The Upgrade: Winter Coats

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In the past, we've gone on a hunt for the best pieces in a wide range of budgets… but today let's focus on the upgrade — what to buy next once you're past the basics. So let's discuss! What are the upgrades on winter coats? I have a few ideas…

(Psst: check out our latest favorites for classic winter coats here…)

Winter Coats: What To Buy Once You're Past the Basics

Winter Coats Of Varying Lengths

Odds are good your basic winter coat either hits you somewhere between the top of your knee and the bottom of your hip. And that's exactly right for your first coat — it's an incredibly versatile length that works well even if you're wearing a blazer, and often, a dress or skirt.

Still, the first upgrade I would suggest is to get a longer coat — specifically for days where you're wearing longer skirts or dresses, but also if you're wearing a longer cardigan or the like. In my mind there are few things that look worse than a sweater or blazer peeking out of the bottom of a coat, and wearing a coat that is drastically shorter than a skirt always reminds me of middle school.

Below knee length, like the pictured one, is great — you may even be able to find opera length coats, intended to be worn with evening gowns and the like.

I'd also consider getting a hip-length coat if you don't already have one — they look great with pants, don't get slammed in car doors (oops), and can hang on the back of your chair if you prefer.

Readers, what length is your everyday coat (or your first basic coat)? What other lengths of winter coats have you found useful?

Better Made, Warmer Coats

Another good upgrade: go for quality. I remember reading that although a cashmere coat always sounds amazing, you actually want a cashmere/wool blend for durability as well as warmth.

After you select what fabric you want, you want to look at the details — is the coat fully lined? Are all of the stitches precise? Are the buttons or zippers a good quality? Are there leather, shearling, or other luxe details?

After your purchase, consider taking your coat to a tailor to get it fitted just to you. As we've discussed before, the shoulders are one of the hardest parts to tailor, so hopefully those fit well off the rack. The cuffs should end exactly at your wrist, not longer or shorter, and you may want to consider moving the bottom hem to a spot where your leg curves in — that might be just under your knee or just over the knee. You can also have a tailor add interior pockets (or sew up pockets if you don't like the way they lay!).

If you're looking for quality, some of the brands I've heard most over the years include Mackage, Fleurette, Cinzia Rocca, Max Mara, The Row, and Akris — readers, what would you add?

Statement Coats

As someone who wears a lot of black, I love a colorful or loud statement coat — and it tends to be a bit of a status symbol as well because you need the closet space to store the coats. I've always loved that they can complement your personality and your outfit.

(The gray Mackage above also comes in lovely hot pink!)

Some of our favorite stores and brands to check for statement coats for winter in 2026 include Mackage, Soia & Kyo, COS, J.Crew, and Cuyana.

Readers, do you have any statement coats in your closet? Which ones do you love to wear, and why?