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5 Winter Jackets that Look Great with Everything

I hail originally from Southern California, where you don’t really need to master functional winter fashion. But for more than a decade, I’ve lived in the Midwest — first in St. Louis, then in Santa Fe. And living in those place, I’ve accumulated a collection of winter jackets. Some I wear often and others, not so much.

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Here’s what I’ve learned. The best winter jackets are versatile and durable. They are neutral in color and not too short. They are light enough to layer clothes both under and a heavier coat over, but thick enough to add warmth (not just style).

Read on to see five winter jackets that fit this description. They’re all available on Amazon and, as you’d expect from me, budget-friendly.

Winter jacket vs. winter coat

Woman wearing winter jacket outside in the snow.
Source: Envato.

In conversation, the words jacket and coat are used interchangeably. But technically, jackets and coats are not the same thing.

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Coats are heavier and longer, while jackets are lighter and shorter. So the knee-length camel coat with fur trim you pull out when it snows? That’s legitimately a coat. And the bomber that’s ideal for cool fall evenings? That’s a jacket.

One final point here. You can wear a coat over a jacket. But you normally wouldn’t wear a jacket over a coat.

Versatile winter jackets

1. Black pea coat

Allegra K Women’s Notched Lapel Double Breasted Pea Coat Small Black
  • The notched lapel collar adds a…
  • H Line, Long Sleeves, Fully Lined,…
  • Occasion: Business Meeting, Work,…
  • Dryclean, Do not bleach, Do not…
  • Model Body Size: Height: 5’8″,…

I know, so cliché. But a tried-and-true jacket is the black cotton “fitted peacoat.” This is the style that’s reminiscent of the nutcracker. A soft, black material adorned with military buttons that close nicely around the body. It’s sleek enough to wear under a thicker coat and stylish enough to wear without another top layer.

If you can find one for under $100 with good ratings, snatch it up. This one from Allegra K is a contender. You’ll wear it again and again, either on its own or under a warmer trench coat. You can also shop now from the wide variety of online options and find the best wear for this winter!

2. Quilted bomber

Sale
Levi’s Women’s Diamond Quilted Bomber Jacket,Green,Small
  • FUNCTIONALITY: Center front zipper…
  • STYLISH FEATURES: Diamond quilted…
  • VERSATILITY: Breathable lux memory…

If your days lean towards more casual activities, a quilted bomber will be your best friend when the temperatures drop. This one from Levi’s features a rib knit collar and cuffs to hold in the warmth. It goes perfectly with jeans and a sweater, but can wear under a long puffer too.

3. Lined moto

Sale
Tagoo Faux Leather Jacket Women Motorcycle Coat for Biker with Removable Hood Plus Size
  • Quality Materials: Tagoo leather…
  • Two in One: Leather jacket women…
  • Tagoo womens leather motorcycle…
  • Wash your jacket: ①Mix up a mild…
  • Occasions: Tagoo leather coat for…

A sleek moto in camel is a sophisticated choice for your go-to winter jacket. The snug fit makes it a nice middle layer over body-hugging sweaters and turtlenecks. This is the type of jacket that you could wear all day as part of your outfit.

Tagoo’s faux leather jacket features polyester lining and a removable hood. The zip-off hood is nice when you’re heavier coat has its own bulky headpiece.

4. Lightweight puffer

BALEAF Women’s Lightweight Warm Jacket Running Water Resistant Insulated Fall Jackets Winter Hiking Hybrid Puffer Coat Navy Blue M
  • Made of DUPONT SORONA: The SORONA…
  • 【Move with Ease】Both sides and…
  • 【Water-resistant & Stand…
  • 【A Great Mid Layer】Weights only…
  • 【Ample Storage Space】2 Side…

Choose a hybrid puffer if Sporty Spice is your style icon. I have this style in a vibrant orange and I wear it often. The puffer quilting on the body keeps you warm while the spandex arms gives you the freedom to move. Reach for this piece when you’re planning an active day in the winter. If the weather demands, add a longer puffer over the top.

Baleaf calls this a runner’s jacket, but I say it can also be a jacket for the active budget fashionista. The price is right, after all.

5. Fleece piece

MAGCOMSEN Women’s Fleece Jacket Zip Up Light Weight Coat Soft Warm Long Sleeve Jackets with Pockets, Dark Grey, L
  • [FLEECE FABRIC] This fleece jacket…
  • [ZIP UP] Full zip and stand collar…
  • [4 DURABLE POCKETS] There are 2…
  • [ADJUSTABLE HEM] Adjustable hem…
  • [OCCASIONS] This zip up jacket is…

Here’s another sporty piece that disguises itself as something dressier. A sleek and simple fleece jacket can wear surprisingly well over your work clothes, even though it’s made for activity.

This model by Magcomsen is both cozy and practical. The fleece construction handles the cozy part, while the zippered pockets and rock-bottom price ensure practicality.