Our lives are becoming more complicated as the weather cools down. Now, not only do we have to wake up for that obnoxious 8:30 a.m. class, we have to make sure that we’re not going to freeze to death on our way.
Without the proper winter coat, we could find ourselves doing absurd things like wearing four sweatshirts. Worse, we may have a winter coat we love, but it doesn’t go with the sweatpants look we wear to early classes, leaving us trekking to early classes with just a sweatshirt (or four).
So, here are some winter coat shopping tips and some examples of cute winter coats that won’t break the bank.
Unless you are really into coats, you probably don’t want to spend too much buying multiple coats. So, know yourself and know your style.
If you’re always in sweat pants, look for a coat that will go with sweats. Don’t buy a long, dressy coat that only looks good with professional attire, no matter how cute you think it is.
Forever 21, $38.90
This coat, perfect for Florida students, can go with a wide range of outfits from dresses to sweatpants. You can dress it up or dress it down. As long as you don’t wear all black with this coat, you pretty much can’t go wrong.
H&M, $79.95
This is the coat you want if you wear a lot of sweatpants. This coat is casual enough that it won’t look tacky with your sweats look, but at the same time, it’s fitted enough that it doesn’t look loose, baggy or manly, which can happen with more casual coats. Sweatpants aren’t the only thing you could wear with this; jeans, a pair of UGGS and a simple long-sleeved shirt would also work well.
If you wear a mix of everything, from sweats to dresses, tights and heeled boots, focus on finding a versatile coat, one that can go with casual and dressy clothes. Try to find coats in fleece or cotton, which have a more casual appearance, but that are longer and fitted, adding that elegant touch.
Forever 21, $29.80
A lot of us think of winter as a time for darker colors, but it doesn’t have to be. This bright red double-breasted coat can go with jeans, leggings and pretty much any color boots. And what better way to liven up an outfit than with a coat? While it definitely has a dressier feel rather than casual one, you could definitely wear it with jeans and a T-shirt. You could even pull off yoga pants with this.
H&M, $69.95
A coat that flares out can be cute, but sometimes can cause you to look like you just have abnormally large hips. But this coat has just that right amount of flare that you can tell it’s the coat and not you. I have a coat similar to this, and I love to wear it with leggings and a longer, looser top.
If you’re that girl who people stare at in awe because you’re in college, but they’ve never seen you in sweats, shop for elegant coats that have a young feel to them.
Forever 21, $34.80
Sometimes the trench coat can look like you’re getting ready to start selling things from your coat, but not this one. This chic, modern trench coat adds a little flare to the trench coat look, with its shorter length. Tying it off to the side in a bow is a great way to make it a little more feminine. Pair it with a classy blouse and dark-washed jeans to achieve that professional, casual look. Or dress it up a bit more with gray leggings, a colorful top and ballet flats.
Forever 21, $47.80
Looking for something a little warmer? This adorable fleece jacket will keep you nice and warm. Instead of always wearing your North Face fleece, try this one. With more shape to it than a regular fleece jacket, it’s the perfect coat to go with skirts, dresses and even dark-washed jeans. This coat combines traditional and trendy in a way that’s hard to find. The fur collar, larger buttons and two buttons on the back make this coat stand out. Also, what’s better than a coat with a fur collar? The collar will keep your neck warm, making your scarf unnecessary, which is always a plus (one less thing to keep track of), unless you just got a brand new scarf and are desperate to wear it. In that case, pick a different coat that day.
H&M, $99
If you have an internship or internship or job interviews coming up, go in style in this coat. It’s feminine, professional and modern. $99 may seem like a lot, but at a department store you would be hard pressed to find a coat like this for under $100. Gray can look very boring, but it works for this coat. The different shades of gray all work with each other and with other colors. The lower neckline allows you to show off the top of your shirt, so stick with bright colored tops that will add a splash of color to your ensemble.