There Are 7 Shockingly Specific Coats That All Fashion People Have in Their Closets

I grew up in the Midwest, which means my tolerance for winter is at a high point. Negative wind chills, endless lake effect snow, ice-coated windows, you name it—I’ve seen it. So when I moved to New York, I realized quickly that while the winters here are still no joke, they’re never just as bad as what I experienced having to cross a college campus during a winter storm. My experience with winter has made me a pro at dressing for cold weather, and I’m also a pro in the fashion world, so I can tell you which coats are actually worth it.

Whether you’re trudging to work on a slushy day or trying to look put together for a night out, or even just trying to stay warm without sacrificing style, I have a coat recommendation for you. After years of trial and error, and watching stylish New Yorkers look like a vision in any weather, I’ve narrowed it down to the exact types of coats that every cool person seems to own, myself included. Once you have these in your closet, you’re set.

Elevated Puffer Coat

Everyone needs a puffer of some sort for the days that are simply unbearable. For this category, I recommend going a style that feels like an elevated take on this style of coat. Look for a cinched waist, glossy finish, or cool colorway to stay warm without looking like a complete marshmallow. Fashion people love them because they can pull double duty: practical enough for brutal temperatures but elevated enough to wear to a dinner reservation.

Tailored Coat

​​The backbone of every city girl wardrobe has to be a wool tailored coat. This style instantly sharpens whatever you’re wearing—be it jeans, sweats, or an evening dress. It’s the coat you reach for when you want to look polished without exerting too much effort.

Trench Coat

Technically a transitional piece, but fashion people wear trenches year-round. They layer easily, cinch the waist, and give everything from trousers to miniskirts that “editor off-duty” vibe. If you don’t already own a trench coat, this should be at the top of your shopping list.

Fur Coat

Faux or vintage is the move here. A plush fur coat (in neutrals or bold colors) is the statement piece you’ll be thankful for when you want to look glamorous while still staying warm. Think of it as your winter equivalent of heels—instantly transformative.

Scarf Coats

A newer favorite, scarf coats combine two winter essentials into one. With a built-in wraparound scarf, they feel cozy and look impossibly chic. It’s no wonder they’re suddenly everywhere in the fashion crowd.

Barn Coat

Rugged, practical, and unexpectedly cool. Barn jackets have moved from countryside staple to city essential. They’re boxy enough to layer over chunky knits but still sleek enough to pair with trousers or skirts.

Statement Coat

Finally, the wild card. This could be a bold color, a dramatic silhouette, or a unique print—the coat that sparks conversation and makes every outfit feel intentional. Every fashion person has at least one “fun” coat they pull out when they want to turn heads.