Wool Coats: Your Guide to a Timeless Piece

The wool coat is a timeless piece to sport in fall and winter. There are a lot of different variations of coat that have gone in and out of style over the last couple of years, yet I think the wool coat, in general, has remained particularly “in.”

Although I have always loved the chic look of a wool coat, it took me two years of high school and freshman year of college to find one that worked for me. I think the most important thing to consider is the style - is it a wrap coat? Does it have one button? Or is it double-breasted? How long is the coat, and is it loose or fitted? 

So today, I’ll walk you through a few different wool coat styles and hopefully guide you to finding one that you ‘wooly’ love!

First: The Loose vs. Fitted Debate

For more petite girls, like myself, I generally recommend a more fitted jacket. I’ve tried on so many oversized wool coats, hoping to get a cozy look, but end up looking like a child trying to wear her mom’s oversized coat.

I also think that a fitted look is more classic, while the oversized is more trendy. However, I do think that the latter look offers more flexibility around what outfit you could wear beneath it, and is a more casual look that is perfect for class or a stroll around the city, while a fitted coat *could* get you mistaken for a real estate agent. 

And, like all things, it comes down to finding a coat that fits you best. If you’re petite and happen to find a cozy oversized coat that fits you, go for it! [and tell me where you got it…] Or if you’re taller and find a slimming fitted coat that’s great for your professional endeavors, that’s great too.

Next: One Button, Multiple Buttons, or No Buttons?

Comparing these 3 jackets from Aritzia, the single-button coat is great for its professional look and is most flattering while unbuttoned. The only con is that the rest of your outfit should match the coat because you’re not closing it all the way - this can also mean it’s less warm. 

The multiple button coat is a warmer pick and looks good either closed or opened. However, it can be difficult with this style to find the perfect fit. When trying on the second coat, my friend told me it looked way too uniform.

The wrap coat works best if you’re taller, or otherwise can find the perfect length jacket. I like the wrap coat because it’s warm, and versatile. You can wear anything underneath and not have to worry about it matching, since you’ll likely be taking the coat off. Unfortunately, wrap coats can very easily begin to look sloppy if they aren’t pressed and tied well.

Last: Double or Single Breasted? 

Double-breasted jackets can be a fun way to spice up the jacket look and make it warmer. You can see that both jackets would look better buttoned up, Boden’s looks more like a peacoat and Aritzia’s looks less like a straitjacket than the first, single-breasted option. 

So, Where Do I Get One of These Coats?

Now that you’ve seen a lot of styles, these are my recommendations for where to find coats that may work!

Aritzia: This is the place when it comes to wool coats. They are good quality and have a broad variety of styles. The price is a bit high, ranging from $150-$400, but it’s worth it, in my opinion, for the quality.

Zara: A more budget-friendly option with prices between $50-$200. These coats usually have more modern designs but are not always pure wool so make sure you check the fabric before purchasing.

COS: A more upscale pick with jackets ranging from $200-$500 but made well.

Saks: Saks has a wide variety of upscale options to choose from!

Hopefully this guide helped find you a wool coat for this season or the next!

Featured Image Courtesy of Ebay

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