9 Essential Coats to Have in Your Closet Until the End of Time

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If you think you are going to get through the next few frigid months with your one trusty coat you've had since college, you might need to hear the cold, hard truth. We've researched every type of outerwear that exists and have come up with the official list of coats essential to any Winter-dwelling wardrobe.

You might think you can get by with one or two quality coats, but not every topper in your closet needs to be a major investment. We recommend you review this checklist and pick the ones worth the splurge — perhaps a classic camel coat? — and the ones — like an embellished statement cover-up or a cape — that might be better sought after in the sale racks. Whatever you do, make sure that whatever you put over your outfit is just as good as what's underneath.

— Additional reporting by Kate Schweitzer

01
A Trench Coat
Getty | Edward Berthelot

A Trench Coat

No closet is complete without this key transitional coat, which can take wearers from crisp Fall nights to cool Winter mornings. Loose and belted, it's often waterproof.

Asos Trench Coat
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Asos Trench Coat

If you're all about the vinyl trend right now, you'll want to scoop up this Asos trench coat ($127).

Club Monaco Ellayne Trench Coat
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Club Monaco Ellayne Trench Coat

Club Monaco's "Ellayne" trench coat ($239, originally $298) is the type of Winter blues we don't mind having.

London Fog Trench Coat
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London Fog Trench Coat

Consider London Fog's trench coat ($150, originally $220) one of the most classic ones to own.

Tibi Oversized Trench
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Tibi Oversized Trench

Check out the houndstooth print on this Tibi trench coat ($518, originally $1,295).

J.Crew Trench Coat
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J.Crew Trench Coat

Before you make your other purchases at J.Crew, grab this trench coat first ($210, originally $300).

02
A Shearling Coat
Getty | Christian Vierig

A Shearling Coat

A shearling and leather combination is the way to go if you're looking for an edgier coat for Winter. Style it with black jeans or a skirt, but either way you'll look like a trendsetter.

Asos Faux Shearling Coat
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Asos Faux Shearling Coat

Asos's shearling jacket ($111) comes in a suede finish.

Via Spiga Wool Blend Coat
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Via Spiga Wool Blend Coat

All the details on this Via Spiga coat ($210, originally $318) makes it a must have.

03
A Puffer
IMAXTREE | Christian Vierig

A Puffer

The ultimate outer layer to make you feel as if you were inside by the fire, a down-filled quilted puffer is the only surefire way to stay warm in freezing temps.

H&M Puffer Jacket
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H&M Puffer Jacket

It seems like everyone owns a H&M puffer jacket ($60), so it might be time to invest in one too.

Ivy Park Oversized Puffer Jacket
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Ivy Park Oversized Puffer Jacket

If Beyoncé created it, we're wearing it. Shop Ivy Park's red puffer right now ($290).

Tularosa Senna Striped Puffer
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Tularosa Senna Striped Puffer

For a jacket that will brighten up your wardrobe, you'll want this Tularosa piece ($198).

Zara Puffer
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Zara Puffer

Zara's checked puffer jacket ($119) offers something different if you want a print.

04
A Statement Coat
Getty | Vanni Bassetti

A Statement Coat

Sure, no one needs a wild printed topper, but having at least one bold outerwear option will surely come in handy for nights out or when an outfit could use a little something extra.

Givenchy Puffer Coat
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Givenchy Puffer Coat

Givenchy's rose print puffer ($996, originally $1,660) is sure to make a statement wherever you go.

Leith Button Plaid Coat
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Leith Button Plaid Coat

Get into the holiday spirits with Leith's plaid coat ($129).

Alice + Olivia Kinsley Stace Face Coat
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Alice + Olivia Kinsley Stace Face Coat

Fans of Alice & Olivia will go nuts over the "Stace Face" coat. ($695)

Moon River Shaggy Car Coat
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Moon River Shaggy Car Coat

Tap into your bohemian side with Moon River's shaggy coat ($88).

Juicy Couture Leopard Coat
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Juicy Couture Leopard Coat

Still on the hunt for a leopard coat? Give Juicy Couture's "Boulevard" option a shot ($528).

