YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Winter Outwear Review (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Winter Outwear Review (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:06:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349395 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:18:14 +0000 Chris987 2349395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ StyleFan - love your comment about wearing a lightweight puffer in summer! Whatever works, right? The emergence of the lightweight puffer is IMHO one of the best fashion developments in recent years.  I know your winters are colder and longer than mine, so of course you have a great collection of  "heavy amour". Interesting that the warmest LLBean is not as warm as some of the other brands". Sadly Lole, Lululemon, and North Face don't make petite sizes :-)  Thanks Angie! I'll give that shoulder pad idea a try, thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure what at the ideal replacement is for the EB raincoat ... Some combo of waterproof outerlayer and warmer layers underneath that is not solid black and perhaps has a slightly more flattering shape (the EB has only a hint of waist shaping), and maybe something less "utilitarian".  Yeah, I think I agree that a light neutral long puffer would be great. The one I showed above is a possibilities although I'm not sure I need or want 2 of them at that heavier weight. Janet's sage green possibility one is gorgeous and quite an unusual color. As I said earlier the petites sizes are close to sold out almost everywhere this time of year so I think I'm better off waiting until next fall unless I get lucky.  Angie on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349391 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:00:41 +0000 Angie 2349391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I have some suggestions - sorry it took me a while to chime in! <ul> <li>Yes, to having an enlightening and professional colour analysis. I'd be very curious to hear if you agree with the conclusions.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>For the overcoats, I'm wondering if you need to insert a shoulder pad to create a silhouette you'll be happier with. You could be pleasantly surprised!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The Eddie Bauer raincoat that is a workhorse, but you don't feel is that flattering - THAT is where you start to look for a replacement. What is the ideal option? Is it the colour, fit, fabric, anything else? I'd like to see it on, so that I can offer my 2 cents :) </li> </ul> <ul> <li>I think you need a long, lighter neutral puffer! A silver grey, silver blue, dusty blue, or bone might be the 'current ticket". A silver olive too. Look at what Janet is considering in her thread.</li> </ul> I hear you on petite sizes being scarce! It sucks :(  Happy to help you look. Style Fan on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349323 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:50:56 +0000 Style Fan 2349323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, there are lots of great ideas here about winter outerwear.  I run cold and have been known to wear a lightweight puffer in the summer.  Also, I live where it can be -30 C and sometimes -40 C (although rare).   I am outside walking for a few hours daily in those temps. I have four winter puffers. 1/  North Face puffer - this is probably twenty years old.  It is waist-length and extremely warm.  I wore it for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities.  I no longer do those activities, so the puffer is in storage. 2/  Lole puffer - Olive Green, Knee Length, Great pockets, Very Well Made.  This puffer is probably about twenty years old.  I wear it for dog walking because the deep pockets hold many things.  There are lots of inside pockets. 3/  L L Bean puffer - Burnt Orange, Knee Length.  I love the colour of this puffer, and the fit is very flattering.  It is the warmest puffer L L Bean makes.  It is okay for warmth, but it is not super warm for me.  The pockets are tiny.   The Lole and Lululemon puffer are much warmer and better made.  This puffer is showing wear, and the other puffers are not. 4/  Lululemon puffer - Olive Green, Mid Calf Length, Beautifully Made, Gorgeous Details, Super Warm.  This puffer is about four years old.  The pockets are big, and there are lots of them.  I love this puffer.   I am considering another puffer.  The places I am looking at are Lole, Artizia and Lululemon. I also have a Dark Brown Faux Fur Knee Length Coat and a Black Faux Shearling Midi Coat.  I never wear them. Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349302 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:47:46 +0000 Chris987 2349302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks lyn67. I'd have to order it to try it on ... still pondering ... lyn67 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349252 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:23:02 +0000 lyn67 2349252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow,  I definitely  ALSO agree with at least trying the light silvery blue puffer esp. if it has a bit of shine!! It can be a stunning color on us blondes! (It's a HEWI for me, but never had the luck yet) Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349249 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:47:23 +0000 Chris987 2349249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ophelia, joining you on team "short everywhere"!!!  :-)  On me that Eddie Bauer coat is almost knee length, which I find much more versatile than shorter. You bet I'm considering that light blue puffer!!! I'm ok with the return cycle but it is exhausting and I take breaks from time to time. Ginger good point about that color being rare. Feeling the enabling vibes .... :-)  Ginger on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349152 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:18:24 +0000 Ginger 2349152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely agree with at least trying the light silvery blue puffer, especially while it's on sale. That's not a color I've seen very much. I got a rose pink one last year from Lands' End and it just makes me happy to wear. I know that's not at all your outerwear priority! But there will always be more black puffers. Silvery blue is rare and so pretty. ophelia on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349132 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:37:25 +0000 ophelia 2349132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris yes I meant short-waisted! I knew I had the wrong term again lol! It took me forever to figure that out because I was thinking I’m just short everywhere! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction to the lined EB jackets. I probably skipped right over them in a huff :). I’m glad they are still making them. I was looking for something that would keep the rain off my rear end, & it is a great length. Yes 2nd hand searches can be really frustrating! If you venture there again, I think ebay does incentivize sellers to accept returns, so I try to pick from those. But sometimes a seller’s evaluation of condition doesn’t match the buyer’s, so that’s a risk. That blue puffer you posted is a gorgeous color that might look fab on you! Might be worth getting while on sale; you can always return if you don’t like it! (Yes I know the endless cycle is exhausting! But petite selections are already so limited that I could create justification, lol. ) Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349120 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:27:05 +0000 Chris987 2349120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy I totally agree on the car seat issue. My current car is the first one I've had with heated seats and they are super in winter but still take a few minutes to heat up so I always wear long coats below a certain temperature. They are hot in summer too. Yeah, the Big 3 sizes do run large side ... too bad they don't work for the very smallest people like you.  Anonymous on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349117 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:20:22 +0000 Anonymous 2349117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need long coats to cover cold leather car seats that suck warmth from me. I wear long coats at least half the year and have given up shorts and short skirts because of hot car seats that burn in summer. I hate leather car seats but they are a selling point right now. The Big 3 all are too big for me even in XS . They run big in size. I find XS in designer brands at Nordstrom Rack and I assume Nordstrom although local b&m stores have all closed. They sold out of small sizes first as ladies in this area are small and fit maybe when Denver stops closing main streets for repairs I will try driving there again. Now it is too nerve wracking because of one-way streets being closed. Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349106 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:48:08 +0000 Chris987 2349106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ophelia, if by "high waist" you meant he same as "short waisted" (the distance from shoulders to waist is quite short) then yes yes yes I'm exactly the same and face all the issues you name That's why I DO stick with petite sizes for upper body garments. And I totally agree with your comment about "so much for inclusive sizes". Don't get me started :-)  I have only superficially delved into the online second hand market, it part because I have found so little that interested me. I should probably give it more of an effort. Eddie Bauer still makes the raincoat w/lining that I have ... It's called Girl on The Go Insulated  Trenchcoat <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612671/women's-girl-on-the-go-insulated-trench-coat?sp=1&color=Dark%20Mulberry">https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/2.....8;color=Da</a> . The full price is $229  on sale around $140. But you found a secondhand one so that's even better!   Irina good advice.  The straighter puffers you prefer are in my mind more likely to look really modern, while the waist-defining ones that work better for me are more classic.  It makes sense to me that you have a good sized collection living where you do.  Your first 2 photos seem to have disappeared.  SarahD8 what a great point! I did in fact order 4 different camel colored puffer coats last winter, some in multiple sizes,  but returned them all because they didn't fit right or look good. I just haven't felt like doing that again this year. :-)  Dee good points.  I've thought  about duplicating my heavy EddieBauer puffer in a light grey/blue  that is on sale right now (just added custom find) ....   