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
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.
If you're all about the vinyl trend right now, you'll want to scoop up this Asos trench coat ($127).
Club Monaco's "Ellayne" trench coat ($239, originally $298) is the type of Winter blues we don't mind having.
Consider London Fog's trench coat ($150, originally $220) one of the most classic ones to own.
Check out the houndstooth print on this Tibi trench coat ($518, originally $1,295).
Before you make your other purchases at J.Crew, grab this trench coat first ($210, originally $300).
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.
The holy grail for this style is the Acne Studios leather biker jacket ($2,700).
Asos's shearling jacket ($111) comes in a suede finish.
All the details on this Via Spiga coat ($210, originally $318) makes it a must have.
You'll get two for the price of one with Opening Ceremony's reversible faux shearling leather jacket ($695).
Test drive the look with New Look's affordable faux shearling jacket ($95).
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.
Feel warm and cuddly in this puffer coat from Urban Outfitters ($109).
Attract all the attention with Forever 21's red puffer jacket ($30).
It seems like everyone owns a H&M puffer jacket ($60), so it might be time to invest in one too.
If Beyoncé created it, we're wearing it. Shop Ivy Park's red puffer right now ($290).
For a jacket that will brighten up your wardrobe, you'll want this Tularosa piece ($198).
Zara's checked puffer jacket ($119) offers something different if you want a print.
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's rose print puffer ($996, originally $1,660) is sure to make a statement wherever you go.
Get into the holiday spirits with Leith's plaid coat ($129).
Fans of Alice & Olivia will go nuts over the "Stace Face" coat. ($695)
Tap into your bohemian side with Moon River's shaggy coat ($88).
Still on the hunt for a leopard coat? Give Juicy Couture's "Boulevard" option a shot ($528).
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.
You'll shine brighter than the sun in Eaves's faux fur coat ($248).
Look luxe and trendy in Frame's faux fur coat ($695).
& Other Stories's printed faux fur coat ($245) has a vintage feel.
Not into the pastel pink? This dusty rose coat from A New Day ($40) is the perfect alternative.
Speaking of pastel pink, you'll fancy this Topshop jacket ($150) if you're looking for a cropped style.
You don't have to think about colorblocking when this Molliolli coat ($228) does it for you.
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.
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).
Try the cape trend with an affordable style from boohoo ($66).
Eloquii's cape coat ($180) features a special tie neck design.
Kenzo takes the cap jacket to high-low levels with this option ($408, originally $815).
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.
You won't feel the wind at all when you're bundled up in boohoo's faux fur parka ($129).
Nicole Benisti's fur-lined parka ($1,650) isn't like all the others once you check out the outer layer.
On a scale of one to 10, we're giving this H&M padded parka ($80) a solid 10.
If you're all about black outerwear, Vince Camuto's parka ($200, originally $298) is the right option for you.
The great thing about Asos's parka ($119) is that it has a detachable faux fur hood for easy cleaning.
This classic military-inspired wool coat — originally worn solely by sailors — is ultrawarm, often unisex, and always double-breasted.
Consider the color of this Madewell double-breasted coat ($275) to work for any transitional seasons.
For a classic neutral color peacoat, Kate Spade offers a good option ($418).
This Lands End peacoat ($209) is insulated, which means you won't need extra layers to keep warm.
Guess's wool peacoat ($189) differs from a traditional one thanks to a slightly flared, peplum hem.
Looking for a peacoat with a longer hemline? Try one from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($1,295).
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 makes some of the most iconic camel coats including this "Manuela" wrap version ($2,850).
We only have good things to say about Eloquii x Katie Sturino's tie waist robe coat ($150).
Shop one of Kate Middleton's favorite brands with a Hobbs London camel coat ($800).
MSGM's ruffled camel crepe coat ($577) is "the one," if you're looking for something unique.