I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker who, ten months ago, made the move to another iconic U.S. metropolis: Chicago. The Windy City quickly won me over with its breathtaking lakefront, a food scene that rivals New York’s (yes, The Bear is accurate), and vibrant, diverse neighborhoods. But one topic dominates every conversation here: wintertime. From my very first encounter with a local, the warnings were clear. “You know the winters here are brutal, right?” they’d say. And just before parting: “Good luck with winter.” At first, I brushed it off. After all, New York winters are no joke. Snow, ice, and frigid winds are hardly foreign to me. How much worse could it be?
Then came the reality check: 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a “real feel” of -7. This wasn’t just cold—it was a kind of piercing chill that no amount of layering seemed to block. Suddenly, I understood the locals’ fixation. Chicago winters are relentless, and stepping outside becomes less about braving the elements and more about sheer survival. In this kind of weather, finding the right coat isn’t just a purchase—it’s a necessity. Hours of research, countless reviews, and debates over warmth, style, and practicality turned my search into a mission. Down or synthetic? Puffer or wool? Can you balance functionality with something that looks remotely stylish?
So whether you’re a fellow newcomer, or a seasoned snow bunny preparing for January’s biting cold, these coats can help you stay warm without the stress. Because winter isn’t just a season—it’s an experience.
Puffers
The North Face x SKIMS 2000 Retro Nuptse Jacket
SKIMS –
Holzweiler Gia Down Jacket
Holzweiler –
Guest in Residence Quilted Puffer Jacket
Guest in Residence –
Mackage Calina Lustrous Down Maxi Coat
Mackage –
Shearling
Phoebe Philo Shearling Robe Coat
Phoebe Philo –
Loewe Shearling Jacket
Loewe –
16Arlington Black Lorona Shearling Coat
16Arlington –
Toteme Signature Shearling Jacket
Toteme –
Wool Coats
Balenciaga Double-Breast Hourglass Wool Coat
Balenciaga –
Amomento Brown Single-Breasted Maxi Long Coat
SSENSE –
The Frankie Shop Gais Coat
The Frankie Shop –
Saint Laurent Long Coat in Cashmere and Wool Felt
Saint Laurent –
Classic Camel
Khaite Rothen Belted Double Face Wool Coat
Neiman Marcus –
The Row Essentials Malika belted Camel Hair Coat
Net-a-Porter –
Toteme Signature Double-breasted Wool Coat
Farfetch –
Prada Long Cashgora Single Breast Coat
Bergdorf Goodman –
Scarf Coats
Erdem Coat with Detachable Scarf
Erdem –
The Row Notte Long Cashmere Coat
Saks Fifth Avenue –
Gucci Belted Wool and Silk-Blend Coat
Net-A-Porter –
Fleurette Vince Wool Maxi Coat with Detachable Scarf
Bergdorf Goodman –
Faux Fur
Entire Studios Chrysalis Coat in Frost
Entire Studios –
Herno Curly Faux Fur Coat
Herno –
Acne Studios Fluffy Jacket
Acne Studios –
LouLou Studio Aritao Belted Faux Fur Coat
Bergdorf Goodman –