05
A Furry Coat
Getty | Christian Vierig

A Furry Coat

The ultimate cold-weather protector is a fully lined fur coat. And if real fur isn't your thing, faux-fur alternatives serve the same purpose, often with a much more affordable price tag.

Eaves Faux Fur Coat
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Eaves Faux Fur Coat

You'll shine brighter than the sun in Eaves's faux fur coat ($248).

Frame Faux Fur Coat
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Frame Faux Fur Coat

Look luxe and trendy in Frame's faux fur coat ($695).

& Other Stories Faux Fur Coat
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& Other Stories Faux Fur Coat

& Other Stories's printed faux fur coat ($245) has a vintage feel.

A New Day Faux Fur Coat
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A New Day Faux Fur Coat

Not into the pastel pink? This dusty rose coat from A New Day ($40) is the perfect alternative.

Topshop Faux Fur Coat
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Topshop Faux Fur Coat

Speaking of pastel pink, you'll fancy this Topshop jacket ($150) if you're looking for a cropped style.

Molliolli Colorblocked Faux Fur Coat
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Molliolli Colorblocked Faux Fur Coat

You don't have to think about colorblocking when this Molliolli coat ($228) does it for you.

06
A Cape
Getty | Christian Vierig

A Cape

Many fashion insiders don't use the sleeves of their coats anyway, so a cape — a sleeveless cloak that fastens around the neck and forms a circle — is a practical option.

Chloé Wool Cape Jacket
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Chloé Wool Cape Jacket

If Little Red Riding Hood was to look for a cape jacket IRL, she'd choose this one from Chloé ($1,295, originally $1,850).

Eloquii Cape Coat
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Eloquii Cape Coat

Eloquii's cape coat ($180) features a special tie neck design.

Kenzo Cape Jacket
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Kenzo Cape Jacket

Kenzo takes the cap jacket to high-low levels with this option ($408, originally $815).

07
A Parka
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

A Parka

Inspired by those worn in polar regions, this is a heavier version of the classic anorak. The hooded coats — most typically in shades of olive or army green — are the perfect casual cover-up for weekends out and about.

boohoo Faux Fur Trim Parka
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boohoo Faux Fur Trim Parka

You won't feel the wind at all when you're bundled up in boohoo's faux fur parka ($129).

Nicole Benisti Fur Lined Parka
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Nicole Benisti Fur Lined Parka

Nicole Benisti's fur-lined parka ($1,650) isn't like all the others once you check out the outer layer.

H&M Padded Parka
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H&M Padded Parka

On a scale of one to 10, we're giving this H&M padded parka ($80) a solid 10.

Vince Camuto Parka
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Vince Camuto Parka

If you're all about black outerwear, Vince Camuto's parka ($200, originally $298) is the right option for you.

Asos Parka
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Asos Parka

The great thing about Asos's parka ($119) is that it has a detachable faux fur hood for easy cleaning.

08
A Peacoat
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

A Peacoat

This classic military-inspired wool coat — originally worn solely by sailors — is ultrawarm, often unisex, and always double-breasted.

Madewell Double-Breasted Coat
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Madewell Double-Breasted Coat

Consider the color of this Madewell double-breasted coat ($275) to work for any transitional seasons.

Lands End Wool Peacoat
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Lands End Wool Peacoat

This Lands End peacoat ($209) is insulated, which means you won't need extra layers to keep warm.

Guess Peacoat
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Guess Peacoat

Guess's wool peacoat ($189) differs from a traditional one thanks to a slightly flared, peplum hem.

09
A Camel Coat
Getty | Kirstin Sinclair

A Camel Coat

Consider this the cool parent to the classic trench coat — a warmer version, but one that's stood the test of time while still coming in and out of trendiness.

Max Mara Manuela Wrap Coat
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Max Mara Manuela Wrap Coat

Max Mara makes some of the most iconic camel coats including this "Manuela" wrap version ($2,850).

Hobbs London Camel Hair Coat
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Hobbs London Camel Hair Coat

Shop one of Kate Middleton's favorite brands with a Hobbs London camel coat ($800).

MSGM Ruffled Crepe Coat
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MSGM Ruffled Crepe Coat

MSGM's ruffled camel crepe coat ($577) is "the one," if you're looking for something unique.