Now through the first few week of January is a great time to shop for a coat, which can be quite an expense. Here’s a round up of the more affordable, interesting and generally flattering styles in stores right now, some of which are on sale. I have fitted most of them onto clients and can vouch for their drape, cut and quality. Lengths, fabrications, styling and colours will differ. 

1. Express Wool Blend Long Fit and Flare Coat: This coat has an interesting A-line shape that does not come through in the photo. It flares out from the torso so be warned. It’s a rare single breasted style with a bit of oomph and length. I loved it and like the stain-forgiving black and white tweed version just as much.
2. Express Faux Fur Collar Belted Down Jacket: Its tailored fit is flattering. Fun style for the more adventurous puffer wearer. 
3. Express Long Full Collared Down Coat: This puffer is more streamlined and classic than the above belted style. It’s not as fun, but you’ll probably feel more svelte in the silhouette. 
4. Soia & Kyo Tulip Hem Double Breasted Coat: A gorgeously structured fit on top with tulip shaped hem and hood. The camel is great, but surprisingly, I actually preferred this one in black. 
5. Soia & Kyo Asymmetrical Wool Blend Coat: This is one of my favourite coats this season. The collar is spectacular, but the photo has it draped in an odd way. The gold hardware and asymmetrical zip are fab. It would be mine in navy if it had a little more length. 
6. Soia & Kyo Houndstooth Coat: Casual and polished in a cool way. It’s the type of coat that hides dirt and lint. Perfect for a busy gal on the go who loves olive. 
7. Soia & Kyo Pillow Collar Down Coat: I have a Soia & Kyo puffer coat that’s very similar to this style (a few seasons older), and I can’t rave about it enough. It’s super duper warm and has fleece lined pockets. Tailored, spunky, and elegant all at once. 
8. Ellen Tracy Belted Notched Collar Coat: Gorgeous for gals who like earth tones. Super fit and and all round classic. 
9. Steve Madden Trench with Detachable Collar: Hello ’70s. Personally I prefer it with the faux fur collar, but it’s detachable if you don’t. 
10. Weatherproof Faux Fur Coat: This one is for dramatic, practical gals because it’s weatherproof. Very cuddly and eye-catching. 
11. Trina Turk Houndstooth Check Coat: Sweet! It has wide hemmed sleeves that are not the best insulation, but it’s adorable nonetheless. Very swingy and not tailored through the body.   
12. Bar III Long Sleeve Double Breasted Coat: This coat gives me a quirky, modern Sherlock Holmes vibe. The ribbed portion on the sleeves is a little off colour to the rest of the coat, but I quite liked the effect. 
13. Jessica Simpson Double Breasted Chunky Knit Collar Coat: This mushroom coloured coat looks much better on the body than it does in the photo. The knit collar gives the coat an arty integrity and the length is wonderful. The lining is a little noisy, but it’s not a deal breaker. 
14. BB Dakota Melton Coat: Cute, retro and happy. 
15. Mac & Jac Houndstooth Coat: Another sweet little retro number. 
16. Mac & Jac Jacquard Dots Coat: This one is for Team Subtle Polka Dot in a mild Winter climate. 
17. J. Crew Double Cloth Metro Coat: J. Crew does a version of this coat every season and they are worth a second glance. The colours are attractive, the single breasted styling appealing, and the length fabulous. This year’s darling is particularly ladylike. 
18. Zara Blue Double Breasted Coat: Slim fitting through the bodice and quite dazzling.
19. Zara Teal Double Breasted Coat: An excellent coat for petites. It’s also available in yellow in stores. 
20. Guess Pleat Skirt Coat: A super little box-pleated coat that is quite flared. Do not expect a sleek look here. The colour is perfect for rich olive lovers. Flirty!

Sleeve and hem lengths can easily be shortened so don’t let that stop you from purchasing a coat. Button positions are also a simple alteration and can often make the fitting difference. Here’s a reminder on how to fit a coat, just in case.