Even though summer is just around the corner (TG, right?), that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to start browsing for our fall wardrobes. Once the weather starts getting cold again, you know you’re immediately in search of a new cute coat to show off. And if you’re in desperate need of new styles and want a primer on all the types, we’ve rounded ’em all up for you so you’ll be an outerwear expert in no time. Yes, sometimes they seem the same, but the length, cut, closures, and material can all make a big difference in what type of coat it is—and how it actually looks on you.
Another confusing thing is the distinction between coats and jackets—I mean, we all use them pretty interchangeably without much thought—but coats are typically longer and hit at your thighs or lower, whereas jackets usually end at your waist. But then again, there are cropped coats and long jackets, so what is the truth?!?! Anyway, below are generally the different kinds of coats and jackets you need to know about (if you don’t already do), so you’ll be prepared once fall and winter comes back around.
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1
Denim
Sea All-Gender Jacket
Warp + Weft warpweftworld.com
$98.00
You already know this one, duh, but it’s a staple that literally everyone needs in their closets.
2
leather or faux-leather
Faux Leather Belted Motorcycle Jacket
A fall staple! Everyone needs a leather or faux-leather jacket for those days that are too cold for a hoodie but not quite cold enough for a full-on winter coat.
3
peacoat
Utility Fur Peacoat
Theory revolve.com
$895.00
$537.00 (40% off)
Peacoats are usually double-breasted (meaning that they have two columns of buttons), and this one has a cozy wide collar and front pockets.
4
Duster
Leah Duster Coat
Gracemade thegracemade.com
$105.00
Loose-fitting and breezy, a duster is usually left open so it swings with each step. If you’re more drawn to oversize silhouettes, this gorge brown one is calling your name.
5
faux-fur
Sarah Faux Fur Jacket
Apparis amazon.com
$100.99
Want to feel like you have a blanket around you at all times? That’s where faux-fur coats come in, because, wow, are they warm. With these, you can get that super-soft fur feel but still feel good about wearing it out.
6
longline
Long Wrap Coat in Black
Like the name suggests, these are a longer overcoat style and have a sleek, simple silhouette. And this black one is undoubtedly chic.
7
raincoat
Hooded Shell Parka
RAINS net-a-porter.com
$165.00
You’ll def want a raincoat to prevent you from getting damp and miserable. It’s also another great transitional style; wear it with sweaters in the winter and then with T-shirts when it warms up.
8
Puffer
1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
The North Face shopbop.com
$279.00
And now, here’s your puffer. This one will keep you nice and warm while still making any outfit look good.
9
shacket
Eldridge Oversize Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket
BB DAKOTA BY STEVE MADDEN nordstrom.com
$87.00
Wear it as a shirt, or wear it as a jacket! What a low-key brilliant idea. Loving the color combination of this style.
10
double-breasted
Jayden Coat
Rebecca Minkoff shopbop.com
$224.00
These have overlapping front flaps with symmetrical columns of buttons on each side, so these styles wrap a little more snug around your body for a tighter fit.
Dana Scott shopdanascott.com
$129.00
This is similar to a faux-fur with its degree of fluffiness, but it’s closer to a coarser shearling material.
12
quilted
Quilted Padded Ripstop Jacket
FRANKIE SHOP net-a-porter.com
$195.00
The quilted fabric feels like a dream, and it provides insulation since each section usually includes padding. This one has curved seams to make an interesting pattern.
13
cape
Rogue Wool Reversible Hoodie Poncho
Rag & Bone rag-bone.com
$180.00
Not the best in a blizzard, but they’re pretty great if you want to make a fashion statement in cooler temps. These are worn loosely over the shoulders and have holes that you put your arms through. If you’re into accessories, you can also add a belt over styles.
14
anorak
Zip Front Hooded
Details amazon.com
$43.00
Yes, this looks vaguely like a parka, but hear me out: Anoraks are shorter and have drawstrings around the waist, like this one, so they can be cinched. It’s different, okay!
15
ski
Apres Duvet Striped Quilted Down Ski Jacket
PERFECT MOMENT net-a-porter.com
$550.00
When you’re cruisin’ down some snow-covered slopes, you gotta have a jacket that protects against the icy wind—and any wipeouts you may have. While you can find other less-expensive versions, they can still cost ya, but it’s worth it for that sweet sweet insulation and aerodynamic silhouette.
16
utility
Utility Belted Blazer
GOOD AMERICAN nordstrom.com
$189.00
These typically have a boxy shape, no shortage of pockets, and are typically made of denim or waxed canvas—i.e., durable fabrics for roughing it. If you’re hiking or camping outdoors, you def wanna add one of these to your cart.
17
trench
Belt Cotton-Blend Trench
These are the ultimate transitional piece between winter and spring, and they feature buttons and a belted waist that you can adjust or tie. Usually they’re in shades of tan and khaki, but you can find ’em in other colors too.
18
suede or faux-suede
Faux-Suede Moto Jacket
BLANKNYC nordstrom.com
$52.80
Lookin’ for some subtle texture? Get in on these materials. Just stay away from any water or snow to avoid damage!
19
Parka
Faux-Fur Lined Hooded Parka Jacket
Levi’s amazon.com
$105.23
It’s wind-proof and has a hood to protect against any elements. This fall-appropriate olive-green style is not only pretty, but it also has functional pockets and secure closures.
20
bomber
Black Ebomb Jacket
Daily Paper dailypaperclothing.com
€220.00
The bomber jacket is a classic silhouette. Worn by pilots (and now by everyone else), they’re characterized by large sleeves and fitted elastic on the cuffs, waist, and collar.
21
single-breasted
Single Breasted Plaid Duster Jacket
AVEC LES FILLES nordstrom.com
$119.40
If there’s only one column of buttons, then it’s single-breasted. It makes this plaid coat look minimal and so elegant.
22
down
Thickened Down Jacket
Orolay amazon.com
$149.99
Not all puffer coats are down, but all down coats are puffers. Get it? But what is the difference, you ask? Down styles are made specifically using duck or goose feathers for insulation (and extra fluffiness), like THE “Amazon coat,” here.
23
cocoon
Camille Cocoon Faux-Shearling Coat
STAND STUDIO net-a-porter.com
$465.00
Slightly oversize, this silhouette is super easy to wear over even the chunkiest knit. This coat is ultimate coziness.
24
track
Krista Track Jacket
Lionne lionneclothing.com
$132.00
You’ll go from your workout to hanging with friends easily in this cute zip-up with contrast piping.
25
cashmere
Cashmere Wrap Coat With Large Collar
De La Creme amazon.com
$99.99
Ahh cashmere, arguably the fanciest of all fabrics. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also amazingly warm while still feeling ultra lightweight.
26
wool
Plaid Cocoon Wool Coat
kensie amazon.com
$102.30
If you live in a place with brutal winters, a wool coat definitely keeps any chilly air at bay thanks to its thick, heavy fabric. But just because it’s this material doesn’t mean it can’t be cute. Take this plaid one, for instance.
27
toggle
Signature Hooded Wool Duffle Coat
Cole Haan amazon.com
$102.82
Casting a net off the docks, but make it fashion, right? A toggle coat is closely associated with fishermen and has its history in the Navy. Although this wine-red one has buckles rather than toggles, they serve the same function—i.e., provide extra security all the way to the collar.
Lauren Adhav Associate Fashion Editor I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best.
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