Fashionable and Functional Women’s Winter Coats

Invest in a stylish technical garment that will keep you warm and dry without sacrificing your fashion sense

The fabric technology that used to be limited to extreme outdoor gear has finally trickled its way down the runway in the form of beautiful, on-trend coats.

It’s absolutely possible to have the perfect coat that covers all your bases: waterproof, windproof, lightweight, breathable, durable and chic. There’s no need to choose between either being fashionable or practical – find a stylish technical coat and you can have the best of both worlds.

These coats will keep you warm enough so you don’t need to layer like an eight-year-old on Halloween night. Imagine the sartorial freedom: throw your coat on, stay warm outside, then take your coat off at your destination revealing an impossibly smart and winter-defying outfit.

Read on for six fabulously fashionable coats that will keep you dry and cozy all winter long while elevating your fashion quotient. These coats will easily get you from work to après ski to dinner out on the town looking gorgeous.

Fjällräven: Luhkka Down Cape

The Luhkka down cape by Swedish brand, Fjällräven, is a smart, knee-length cape with a cool, hipster vibe. The Swedes are so intuitively stylish that even their expedition gear is street-smart fabulous. It was developed for the harsh Northern European outdoors, but in an urban setting this cape takes on a refreshingly modern and free-spirited aesthetic.

Style aside, it’s designed for superior heat-retention while maximising manoeuvrability. It looks deceptively breezy, but it really does keep you very warm, with the added benefit of easily draping over any outfit.

It features lofty down filling and a wind- and rain-resistant outer layer. Adjustable snaps at the hem allow you to create defined “arm holes” for when you want a more structured fit. The hood is adjustable with removable fur trim.

Available in black/dark grey, uncle blue/dark trey and tarmac/dark olive (shown). $500, available at Still Life in Vancouver and Victoria.

Arc’teryx: Lanea

The Arc’teryx Lanea coat is made of tightly-woven bonded wool that naturally repels water. It’s also wind-resistant with a dense fleece lining that maintains the coat’s overall slim and contemporary silhouette.

This original North Van company continues to operate, design and develop its products locally, so Arc’teryx knows our climate and our lust for stylish gear. The Lanea coat is a perfect example, fusing a high level of sartorial design with high tech considerations.

This is an excellent coat for anyone who runs a little warmer but still needs a winter layer. It’s also perfect for occasions when you might not be able to remove your coat inside and don’t want to overheat while walking around.

It’s beautifully tailored with micro-seams, making this the sleekest and most elegant winter coat you’ll slip on. Hidden wrist gussets and an incredibly ergonomic hood make this coat as smart as it is sleek.

$400, available in blueberry, carbon copy and snowy owl (shown). Available online or use the store locator to find a retail location.

United Bamboo: Fishtail Parka

The Fishtail Parka by United Bamboo is based on the classic military design. It was originally conceived as kit for soldiers in the Korean War, where the “fishtails” would wrap around their legs to offer more warmth and protection during long harsh winters.

A decade later, young Brits appropriated this unique garment into mod culture, and its distinctive vintage military styling has been resurfacing through fashion cycles ever since.

United Bamboo is a collaboration by Japanese-born Miho Aoki and Vietnamese-born Thuy Pham, who gravitate towards innovative fabrics and origami-like construction, utilising folds and layers to command shape and texture. The Fishtail Parka, in their hands, has evolved into a more sophisticated and even more functional garment.

The outer shell has a polyurethane coating so it’s water- and wind- resistant. It also features a removable ultra-plush boa lining, cleverly making this coat multi-seasonal.

The overall shape is more architectural and thoughtful than your typical winter garb. The collar and hood feature exaggerated lines making this more fashionable than military, and the fur trim around the hood is also removable for particularly rainy days.

The coat is designed to be unisex, so women should order one or two sizes down.

$825, available in black and olive (shown) at United Bamboo.

The North Face: Tremaya Parka

The Tremaya Parka by The North Face is a classic parka with beautiful detailing that makes it as fashionable as it is functional. It’s completely waterproof, breathable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Lofty 550 fill down will keep you snuggly warm through the coldest days and nights. And the internal ribbed collar and cuffs ensure wind won’t sneak up on you.

Despite the high snuggly factor, it has a slim and modern cut, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to your winter wardrobe. It hits just above the knees so it’s the perfect outer layer for everything from tailored suits to party dresses. And while the faux fur trim is au courant, it’s also removable in case it clashes with your other accessories.

$500 available in graphite grey, dark navy blue and TNF black (shown). For retail locations check the store locator.

Canada Goose: Kensington Parka

The Kensington Parka by Canada Goose achieves the near-impossible: a figure-flattering, down-filled coat.

This Canadian-made coat is effective at keeping you warm, but is also quite the looker. The proportions are great, even with the hood up, so you’ll never have worry about looking too Michelin Man-like.

Naturally, it’s wind- and water-resistant and offers incredible warmth retention through its proprietary blend of four different hypoallergenic downs. It boasts the usual features that come with most luxury coats: adjustable waist, rib knit cuffs, removable fur trim, adjustable deep hood and plenty of lined pockets to keep you organized.

But it also has two back kick pleats so you don’t have to sacrifice mobility with this longer parka, as well as two very clever and discrete interior shoulder straps that allow you to slip off your parka and carry it like a backpack when you’re inside – no need to carry it in your arms or worry about accidentally leaving it somewhere.

Fashionistas will rejoice over the incredible number of colour options. There are 19 to choose from, ranging from neutrals like black, navy and military green, to more fashion-forward choices like aurora green (chartreuse), summit pink and Niagara grape (shown).

$695. For availability, check the store locator.

Nobis: She-Ra

Canadian darling, Nobis makes some of the most luxurious winter outerwear: enter the She-Ra. This brand is quickly becoming a celebrity cult favourite and with good reason. Nobis truly epitomises the ideal fusion between style, function and quality.

The She-Ra is a plush and luxe coat that is completely waterproof, windproof and filled with premium Canadian white duck down. But it’s also breathable and has discrete armpit zippers for precise temperature regulation. This is a stunning coat that you’ll be reaching for throughout winter.

It also offers a great degree of flexibility with several removable parts including the cinchable D-ring belt, the wide fur collar, and the fur-trimmed hood that also features a hidden wire so your face always stays beautifully framed. (Faux fur option available.)
The only drawback to this coat is that it just may outshine the outfit you’re wearing underneath it.

$1,200 (faux fur option available, also $1,200), available in stone, army green, grey, navy, redrum and black (shown). Available for purchase online, or check the store locator for retail locations.