Thanks Jaime! yeah living in a warm place as you do this topic is not one you have to think about  :-)  Jaime on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349070 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:23:11 +0000 Jaime 2349070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Our winters are very moderate, but I have to agree that puffers are the most useful (if not always most fun) type of coat, especially in the rain or snow. Interesting thread! Dee on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349049 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:49:18 +0000 Dee 2349049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes being petite certainly does have its limitations but I agree with SarahD8 about the grey/blue puffer being a fab colour option to look into going forward, maybe even if its just  accessories to go with some of your other coats and jackets.. And you certainly can’t beat LLBean for the longevity and functionality of some of their items either .  <div>I personally can’t survive winter without my various puffers, I’ve got everything from a lightweight packable down puffer to my full-on winter Ralph Lauren down puffer with a shearling hood.  I’m not into the wool coat scene, they just aren’t practical enough for where I live, they don’t repel rain or snow and they feel too bulky as well.</div> SarahD8 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349044 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:05:50 +0000 SarahD8 2349044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are getting good advice here! I am kind of a remedial outerwear shopper but I did want to say that what really stands out to me about your post is your joy in the short gray/blue puffer. Maybe look for a long puffer in a light neutral? Irina on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349031 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:14:35 +0000 Irina 2349031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I’m petite, too and for me it’s much harder to find a well fitted wool coat than a puffer. I like my puffers in a straight cut without waist definition, for years all I saw were fitted ones but now it’s easier to find them. <div>The selection of best puffers depends on one’s lifestyle. For example, I don’t drive and need something considerably warmer. I have 2 short puffers and I wear it when I go shopping or when I’m with my DH in our car (usually once a week). My DH who drives to work, only wears short puffers and vests in a variety of thickness. </div><div>As for colors, I do have a black, taupe, beige, teal. I thought my new one would be navy or grey. Yet I recently bought midi puffer in muted green. I completely changed my mind about grey winter jackets - they look too drab in low light (unless they have some shine). </div><div>The navy one was too dark and felt overwhelming in a midi length. I went for something else. It looks fab to me with black, navy and cream - my main winter colors. </div><div>So, when choosing a color, I suggest to think what would work the best with your winter wardrobe and also consider something outside of a box. </div><div>#1&2 my 6 years old teal puffer worn with navy hat, sweater  #3 is the newest and warmest puffer</div><div> </div> ophelia on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349029 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:09:03 +0000 ophelia 2349029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m just under 5’2 w/ a high waist. I insist on petite sizes for anything worn on my upper body. Regular sizes, even the smalls, sit wonky on my shoulders & throws the neckline off &/or vice versa. I don’t know your particular challenges but would encourage you to stick to petites if you have any of those issues—despite the rapid dwindling of availability. So much for “inclusive” sizes. (Unlike you, my climate doesn’t call for coats yet I buy some for my fantasy life of real winter.) I can’t remember how comfortable you are or aren’t w/ online thrift, but I’ve gotten all my coats on ebay. I found a rear-end covering puffer from J. Crew that is in great condition & cost about 30.00. I get stuck looking at the “big 3” for outerwear too. This past year I decided to get a raincoat. Ordered 2 from Eddie Bauer w/ intent to return 1. Each was close to 100.00 which is too much for my wallet, but what really got me is there is no removable lining anymore like the one you have. I decided that was a deal breaker. Looked on ebay, found an older version of the exact same coat that had the liner plus zip off hood for 30.00 & it looks unworn. Returned new coats to EB! On ebay you can sort by size so only petites show. Of course if you don’t really like 2nd hand, this won’t help much! I’ll be interested to see what you find. One disadvantage of ebay is you don’t always get the color you might want. My J Crew is a slightly warm dusty pink which I love, & the EB is dark olive. Although I love the colors, I would have chosen neutrals if they had been available. So it could be a trade-off. But I got better quality for a lot less money! Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349027 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:00:00 +0000 Chris987 2349027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Roberta, your climate is a lot like mine, so similar experiences. Our winters haven't changed that much overall, but the year-to-year is always a crap shoot. I didn't need snow boots last year but this year I do! I'm retired too and get it about not needing/wanting so many coats. Yes Ann Klein can be a great brand for classic clothing. They do a lot of petites so I always give them a look. Peri, exactly right about puffers. Good point about them being lighter weight. I once bought a faux sherpa full length coat that was super warm, and after wearing it once during my suburbs-to-city commute, I returned it because it was so heavy it hurt my shoulders!  