Hello world! First post and starting with the right foot (as we say it in Brazil). Being that here in NYC winter is “wintering”, I would love to start Reference Genie with references I have been collecting over the last two months on outwear. Being born and raised in Brazil, you can imagine that Winter is not at the top of my list when it comes to seasons, BUT what a charming season it is. On my way to work, I love the constant visual inspiration I find on the subway stations and busy streets of NYC. Lately, I have been on the hunt for a navy wool coat, but my love for outwear goes beyond.
While commuting to work, I love checking out the stylish wool blend outwear women pull off to rock start their day. The fabric quality and fit styles inspire me, and I have collected a few favourites of mine this year. Lately, my obsession has been knee length and maxi coats. I love the oversized, minimalistic designs and how one is able to layer them with warm knits underneath. I feel like women look so sophisticated with them. Wear it with a turtle neck, wide or skinny pants, or (my favourite lately) with a cute long silk skirt, and boots.
Criteria for Selection
When curating the list of top 10 outerwear options to start the year, I considered several key factors:
Versatility: Pieces that can easily transition from day to night and from casual to formal settings.
Quality: High-quality materials and craftsmanship for durability and longevity.
Style: Timeless designs that complement a variety of outfits and personal styles.
Functionality: Features such as insulation, water resistance, and adjustable elements for practicality and comfort.
Affordability: Offering options to accommodate different budgets without compromising on style or quality.
Must-Have Women’s Outerwear
Image from COS’ website
COS Oversized Doubled-Breasted Wool Coat ($375)
About the brand
I have been a fan of COS since 2014, and I’m continually captivated by their commitment to minimalism and timeless design. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and sustainability, COS delivers garments that not only speak modernity but also stand the test of time. That said, this oversized coat combines minimalism, with quality materials that will keep you warm while rocking this piece.
Versatility & Functionality: Oversized coats allow for enough space to layer an outfit. For instance, if it is is bellow 32 ºF (0º C), you can wear it with a thick knitwear underneath for extra insulation. It will keep you extra warm at the same time as it will give you mobility. (you won’t feel like a robot moving lol)
Quality: Let’s speak materials. The blend of 65% Recycled Wool, 32% Polyamide, and 3% Other fibres will give you an insulating effect, making you feel warmer for longer.
Style: You can wear this piece for a casual day or for a night out. It would look beautiful with a nice winter dress as well.
Sustainability: According to their website, the recycled wool is made from yarn-spinning waste, yarn overstock, production-cutting waste and post-consumer garments – creating new pieces without waste.
Image from Maje’s website
Maje’s Long Coat (on sale for $477)
Let’s talk French now. Maje is famous for its classic chic and is a leader on accessible luxury items. It offers a range of wool blend coats that honestly take my breath away. Even though the price range of coats are higher, the quality and warmth is delivered. In addition, you can often find coats from previous seasons on sale. This one specifically is currently 40% on their website. I own two long coats from Maje, one of them being the one referenced here. Stay tuned for a review of it soon.
From personal experience, these coats are warm, and do not weigh on the body. The craftsmanship is impressive, and you can tell by the top notch tailoring. I have gotten so many compliments whenever I wear these coats.
Versatility & Functionality: This coat is more structured, offering you a figure-fitted style. Definitely a coat to wear when you want to upscale your outfit. Like the reference above, you can wear it with a more casual outfit, but it will look stunning with an evening dress also. You can have so much fun with this one!
Quality: The main fabric is made out of 76% wool, 20% polyamide, 4% other fibres. The high percentage of wool will give you extra warmth.
Style: Like mentioned before, you can style this piece in so many ways – with jeans and a t-shirt, for a more effortless chic style; with long wide pants and a shirt for work; or even with a gown in cold weather.
Sustainability: This coat is made of at least 50% recycled wool. According to the brand, their common goal is to reduce the environmental impact of our clothes a little more every season.
Image from Quince’s website
Quince’s 100% Mongolian Cashmere Double-Faced Wrap Coat ($499)
Oh Quince, the company that awes me with their top quality items and the transparency behind their brand. In a nutshell, Quince is a brand that values quality, sustainability, and affordability. Doesn’t this sound nice to read? Wait, it gets better. This beautifully crafted cashmere coat will blow you away with the quality it provides for a reasonable price tag. (when we know cashmere is expensive)
Versatility & Functionality: Being that cashmere allows for additional warmth, this coat has a lighter feel to it, and allows for more flexibility and extra comfort.
Quality: Let’s talk about THE winter material: Mongolian cashmere. First, the fabric is known by its insulating properties. Mongolian cashmere clothes will keep you warmer than wool and a blended version of it. That said, it allows for coats that are 100% made out of the material to be lighter in weight at the same time as promoting extra heat.
Style: Quince offers evergreen designs that will never get out of style. This coat is no different. You can wear it anywhere, dress it down or up and it will make you look good on all occasions.
Sustainability: The coat’s cashmere is sourced from goats in Inner Mongolia. Read Quince’s Cashmere 101 guide to learn more about it and to know how they care for it.
Image from Goelia’s website
Goelia’s Machine Washable Wool Double-Breasted Coat ($77)
I have heard from Goelia on an Instagram post, and ever since I have this brand in my list of references for whenever I need pieces and inspiration on more classic styles. If offers pieces with a fair price range and quality materials.
Versatility & Functionality: The style offers a more formal style. The fact that the material allows for it to be machine washable is a big plus function wise. No need to worry about dry cleaning with this one. 😉
Quality: Despite the price and being machine washable, the shell is made with 100% worsted wool fabric. Great quality with a good looking price tag.
