It Doesn't Matter What's Underneath—These Coats Are Outfits All on Their Own

If you ask any really skilled dresser you know about getting dressed in the winter, they'll likely tell you the same thing: It's all in the outerwear. You could be wearing the best, most eloquently put-together ensemble possible underneath, but if the coat you put on top of it is lousy, your whole outfit will follow suit. It's unfortunate, sure, but it's also the reality for everyone who lives somewhere that experiences true winter weather. 

It's because of this simple truth that I always recommend investing in coats every year. That way, your collection will slowly but surely grow into something that makes great outfits possible—or rather, inevitable—even when it's 30º or below. While I'm nothing if not an advocate for finding the perfect black, gray, navy, or camel top layer, I also would be lying if I said that statement coats won't come in handy. They do all of the hard work, taking the stress out of winter dressing. It's true—a bold color, loud pattern, or textured material can work miracles.

With that, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the 29-piece shopping list below is filled to the brim with outerwear that won't fly below the radar. Enjoy. 

This color is just… wow. 

I'm not usually a polka-dot person, but something about this oversize print feels very modern. 

This faux-leather trench is the perfect introductory way to add some red into your wardrobe. 

Talk about luxe. 

Emily Ratajkowski owns this coat, and that should be reason enough to splurge on one as well. Plus, it's incredibly warm and unbelievably soft. 

I'll never get over how good this price is. Never. 

The coat itself doesn't make that big of a statement, but the attached brooch and large collar add just the right amount of specialness, especially for someone who's a minimalist at heart. 

If I owned this coat, you'd have to slip it off while I was sleeping to get me to stop wearing it. 

I think about this red Interior coat a lot—probably too much. 

A leather trench is the perfect option for anyone who's not looking to make a huge statement with their outerwear but wants something slightly different from the pack. 

It's the contrasting collar for me.

The statement this coat is making is pure elegance—period. 

Live in a rainy climate? This coat will work wonders for both your style and your ability to stay dry. 

It's swaddle season, baby. Come and get your scarf-coat. 

Every chic influencer I follow in Europe is posting about this stunning and nearly sold-out By Malene Birger cape coat. Oh, and Kelly Rutherford. 

Be like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and test out a leopard-print coat. 

Go full on mob boss—I dare you. 

So easy and chic. 

A dream. 

The satin trend is here to stay. 

The skirt version of this jacket is equally perfect.  Shop the Metallic Crinkle Leather Pencil Skirt ($1998).

Just imagine how good this coat could make a simple jeans-and-tee outfit look. 

Every time I see someone wearing this coat, an unbearable sense of jealousy washes over me. 

Barbie girls, commence. 

This color is very Princess Diana. 

I don't know about you, but my closet has been craving all things navy of late. 

Given that this coat is reversible, you're basically buying two coats for the price of one that is pricey but also worth it. 

Though the color of this coat doesn't make all that much of a statement, the hourglass shape of it certainly does.