater of choice + suede tote bag
Camel Coats
How to style: camel coat + black jeans + Breton-stripe top + chunky scarf
Fashion Coats
How to style: statement coat + black jeans + black heeled booties + whimsical accessories
Puffer Coats
How to style: puffer coat + chunky scarf + neutral beanie + Chelsea boots

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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