Style: This coat offers an H-line fit. It offers multiple ways of styling it – from fully bottomed up, to opened, or half bottomed up. I love how it is styled on the image above but it would look so cute with skinny pants or a nice pair of trousers and a sweater.
Sustainability: Goelia offers customers with a comprehensive page where they have all materials listed and how their sustainable efforts are expressed in each piece.
Image from Theory Outlet’s website
Theory Outlet’s Robe Coat (on sale for $286.40)
Theory excites me when it comes to high quality pieces and minimalistic design that has a quiet luxury look and feel. Their outlet website is a great option if you are looking for great sales form their pieces. The Robe Coat is beautifully crafted, and when I tried it on I was amazed by the comfort it provided and the lightness of the material.
Versatility & Functionality: Like other robe like coats, this one allows for additional space underneath for layering and it offers mobility.
Quality: This coat is a blend of cashmere and wool, offering insulation and give a luxurious feel to the coat.
Style: You can wear it open for a more relaxed feel and tied up for a more form-fitting style.
Image from & Other Stories’ website
& Other Stories’Voluminous Belted Wool Coat ($329)
& Other Stories is a brand under H&M, and offers more high quality pieces, for a medium price range. I personally love their style. What I appreciate the most on this coat is its oversized structure. It looks and feels so comfy and warm that I just want to wrap myself in it. It has a nordic design style and the minimalism in the tailoring speaks “less is more”.
Versatility & Functionality: Timeless and versatile, a classic oversized wool blend coat is a wardrobe staple and will go with anything, from trousers to dresses.
Quality: This was one of the navy coats I had on my wish list. The main reason was that it is made of 100% wool and the lux feel it has. It offers comfort and sophistication at the same time that will keep you warm.
Style: Like mentioned before you can style this one in so many ways. This will make you feel cosy while going to the grocery store, gym or running errands. It will also add up nicely in a work setting as well as a chilly night out.
Image from Sézane’s website
Sézane’s Paolo Coat ($365)
Let’s bring another French staple that has gotten viral on social platforms: Sézane. The brand is a translation of Parisian style: effortless chic. The brand is positioned in affordable-luxury market along with other French brands such as Sandro, Maje and The Kooples. I encourage you to explore their outwear collection, but for now we will talk about the beautiful Paolo Coat.
Versatility & Functionality: I love that this style can go with different outfits such as to run errands, go shopping or to work. It offer an effortless stylish look and the four pocket design give it an extra spicy to the design.
Quality: The shell is made of Main Fabric : 60% Virgin wool, 20% Recycled polyamide, 10% Alpaca, 10% Mohair. I have a trench coat from Sézane and their choice of materials and craftsmanship are of top quality brands.
Style: I love the shearling look this coat has. It is so cute and it gives the outfit an edgy chic touch. It comes in different colors and patterns, which makes each one a completely different statement piece.
Image from Uniqlo’s website
Uniqlo’s Double Face Long Coat (on sale for $99)
Uniqulo’s clothing impresses me every-time I got to their store. They offer quality pieces for a fraction of the price and this coat is an example of it. I love the classic feel this one gives to the look and the price doesn’t disappoint.
Versatility & Functionality: The high quality wool provides a smooth feel, and it has gusseted pockets sewn to the body create clean lines.
Quality: he high quality wool provides a smooth feel, and it has gusseted pockets sewn to the body create clean lines.
Style: Perfect for office looks and evening night outs. You could consider getting sizing up to get a more oversized look and get additional space to layer underneath for extra warmth.
Image from Boden’s website
Boden’s Bristol Wool-Blend Coat (on sale for $192)
Boden if known for its British style, classy designs, quality fit, and for the rang of colors if offers. It heart-warmly remembers me of Kate Middleton. I love the classic fit and the high quality materials they use on their clothing. The pieces are eye catching and they offer a nice range of styles within the “British style” category. This coat specifically offers a long line shape, and it offers a more form fitting silhouette.
Versatility & Functionality: The relaxed fit allows for mobility and comfort. It’s cut for a relaxed shape and left unlined for easy to layering over knitwear during the cooler months.
Quality: Boden’s clothing is a great quality brand that will get you a durable outwear for a reasonable price. This coat is made of 50% wool 50% polyester.
Style: Designed in a classic longline shape, this double-faced wool-blend coat is always on point, I personally love the versatility of this style.
Image from Aritizia’s website
Aritzia’s Babaton The Connor Long Coat (on sale for $158.99)
Aritzia’s brand Babaton is famous for its beautiful coats and amazing bodysuits. I personally love their pieces and have a few of them myself. I have tried a few of their coats before and this one specifically called my attention due to its craftsmanship and Italian design.
Versatility & Functionality: The fact that Babaton’s coat provide so much warmth with the materials they use, you don’t have to wear as many layers of clothing underneath it. Which is great because it will give you more mobility and comfort if you are to use this on a daily basis.
Quality: Babaton coats are famous for the warmth they provide. According to the brand, they are engineered to deliver warmth to -20°C / -4°F. It has a lux feel to it and I love how the collar provides warmth to the neck. The coat also has egan chamois for added warmth and wind protection.
Style: The modern designs and fitted structure makes this coat perfect for formal settings and workplace. I can see you wearing it for a fancy dinner or event.
Conclusion
Investing in quality outerwear is essential for staying warm and stylish throughout the year. By selecting versatile, high-quality pieces that prioritise both fashion and function, you can build a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from season to season and occasion to occasion.
Reference Genie 
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