It looks like Wisconsin has similar winter temps to my Canadian location where it can drop to minus 30 or even 40 plus added wind chill factor. I select a good winter coat for function first, fashion second. Having said that, it is possible to find winter coats that look better than others, but not every year. Some years are better than others for locating the perfect coat. If you find one, snap it up regardless of cost, hee.
Are either of these scenarios possible for you?
1. You may have to take public transit, sometimes waiting for 15 minutes or longer in exposed locations.
2. You may have to abandon your vehicle and walk several blocks or farther.
If so, my first decision would be down-filled or synthetic? Check out this discussion http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....tic-guide/
My choice for my winter location will always be down-fill because it's usually going to be a dry snow rather than wet. If you're more likely to have heavy wet snow you might want to go with something else. (For fall/spring, when I'm more likely to get wet in somewhat warmer temps, I have a London Fog waterproof raincoat with a zip-out wool lining plus room for warm layering.)
Next, besides the usual checks for quality (stitching, well-finished buttonholes, extra buttons included, etc), I look for certain features such as storm cuffs, double front fastenings, deep pockets. If it doesn't have them, I don't buy it. I need them and to me, these are the marks of a designer/manufacturer that knows their business. My coat has to have a hood with good-looking fur trim (real or fake is up to you but fake can sometimes look cheap) - not only does it look classier it's also cozier. And there's a real practical reason for that. See http://boards.straightdope.com.....63970.html
I've had wool and polyester-wool type coats before, but find them too heavy for the same amount of warmth as synthetic. I prefer soft-to-the-touch fabric such as microsuede rather than slippery, shiny nylon types. Most of those crackle in freezing temps. I don't like to crackle when I move LOL. Also scarves and shoulder bag straps slide off too easily. Oh yes, if you have to carry a small child, he'll slide down annoyingly, too And I look for a coat with the quilting on the inside to avoid the Michelin Man puffy look, although if that's all you can find, there are some with more waist definition.
In essence, I'd be looking for something like this:
http://www.sears.ca/product/tr.....-TR70-0565
My current coat, bought several years ago, is actually very similar in colour and features to the one above, except mine is maxi length down to mid-calf. You may not be able to find one that long this year, maybe not even knee length. Styles seem to have gotten shorter. Silly. Even wearing a skirt or dress my lower legs are also protected. I love and cherish mine because it has served me very well in the coldest temps while still looking, I think, quite classy and beautiful. Sorry, don't think I can post a photo yet.
Good luck in your hunt!
