5 versatile coats that will keep you feeling warm and looking sophisticated

As the temperatures dip, you’re likely digging your coats out of storage and seeing if they’re still up to the task of getting you through the winter. These days, we need our outerwear to do a lot. The weather has become increasingly erratic, with temperatures bouncing up and down without much warning. We need our coats to provide warmth, but also stay ventilated, so we don’t overheat. But we also need our coats to work across many occasions. Many of us are back at the office, at least a few days a week. We’re traveling more than we have in a long time. We want outer layers that will take us from the office to dinner, holiday parties, and walks on the weekend. To come up with this year’s list of best coats, we’ve scoured the market to find the most versatile coats on the market. We’ve tested each of them to make they’re up to the task of keeping you looking polished, and staying warm, throughout the colder months. Here are our picks. Packable Duvet-Like Comfort[Photo: Lunya]Lunya Quilted Silk Comforter Coat, $498Is there anything more luxurious than a jacket made of silk? The sleepwear brand Lunya, which is known for its high-end sleep and loungewear, has developed its very first coat. It’s inspired by a comforter, with a quilted fabric that is filled with recycled polyester insulation. This is the perfect coat for someone who travels, particularly on long flights, allowing you to stay cosy while you try to catch a nap on the plane. But when you arrive at your destination, the coat looks chic. It will provide warmth throughout the fall and in more temperate regions. In colder climates, you will want to wear layers underneath. A Classic Wool Coat[Photo: Alex Mill]Alex Mill, Georgia Wrap Coat, $595A wool coat is timeless. And the New York label Alex Mill has created one that will last you decades. The design was inspired by a vintage men’s overcoat that the brand’s creative director has worn for years. It is extremely soft, made from 90% wool and 10% alpaca. It’s the perfect coat for the fall, but it has a slightly oversized fit which makes it easy to wear with thick sweaters. It has a flattering cut and a belted waist. You’ll feel good wearing this everywhere from important business meetings to parties. A Flattering Coat For The Coldest Weather[Photo: Neiman Marcus]Canada Goose, Bala Wool Parka, $1,750If you know you’re going to be facing frigid temperatures, you need a heavy duty coat. Canada Goose has created a wool version of its popular Bala parka, which gives it a slightly more formal, sophisticated aesthetic. It uses AlluraLuxe wool, which is known for its very soft hand feel. The coat has a belted waist that creates a waistline and an A-line silhouette that is very flattering, as well as a removable hood. But its warmth stands out. The coat is filled with down feathers that is designed to take you to -13 degree weather.An Easy, Wear Everywhere Coat[Photo: Varley]Varley Ana Wrap Coat, $468Activewear brand Varley’s Ana coat is very versatile and easy to wear. The dramatic collar looks stylish in more formal and professional contexts, but it also has a robe-like quality that looks good in more casual scenarios: Wear it over a suit, or with sweats, and it’ll look equally appropriate. The brand has worked to make it as cosy as possible. The exterior is very soft, made from a cotton-polyester blend. And it has insulation that will keep you warm through sub zero temperatures. Keeping Warm From Work To Weekend[Photo: The North Face]Women’s HydrenaliteTM Down Parka, $300If you work in a more casual environment or spend a lot of time outdoors, The North Face’s Hydrenalite Down Parka is a good bet. It has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, that looks good in both urban contexts and on weekend hikes. It’s designed to keep you warm even in very cold climates; it has the brand’s highest warmth rating. And it is also one of the most sustainable coats you will find. It is insulated with 600-fill recycled down, and both the body and the fabric are 100% recycled.