No matter where you call home or where you’re holing up for the holidays, a trusty winter coat is going to be your right hand wingwoman for every event on your fatty social calendar: from ice skating with your boo to NYE with your high school clique, I’ve got you covered with this Winter Coat Guide! Thank me later, when your pick (whether leather, puffer, or parka) goes double duty after break, and everyone realizes that Atlanta actually does get flippin’ cold.
Leather: Perfect for a night-out over trousers and silk, or for movie night over flannel and dark denim. Come to think of it, this guy goes with everything! Just like your ex from last spring. Black is classic, but if you’re the attention whore type, go for winter whites or cool-girl tans. Moto styles are most versatile, but feel free to dip into bombers or shearling if you so please.
Fur: Shy girls need not apply. Perfect in full-coat form over floor length skirts and ankle boots, or as a vest over an embellished silk shell and a high bun. No excuse for those of you who cry over our furry friends—go faux! It’s just as fun. You’ll be that girl at the party—in a good way.
Puffer: It’s waaaay too cold for fur, Elaina! Fine, whiny betches. Go for puffers! Fab for those bone-chillers when 8 extra sweaters and long underwear seem like the only options. Take heed: stay away from anything that belongs on the slopes for shredding mad gnar. Keep it simple, matte, and hooded.
Wool: For notes on versatility, see “leather.” If you’re going to buy one, make it this one. Wool is perfect for daytime, over denim and cashmere, but will look just as good over tights, dresses, and heeled boots. Cuts and colors vary, but I’m a fan of camel, dark greys, or black. Olive, burgundy, and navy are cool too.
Parka: For the cool girls who don’t think wool is for them—go for the parka. Effortless and a little grungy, pull the full effect off with a cozy button down, kitschy sweater, circle scarf, and boots. Extra points for a fur hood.
all images via elainakim’s pinterest or elle.com