Hmm.. I'm not a Costco member because BJ's is the big box near me but that's an interesting point. One of my rare thrifted items is a cashmere sweater from Costco that is super high quality although several years old no doubt.  Runcarla, hah - "The Near North" ... good one! Sounds like similar to where Suz used to live, also in Ontario. From what I see you do not run nearly as cold as I do, so your "warmest" coat would not be warm enough for me but I like your pared down list of choices. And I'm now starting to think of the shoulder season as TWO seasons ...  #1 with the lighter winter coats and spring coats/layers and #2 late spring with denim jackets and the like. Those seasons are a lot easier because mixing various layers works well.  Suz your list is great! **like suntiger, runs off with list  (to heavily plagiarize it)**.  kkards ... hah, "all the puffer searches start with LLBean" ... I totally agree! I do look at the Jcrew straight "wool" coats ... somehow the style is a bit too preppy for me and tend to be too straight to fit me well, but I do consider them a possibility. Yeah Talbots is good too.  Joy, I know, everyone tells me I need brighter colors! I just don't feel like it, at least not right now. The last red coat I had (a thrifted wool coat from LLBean with an extra lining that still had tags and was $10) just sat in the closet, I never felt like wearing it. Who knows maybe I'll change my thinking :-)  Anonymous on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349024 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:40:20 +0000 Anonymous 2349024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you need a warm winter coat in a brighter color.  Even burgundy is a neutral to some.  Think about what colors are flattering to you and look for that.  I am looking for coral or lime green.  This week the doctors' office measured me and I have lost another inch of height.  This will make it hard to find a new coat.  I am now truly short.  The warmest would be a long puffer or real fur coat.  The puffer is most light weight to carry indoors while shopping or wear on long trips.  Leather car seats are cold to sit on and demand a long coat in cold weather .  Even in hot weather they are too hot for shorts or short skirts and demand length to keep from getting burned.  I wish more cars came with fabric seats.  Last time I bought a car I had to settle for leather to get the safety package.   kkards on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349022 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:21:25 +0000 kkards 2349022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, as someone who has a llbean puffer, in cream no less, that is going on 11 years and still looks great, I would start any and all outerwear searches there. <div>Interesting that you feel that the belted coats feel severe & formal, my 1st thought when i saw them was wow, those coats are so fab and on trend/current. But I get it, your life is now really causal and these just don’t fit what you need, but these you maybe about to recoup some of the value is you sell. </div><div>If you are looking for a 50F(ish) wool coat (mind you i run cold, so might work for you in the 40Fs, I’d look at Jcrew, who offer petites. And can also be found on the pre loved market if you wanted to try that. They do a version of this find almost every year. </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jcrew.com/plp/womens/categories/clothing/coats-and-jackets?sub-categories=women-coats-jackets-topcoat&fit=Petite">https://www.jcrew.com/plp/wome.....n-coats-ja</a> and over course there’s Talbots. They are probably broken on sizes/colors right now, but it’s work looking at, or putting it on your first look in fall </div> Suz on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349021 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:21:02 +0000 Suz 2349021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds as if you've done some good thinking and strategizing. I'd wait to see what pops up at retail next year and hope for the best.  My sense of an "ideal" coat wardrobe for myself in your location would be as follows. I say for myself, because it would take into account my own activities.  Minimal:  One very warm puffer or parka for extremely cold temps. (Knee length or longer).  One knee length puffer, possibly packable, for walks and skating. Enough room to layer under so it works across a range of temps. Rain resistant fabric. One shorter puffer jacket, fitted, to wear on its own or layer under other coats. (Or a vest instead.)  One long dress coat in a key neutral.  One pea coat or similar style in a key neutral. Could be a knee length coat instead.  One long (ish) raincoat/ trench. (possibly a 3 layer thing) One lightweight gear raincoat/ trench.  Anything else would be gravy or "fun" and I would aim to purchase at least one "fun" coat every few years, budget permitting, and would probably cycle it out. But "fun" I don't mean impractical. I mean something in a great colour or new shape for me.  I actually find I need more coat variety in the PNW than I did back east! Depending on the year, of course. I need more waterproof options, for one thing, and coats specific to different activities.  Carla on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349019 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:04:19 +0000 Carla 2349019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your term ‘heavy armour’ made me laugh!  