I decided to look for a new puffer coat this year and thought I’d share my journey, particularly for all you other petite fabbers in case any of you are looking too. I have long, cold, snowy winters, I run cold, and I do not like to hide indoors for 6 months, so puffer coats are a necessity (along with some wool ones). I own two puffers now, a thigh-length raspberry one from Lands End that is not very warm and getting a bit worn, and a black LE one (similar to the find) that is a little longer, a bit warmer, quite sporty, and a bit too big. (First two finds)

I decided to look for a knee length one that is quite warm but does not have to be “arctic expedition” warm or "Ontario walking commuter warm" like Suz needed until her recent move. I want a dark neutral but not black, and with a body-skimming modern somewhat polished look rather than a full-on sporty look. It needs to fit over a wool sweater or a blazer but not necessarily a super bulky fleece jacket. I also wanted moderate pricing, not for example Canada Goose pricing.

For fitted coats I almost always need petite sizing because I’m so short waisted, and that limited the selection hugely, plus they are NEVER in the stores around me. I looked online at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor and found nothing, then found two at Macys. If I struck out there I was next going to look at LLBean, Lands End, Eddie Bauer but expected to find mostly the sportier looks there. (Nordstrom has LOTS of Canada Goose coats and there might have been some petites but I didn't want that price point so didn't pay attention)

Here is where I am so far

1+2 London Fog Burgundy: the fit is great, I love the color (I’m partial to brownish burgundies), and it has nice pockets, ribbed inner cuffs, and elastic grabber things to pull the hood snug. It feels a bit warmer than the MK one. The hood is removable. Lists at $275 US but Macys frequently has sales. In comes in black too.

3 + 4 + 5 Michael Kors Gunmetal: the fits is great on this one too, the color is good, I love the gold snaps. The side panels are a different fabric from the main body, and feel a little thinner than the rest of the coat which could make it less warm than the LF one. It also has ribbed inner cuffs, but no grabber things to pull the hood snug so the hood could flop around in wind . The faux fur trim is removable as is the entire hood. This one lists at $330 US but again Macys has lots of sales.

6+7+8 Zara Mustard Short Jacket. A wild card that followed me home in regular sizing. Love the color! The body shape works really well for a petite, but the arms are too long and the hood is ginormous on me. It also comes in black, navy and bottle green. It’s a great jacket and quite warm, but I think I’m going to return it. I have a good amount of natural insulation in my lower body but can still be very cold in a short jacket in winter. $119 US.

I really like both the coats and am leaning toward the burgundy because I think the warmer color will make me happier than the grey, and it is physically a little warmer too. I don’t feel much of a need to keep looking.

What do you all think?