Let’s talk outerwear. Some people stick with one jacket for the entire winter season and purchase it solely for functional purposes. Others will curate a modest collection of jackets and coats to rotate not only for warmth but also for style. Since you’re reading a post on a fashion blog about the 5 essential jackets to own, it’s safe to assume you’re part of the latter crew. Welcome to the club! Keep reading below to find out if your winter outerwear makes the cut.
5 Essential Jackets to Stay Warm in Style
1. Moto Jacket
Simply put, a moto jacket never goes out of style. Let’s repeat that one more for emphasis: A moto jacket never goes out of style. This is the jacket you’ll want to have on hand season after season, and rightfully so. This jacket is ideal for the girl (or guy) who likes a bit of edge in their style.
Where to Find a Moto Jacket
Blank NYC (sold at Nordstrom) makes my favorite moto jacket, but you can also find high-quality options for a decent price at Zara or Nasty Gal. Wherever you choose to shop, my one tip is not to skimp on quality. If you’re looking for a classic version like black leather, it’s important to find a moto jacket that will hold up over multiple seasons.
How to Style a Moto Jacket
Moto jackets pair well with literally any outfit. Jeans and a t-shirt? Add a moto jacket for the effortlessly cool vibe. Floral shift dress? A moto jacket will toughen up the light and flirty outfit, creating the fail-proof edgy meets femme combination. See how I styled my black moto jacket here with over-the-knee boots and a pink moto jacket here with classic stripes.
How to Make a Moto Jacket Trendy
Would you prefer to score a trendy option instead of investing in a timeless material and color combination? This season, suede is everywhere! Swap black leather for suede in an earthy hue to complete the on-trend outfit.
2. Duster Coat
A duster or longline coat is your answer to finding outerwear that creates a polished and sophisticated finish. If moto jackets are effortlessly cool, dusters are effortlessly chic.
Where to Find a Duster Coat
Shopstyle and Asos are my go-to sites for finding duster coat options. They both feel more like search engines and less like stores. To cover the most ground in the least amount of time, I recommend browsing their sites and saving your options as favorites. Shopstyle will even alert you if a favorite item goes on sale!
How to Style a Duster Coat
I have yet to find the perfect duster, longline, or trench coat so I don’t have a personal outfit reference to share. Since I’m still actively looking for my future coat, I’ve created a Pinterest board centered around the item that’s filled with outfit inspiration. Duster coats look beautiful with a white blouse tucked into black cigarette pants and single-sole heels.
How to Make a Duster Coat Trendy
Duster coats are fairly trendy as is, but for this season it’s all about the color selection. Any guesses? Blush! Soft shades aren’t strictly for spring anymore, so find a duster coat you like and pick it up in a pale blush colorway for added style.
3. Fur Coat
A fur coat is a conversation piece. It makes a statement and when constructed effectively, it is the warmest outerwear option on the market.
Where to Find a Fur Coat
Faux fur coats that feel luxurious may require a bit of searching, but it’s possible to eventually find a gem. From experience, I’ve found that most of the affordable fur coats are simply fashionable and not functional. The one place I scored a coat that truly felt like a portable bear hug for under $200 was none other than one of my favorite shops: Topshop.
How to Style a Fur Coat
See how I’ve styled fur coats in the past with an all-black outfit, and keep your eyes peeled for future fur coat looks with the gorgeous black option featured in the photo of this post.
How to Make a Fur Coat Trendy
How do you make a standout piece like a fur coat trendier than it already is? Add print! Look for a leopard print coat to kick your fur up a notch, and don’t forget to wear it with a bold red lip for added style.
4. Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a wardrobe must-have because it’s an essential layering piece. Although we’re primarily talking about the winter season, a denim jacket can carry well into spring as the season changes and the nights remain chilly.
Where to Find a Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are the easiest to find with any budget. From my experience, even fast fashion stores carry denim jackets that keep their shape over multiple years. Target, and Urban Outfitters are two stores where you can find a denim jacket for a good price.
How to Style a Denim Jacket
During the cooler months, you can layer a denim jacket over an athleisure look like a hoodie and thicker yoga pants. In the warmer seasons, a denim jacket pairs well with day dresses. See how I styled my denim jacket with a relaxed white tee outfit here and with a floral swing dress here.
How to Make a Denim Jacket Trendy
This season, denim jackets have a fun update–pins! Fast fashion stores like Forever 21 sell quirky buttons and patches you can pin on your denim jacket to add personality. The best part is, pins aren’t permanent so it’s extremely easy to take them off and simplify your jacket whenever you want.
5. Bomber Jacket
A bomber jacket is the updated, more fashionable version of the puffy jacket. This is the one to own when you need a jacket with insulation to keep you warm.
Where to Find a Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are fairly easy to find, so the places to shop are truly endless. I recommend Topshop because it’s where I found mine and it keeps me warmer than I expected for a fashion jacket.
How to Style a Bomber Jacket
A bomber jacket isn’t as versatile as the other options on this list when it comes to pairing it with any outfit. Because of its sporty vibe, bomber jackets look best with athleisure or off-duty outfits. See how I styled an olive bomber with a few fashion classics here.
How to Make a Bomber Jacket Trendy
There are two primary trends this season with bomber jackets: velvet and embroidered. Look for bomber jackets made with velvet for a winter and festive spin. If velvet hasn’t won you over yet, opt instead for a bomber with a graphic or floral design on it.
I’ve curated a selection below covering each jacket style in today’s post to help your shopping efforts. Which one is your favorite?
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