I have one of those, and though the colour and style got lambasted on social media last year, I fall in love with it as soon as the temps dip below 0degC.  Lightweight, warm, and the colour/fabric just glows.  <div> </div><div>When I joined YLF 11 years ago I lived in a place designated The Near North, where winter lasted November through April with snow on the ground from Halloween until early May, and daytime winter temps usually -20degC with a couple of tough weeks in February when -40 was not impossible and so much snow the streets became narrow corridors.  </div><div> </div><div>DH and I held on to our heaviest/warmest coats after we relocated 900 km ‘down south’ to the northern shores of Lake Ontario, but eventually donated them, along with the clunky heavy duty boots.  Temps just didn’t get that cold in our new home town, and the coats which had served us so well up north were too heavy and hot in our new locale. </div><div> </div><div>3 ‘winter’ coats do the trick for me these days.  The LE burgundy puffer for the coldest days, a mid weight wool blend mid thigh length coat, and a mid weight wool maxi coat for dressy occasions.  (It took me 2+ years to find the right maxi coat, and it may be the last long dressy coat I ever buy! I have 3 light weight/ultra light weight puffers that I wear alone on shoulder season or under the 3 winter coats if I’m looking for a little extra warmth.  (Much like your puffer vests.) I find wearing a hat, or a scarf can also increase the warmth factor.   </div><div> </div><div>Winter seems to be late this year.  The ground isn’t frozen, and temps have been hovering above freezing for weeks!  We had a green Christmas.  Woke up to snow on the ground this morning, but just a dusting.  </div><div> </div><div> </div> Peri on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349008 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 16:59:56 +0000 Peri 2349008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DH and I just did a coat declutter and between the two of us we donated 14 coats. For one, we just had too many and the coat closet was unmanageable. But the other reason was what you said...it's all about the puffers these days. And I'm not talking fashion, I'm talking for warmth to weight you just can't do better. I just can't abide those heavy wool peacoat and overcoat types anymore and will never reach for one over any puffer. I kept only two dress coats in different weights because I have little need for that. My climate is not nearly as cold as yours so a lot of my puffers are the sleeker kind, but even my warmest and most bulky is still nothing in weight and bulk compared to the old coats. I just hope someone will still like the wool ones enough to buy at the donation place because the money raised there goes to local good causes.  Most of my puffers are from Costco, believe it or not! I can't say whether they compare in quality to your big 3 because remember, my climate is milder. But my first one from there is about 6 years old and still looks new. Might be worth a look? Roberta on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2349006 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 16:30:14 +0000 Roberta 2349006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A very interesting and thoughtful analysis. When you live in a four season climate, coats take a lot of thought and effort! I live in Chicago, where we used to have brutal winters, and I always needed a down coat with a hood that came pretty much to my ankles. But climate change seems to have, well, changed our winters. Combined with retirement (no longer commuting), I no longer need the array of coats that I own. This year I gave away eight coats for various reasons, and I hope that the shelter finds people that need them. Ditto my serious snow boots. However, I'm still searching for a long, lightweight coat. Last fall, I needed a coat to wear over a dress for a funeral, as you mentioned, and was hard pressed to find anything that worked. Because I intend to wear it in warmer weather, wool won't do, and most trench coats seem very blah to me. Lots of beige. Or too bright for the occasion! You have reminded me of Anne Klein, a great brand, and I will have a look on eBay for something from them. Have fun with your refresh! Chris987 on "Winter Outwear Review (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter-outwear-review-long#post-2348995 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 14:15:17 +0000 Chris987 2348995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m doing a closet/wardrobe review this January and decided to start with winter outerwear (Angie’s idea, and a good one.) I did not plan it this way, but as I’m writing this we’re getting the first significant snow in about 2 years. We’ll have a foot where I am (central Massachusetts) by the end of today. It’s the best possible type of snow, light and fluffy, not so hard  to shovel and plow, good for sledding and snow angels, winter-wonderland fairyland! However the temps are going to drop severely this evening so that will create icy nastiness, and we're getting another storm later this week of lots of rain which is going to melt everything and cause flooding ... ugh!   How Many Coats to Have, Color, Style My climate is hugely varied, with quite a bit of precipitation year-round.  With all the wardrobe rigmarole it takes to get through a cold snowy winter (putting on/taking off hats & scarves, wearing boots and then shoes indoors ...  