Since moving to Boston I have been on the hunt for the best winter coats for women and the best warm winter boots to help survive these long dark months here in New England; Boston winter essentials.
In Ohio our winters were just as cold but a suburban winter is just not as harsh as a city winter.
We used to go from our heated house to our garage to parking spaces right outside our destinations. Now, the only way to avoid the cold altogether is stay in our little 700 square foot apartment all day long and that is hardly a viable option.
And so I’ve been on the hunt for a winter jacket and warm footwear. I spent a few months asking friends for recommendations….
TIP ONE: Get a long coat.
This was the thing I heard over and over again. Preferably down filled, but the more of your legs it covers, the warmer you’ll be.
I was skeptical. I didn’t think the long coat was necessary and didn’t believe it would really make that big of a difference. It does. Trust me.
I started with this J.Crew Factory long puffer coat and have been super happy with it. For running to the grocery store, walking over to Harvard Square, or heading to dinner, it keeps me warm. As we get into January and February I always layer a thick sweater underneath it and for under $100, I have no complaints.
When we found out we would be staying in Boston after school I invested in a Canada Goose parka and finally understand the hype. Unlike the J.Crew jacket, I can wear a tee shirt under my Canada Goose in sub-freezing temperatures and be just fine. The only thing that gets old when I’m wearing my Kensington Park is my lower thighs and knees (I’ve heard amazing things about this long Canada Goose). If you’re committing to city living somewhere cold for awhile, do yourself a favor and splurge on the Canada Goose or the North Face jacket. I’ll link a few other great options below.
Aside from the Canada Goose, the most popular jacket here in Boston is this long North Face. Ben has the men’s version and Lincoln has the kid’s version. If you aren’t taking your jacket to the Arctic, the North Face will be perfect.
Best Winter Coats for Women:
- North Face Women’s Downtown Parka (highest quality without going over $400 and some good color options in addition to the classic black)
- J.Crew Factory Puffer Coat (linked to the Amazon listing but it is usually cheaper at Jcrew.com)
- Eddie Bauer Lodge Duffel Coat (a great long option under $200 from a brand you can trust)
- Kensington Parka by Canada Goose
- Orlay Thickened Down Jacket (the amazon coat)
- Marmot Montreaux Full-Length Down Coat (great if you’re going for the long length for extra warmth)
- BUDGET FIND: Daily Ritual Mid-Length Jacket (the longer length is out of stock right not but it’s worth checking to see if they restocked. I have this shorter version and the quality for the price can’t be beat – it won’t work for staying warm for hours in Boston winters but if you’re on a budget and looking for something to get you to and from work, this is a great choice).
The real winner of the winter uniform though, are these L.L. Bean boots. Everyone had told me I needed Sorel or Bean boots (but if you’re a true New Englander you have to go L.L. Bean). I was on the fence, and actually left these in the closet with tags for the first few weeks after buying them just because it was hard to swallow the price tag.
TIP 2: GO BUY BEAN BOOTS
THEY ARE AWESOME. The warmest part of my body is my feet when I’m wearing them. I haven’t worn them more than a few months so I can’t comment on how long they’ll last but I anticipate wearing them for the next 4-7 years before I replace them with the exact same pair.
shoppers tip: I grabbed these at the L.L. Bean outlet in Nashua, NH (no sales tax and additional sales) so they were still pricey but less than the $200+ price tag.
Sorel boots are also a great option if you want something that is available on amazon. Here are comparable fur lined boots that have prime shipping and amazing reviews.
Best Winter Boots for Women
- Shearling Lined Bean Boots
- Explorer Joan Boot By Sorel (better for day-to-day wear than the huge sorel)
outfit details:
my puffer coat: J. Crew Factory
boots: L.L. Bean
sweater: Joie (I bought it on sale and it was still a splurge, but I’ve worn it once or twice a week since it arrived and it still looks brand new – definitely my favorite piece in my winter wardrobe).
denim: AG
hat: GAP, old (almost identical here with prime shipping)
Do you live somewhere cold? Have you found the best winter jackets for women? Another awesome one I should add to this list? Let me know!
A Toddler’s First T Ride
I moved to New England from Florida, I usually wear about 3 coats when I go outside.
I know this is a super old post at this point and you have probably already figured this out or new about it anyway, but wearing a base layer or fleece-lined tights or leggings under my skinny jeans is an absolute cold weather must. As you say, it’s that gap between where the coat ends and the boots start. so I try to always have a base layer or at least knee-high socks on to give that space an extra layer.