Each year the winter months remind us of one thing, it’s freezing outside! Well, maybe a few other things as well like family and the holidays, but the second you step outside in the cold that’s the only thing on your mind.  Unless you have the luxury of hibernating all winter, you’re going to need a good coat that can protect you from the elements.  The problem is you never know which element you are going to face on a given day.  In order to be fully prepared, as well as fashionable in any situation, you are going to need a few coat choices in your closet.  Here is a list of some of the brutal elements you will be facing off with this winter and what type of coat will be your best ally in the fight.

Snow: One of the greatest things about winter can also be one of your worst nightmares if ill prepared.  With the arrival of snow comes snowball fights, trips to the mountain, and a great excuse to stay inside by the fire; however, it also brings us some of the roughest and coldest commutes we will face all year.  Not just any coat can help you battle the cold snow, if you want to stay warm this winter you are going to need a heavy duty coat that can keep you warm and dry.  Look for a coat with a thick insulation interior.  This type of jacket will help keep you warm no matter how heavy the snowfall.

Rain: There is nothing worse than arriving to work, a meeting, or a party soaking wet because your coat couldn’t handle the torrential downfall.  I personally would prefer freezing cold over wet any day of the week, especially when I’m dressed up and trying to impress a client, boss, or date.  Unless you want to pack an extra pair of clothes every wear you go, you better get yourself a coat that can keep you dry no matter how bad the rain gets.   If it’s raining, that often means it isn’t as cold out as a snow day.  This means that your best bet will be to wear a coat that is 100% waterproof yet light enough so you don’t overheat.  If it is a bit colder, you can always where additional layers underneath which can be easily removed if you get too hot.  I recommend a jacket that will protect you from the wet and is fully adjustable around the writs, waist, and hood for optimum protection.

Wind: As if the snow and rain weren’t enough, another element we face every winter is the wind.  On an ideal day the worst wind you will face will be soft and unnoticeable; however, on the worst days you won’t know which way is up as leaves, snow, and stray animals fly by you.  The worst part about wind is that it can sneak into even the smallest of holes on your coat.  This includes your sleeves, your hood, and your waist.  To best fight the wind, you will need a coat that is well insulated and that can minimize these various entry points.  A puffer jacket is one of my favorite jackets to wear on a windy day. This type of jacket is well-insulated and will protect you from the wind while keeping you warm.

Dry, but Cold: Not all days will be filled with snow, rain, and wind.  Although these deceptively nice days are most often the best we can hope for, they can fool you into thinking you can leave your coat at home for a sweater.  But by now we have learned that a slightly cold day in the morning can turn freezing by mid day.  When it’s dry you won’t need a coat with a hood to protect you from rain or snow.  This gives you a wider range of styles to choose from that are often more fashionable than their hooded counterparts.  I recommend going with a nice Peacoat that gives you a traditional and classy look.  Peacoats come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes, giving you the freedom to find the right fit for your personal style.  The properly fitted Peacoat will be snug around your torso and crease slightly when you bend your arms.  If you are looking for something a little different than the norm, look for a sheepskin jacket.  These jackets are very stylish and are not as common as a Peacoat.  Furthermore, they are lined with warm insulation that will help keep you warm without looking too bulky.

Whatever the weather you need to make certain you have a coat that fits the conditions. If you are now motivated to make a purchase, stop by one of our favorite outlet centers. They have a great selection of coats at a price that won’t get  you soaked!