those of you who live in cold climates know what I’m talking about), I think I would prefer a small selection of carefully chosen pieces, like what city dwellers do in their small living spaces. Simplify the choices to balance all the effort required. Maybe all neutrals. Not feeling the urge for a bright color at the moment. In the coldest part of winter I only care about staying warm  and a big old black puffer below-knee coat does that in my world.  I like a bit of figure flattery but warmth and practicality take center stage in winter and bulky coats are just fine. Overall I'm ok with this part of my wardrobe being totally classic but I'd like it to look current.   The Practical Realities at Retail There are lots of options for winter outerwear, but for my body size/shape I generally need petite sizes. (A person as short as me who wears tiny sizes might find the regular sizes can work). Alterations can work but  for example puffer coats with a knit inside cuff don’t lend themselves to sleeve alterations. The warmest puffers are always warmer than any woven coat in my experience. Also, not that I’m a slave to fitting in, but I almost never see any women (or men) in wool  overcoats in deep winter and that's been true for many years even in the last part of my corporate days… it’s all about the puffer and mostly black ones in my neck of the woods. Petite sizing limits my brand possibilities quite dramatically, which limits the styles too; for puffers it’s either the “big 3” sporty brands  LLBean, LandsEnd, and EddieBauer, or few dept store brands like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein.  I occasionally try regular sizes in stores but they rarely fit right. The “big 3” have the warmest options, and dept store choices are usually more figure flattering (although the big 3 are getting better at that). I do go for a little body shaping rather than a boxy shape. I have all the“big 3” AND dept stores near me, but they typically have just one petite puffer style in just one color, or none at all, so online we go. Puffer choices start being available online around October and by January 1 they are extremely  limited in petite sizes (I've been watching this cycle for a few years.)   What I plan to do I am planning to do a serious review of color in my wardrobe. I'm still  considering having a professional color analysis. I won’t be surprised  if I end up where I am but think the process could be enlightening. If I want the largest variety of choices I'll have to wait until next Oct to do a refresh.  Maybe I'll have a bit of luck in the next few months but I'm not going to put much effort into it.  A winter refresh might look like one new "regular winter" puffer coat, one new waterproof coat with removable lining, and one wool coat in a more current style. And then retire quite a few.  Maybe by Oct the Aritizia that’s supposedly coming to a nearby mall will be open and I can go there for try-ons since they don't do petite sizes.  I've visited the one in Boston (3-hour round trip) a couple of times and love their clothes and they do have great winter coats.  What I have now Mostly older piece, all dark colors. Functional but not too inspiring. 3 categories: 1) “heavy armour” for temps well below freezing  2) “regular” days  in the 30sF   3) warmer days in the 40s.  ”heavy armour”   <ul> <li>(P) Eddie Bauer black puffer coat. Very warm, well made, zipper opens at top/bottom, all the usual great features I want in this type of coat. </li> </ul> Regular winter <ul> <li>(P) London Fog raspberry puffer coat. I get lots of complements on this coat especially the color.  Not as warm as it looks, the fill seems to have lost some of it’s bulk. </li> <li>(P) Lands End black thigh length puffer. Maybe 6 – 8 years old and a bit big. I mostly wear this for morning walks where I wear it over other layers.     </li> <li>Obermeyer grey teddy coat. This is the only coat I’ve bought in the last 3 years. Fun and warmer than it looks.</li> </ul> For 40s F <ul> <li>Guess Grey/blue puffer jacket. LOVE this, but too short for the coldest winter days. I really notice he difference between a short jacket and a longer coat in terms of warmth</li> <li>(P) Ann Klein black knee length overcoat. Bought to wear to funerals. Don't wear much because it's a bit too clasic and maybe a little boring and funerals have become more casual where a black coat is not really a necessity.    </li> <li>(P) Eddie Bauer black waterproof raincoat with removable quilted lining. Total workhorse for the hard rains we get year round. It’s often my choice for travel when I want only one coat. Not the most flattering style but ok.</li> <li>Two H&M overcoats, camel/brown & grey herringbone. When I bought them just before Covid (I think) I found them classy and elegant. With the ongoing casualization of fashion since covid they now feel a bit severe and formal. Quite inexpensive so the linings are looking worn. The combination of lapel width, waist snaps and tie belt make the upper front gape and bunch up, and I am constantly fiddling with everything.   Awkward. I’ve lost some weight so maybe a fit issue. I’ve already tried moving the snaps. I don't plan to buy this style again - would prefer single buttons down the front and perhaps no tie belt. </li> </ul> ...and a few  vests I can add for more warmth  <ul> <li>(P) LLBean in cream and light grey</li> <li>(P) LandsEnd Puffer vest in ivory</li> <li>(P) Bernardo black puffer vest (sadly it seems this brand no longer makes petites)</li> </ul> If you've hung in there, thanks for reading! Would love any feedbak or suggestions as always!