8 Chic Coats to Keep You Cozy

The weather is really starting to get chilly here in New York. Snow was even forecast last night! All of this has me thinking about staying warm once it really gets cold, and a warm coat is definitely a necessity.

Fall / winter coats are expensive, so I follow a few guidelines when I go shopping:

• Shop at department stores. For one thing, the selection is huge. Second, they often have great sales, and at stores like Kohl's and Macy's, you can stack coupons on top of sales.
• If you only have room in your budget for one coat, go classic. You'll be able to use the jacket for years, and you can change the look with accessories.
• Think about how you'll wear the coat. Does it have pockets for your hands? Will it fit over a bulky sweater? Will it be warm enough with those ¾ sleeves? Does the color clash with your wardrobe? etc.
• Do you love it? You'll be wearing this jacket every day this winter, so why settle for something that doesn't make you happy?

With all of this on my mind, I decided to do a little virtual window shopping.  In the end, I found 8 chic, budget-friendly coats to keep you cozy this fall and winter.

• Tailored - Zara's Zip-Up Coat has a sleek, minimal silhouette that is perfect for work.
  
• Parka - If you are looking for a casual coat, Krush's Hooded Anorak is a great option. It would look great dressed up with heels though, too.
  
• Mixed Materials -Tinley Road's Boucle Coat incorporates two fall trends: pastels and (faux) leather. I like how the quilted leather sleeves keep the pink boucle from becoming too cloying.
• Classic - I love London Fog's Wool Blend Trench. This is a coat that you will wear for years!
  
• Feminine - How sweet is this Grey Fit-and-Flare Coat from Banana Republic? Its classic shape is accented by slightly puffed sleeves and an adorable bow belt. Very Kate Spade!
• {Faux} Fur - This Faux Fur Collar Tweed Wrap Coat from Ivanka Trump looks so luxurious. Plus, the collar frames your pretty face!
  
• Colorful - I love bright jackets, like Tulle's All Clover Again coat, for winter. A touch of color goes a long way on a drab day.
• Puffer - No joke, at least 75% of New York women must have a knee-length black puffy coat. I get it, it's freezing out here, but a lot of puffers are very unflattering. DKNY's Faux Leather Trim Coat is the one I'd buy. It's down-filled, so it's warm. It has a stowaway hood to keep your ears warm. Plus, it has a belt, so you won't look like a sausage.

Which coat is your favorite?

I'm linking up with Karly Kim's Totally Posted Tuesday, 52 Mantels' Thursdays Are Your Days, The Life of the Party's Fashion Informant, Style Elixir's Friday's Fab Favorites, and My Girlish Whim's Your Whim's Wednesday.