Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.
With temperatures in the single digits in New York, it would be only fitting that we talk about one of the only layers that matters to brave the cold: coats. While I’m partial to a head-to-toe down puffer to combat the elements, there’s something about having an arsenal of different coats in your closet to elevate your mood and make you feel better (and warmer) in the winter months. I’ve come to find that certain winter coats are classics to grab based on the mood, the meeting, or the day.
With every winter season, I try to revisit my coat closet to see what I can purge versus not, but these are the styles I’ve been holding onto, as they feel more classic to withstand the test of time. All of them are great on the way to work, or on the weekend, chasing around your littles. You know I love nothing better than an item that can be dressed up or dressed down. Disclaimer: While doing this story, I realized I do not own a gray coat, which may be a miss. The journey continues…
Black Puffer
You know the saying: Don’t fix what ain’t broken. This is a tried-and-true item that I have tried to resist for years, only to come to find it’s the #1 staple to getting through a cold winter. The one I am wearing is the Super Puff from Aritizia, and it is as good as the hype.
Camel Coat
To offset the black puffer, one needs a classic brown or camel coat to balance it out for those days when you need to feel a little more put together. An additional layer may be required underneath on single-digit days, but it always makes for a good look. I am partial to a belted style, but numerous classic looks in camel or brown will do the trick.
Furry Coat
Penny Lane in Almost Famous? In my mind, this vibe is always a classic.
Plaid Coat
I’m partial to Isabel Marant’s coats, this one from 2015 and still going strong.
Black Coat
A black tailored or belted coat works with everything. Magic.
Fun Puffer
If you have a long classic puffer, you obviously need to balance it out with something more fun when you need to pull yourself out of those winter blues. I’ve been living in this Zara one with a side tie.
Casual Coat
live in this Dôen coat since it’s easy to throw on and extremely thick for the weather. Think elevated parka, or quilted coat to match the season, once it gets too cold for your lighter jacket.
Tailored Coat
This style has been in my closet since before I had a baby, and I never get sick of it. The tailored look ties everything together—whether it's over a blazer, sweater, or gym clothes on the weekend. Dress it up or down.
Shearling Coat
A must-have that never goes out of style and is most definitely warm. The hunt is worth it on this one: Find a shearling style that works for your body type (short or long) and color that most matches with your wardrobe, and just go for it. My biggest complaint about shearling is that some are easier to move around in than others, especially when commuting, so shop around and ensure arm mobility when schlepping all your items along.
