Baby It’s Cold Outside: Cozy Winter Coats and Hats

From down jackets to locally-made knitwear, we’ve got your winter coat and hat trends covered

 

When your fingers go numb on your bike ride home and you enter the house with a Rudolph-red schnoz, it’s time to upgrade that trench to a winter coat. From cozy, down puffers to waterproof Cowichan sweaters, here’s what to wear for a wet winter in Van. Oh and Mum says make sure to add a hat—your body heat escapes through your head.

 

I’ve listed the five best headgear options, including a wide-brim fedora and locally-knit Strathcona toque.

 

Winter coats

The new HyBridge line by Canada Goose is designed specifically for Vancouver weather. Made in Canada (of course), these slim-fitting down jackets are breathable and cozy. At just under 10 ounces, you can wear them alone or layer them under your fall jacket. I like how easy it is to cram into my backpack. $450, Atmosphere; Holt Renfrew. (Image: Canada Goose)

 

 

 

 

 

Zara’s double-breasted Checked Masculine Coat in black and cream wool encapsulates the best of the menswear look that’s in this season. With long, clean lines, this guy can be dressed up for evening or transformed into edgy street wear, depending on your shoe choice. $139, Zara. (Image: Zara)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing says nostalgic chic like Root’s Penny Duffle Coat in classic camel. The oversized pockets and toggles invoke memories of snowball fights. Hidden snap closures, however, eliminate the drafty entry way for snowball carnage. If only they’d thought of this a decade ago. $238, Roots. Image: Roots

 

 

 

 

 

I turned green with envy when my friend came out for drinks in a Genuine Cowichan Knit. Made by the Cowichan of southeastern Vancouver Island, these distinctively patterned, heavy-knit sweaters can last for decades. Wear them as waterproof outerwear, thanks to the naturally occurring lanolin in the wool. But first, check for the registration number stitched on by the artisan to make sure it’s the real deal. $350-$550, Quwutsun.ca. Image: Quwutsun

 

 

 

 

 

The red Ember Cape by Vancouver-based label Dace is a bright, fun antidote to winter’s tedious ways. Zip the brass zipper tight and don long leather gloves, which are all the rage at the moment, to prevent cold wrists. $360, Dace.ca. (Image: Dace)

 

 

 

 

Winter hats

 

You won’t need an umbrella while wearing Zara’s wide-brim, wool Cartwheel Hat with grossgrain ribbon. Although it comes in safe black, I’d opt for royal blue and inject life into my dark winter wardrobe staples. $49, Zara. Image: Zara

 

 

 

 

 

The Strathcona Slouch Hat by local label Kove is a casual piece that can be worn loose on the head and scrunched in the back, or pulled tight over the forehead and ears. The thick stitch will keep rain/snow out and coziness in. $40, Kove.ca. (Image: Kove)

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie’s Big Pom Beanie in marled tangerine wool will make you wistful for sledding on a snow day as you slog for the 7:30 a.m. bus. $58, Anthropologie. (Image: Anthropologie)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cultivate your le prep look with the Saint James Beret Oeillets made with 100% melton wool. Lark Boutique on Main carries a lovely wine version that is spot on with the Fall/Winter runway colour palette. $103, Lark. (Image: Lark)

 

 

 

 

 

MEC’s Amber Velo Beanie with cheeky biker motif is eye-catching and fun. As a cyclist, I’m partial to bike-themed aesthetics. Too bad you can’t see it under my helmet. $29, MEC. (Image: MEC)