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When the chilly fall and winter temps roll in, all that “sweater weather” brings, well, sweaters, as well as oversized cardigans, thick shackets, and plush socks galore. What it normally doesn’t bring? Dresses. Many of us like to save the breezy frocks and strapless gowns for the warmer months, reasonably so.
Well, Free People is happy to report that dresses aren’t just for spring and summer after all. Its virtual shelves are currently stocked with long-sleeved cold weather dresses that prove you don’t have to sacrifice warmth for comfort and style. Scroll through Free People’s site and find tons of stunning maxi and midi-length that load up on coverage from the waist up and down. Short dresses aren’t out of the question, either—Free People’s gorgeous fall minis and shorter styles can be paired with tights or leggings to keep your legs warm. It’s that easy.
We’re not telling you to completely ditch the sweater—just switch things up with one of these long-sleeved fall dresses. (Or layer it over top.) Find your new favorite fall staple below.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
When summing up the Free People Edie Dress, one 5-star review said it best, “This dress is the best dress to run in a field with.” And she’s not wrong—With its plaid print, puffed sleeves, and subtle ruffle along the hem, the Edie Dress is giving Little House on the Prairie in the best way. Keep the buttoned front open and pair it with a maxi slip dress for an effortless autumnal outfit, or wear it buttoned with a pair of chunky boots for a more rustic look.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
If comfort is what you’re after, the Hailee Sweater Midi Dress is as good as it gets. It’s made of a super soft 100 percent cotton knit, and has a relaxed “shapeless” fit that is exactly what I want when the temperature starts to drop. In the reviews, Free People shoppers point its warmth and oversized fit as major pros, perfect for layering warm items underneath, or pairing with a puffer jacket and your favorite boots for trips out of the house.
Talk about a dress that can do it all! The Santa Maria dress is made of a primarily cotton blend, making it easy to dress up or down. Add a belt and some jewelry to give it a night time feel, or wear during the day with a coat and some winter boots. We especially love the envelope pleat at the front that levels this piece up from a typical dress of this silhouette.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
Unsurprisingly, the Trixie Sweater Maxi comes well reviewed by Free People shoppers. The toasty sweater knit is infused with just the right amount of stretch, resulting in a form-fitting silhouette that’s not restrictive in the least. Dress it down with an oversized sweater on top, or dress it up with a knee high boot for dinners or holiday parties. One reviewer even says that the deep V-neckline can be stretched over the shoulders for a more revealing look or pulled up for more coverage—whatever you prefer.XS—XL
Free People’s Natasha Thermal Dress turns a cold weather staple into an all-around statement piece. The cozy cotton thermal dress may feel as comfortable as your pajamas—but thanks to fashion forward details, like the ruching at the side, the hand-dyed finish, and lettuce frills along the hem and cuffs, looks like a cool and edgy fall dress. “It is my go to dress when you wish to be comfortable and casually dressy,” writes one 5-star reviewer. ‘Nuff said.
A Free People best-seller, the Dahlia Maxi Dress will see you through cold fall air and sweltering summer heat alike. The maxi-length and puffy long sleeves keep you covered up from the cold (and can even be worn off the shoulders for added versatility), while adding a romantic, feminine look that’s made even more lovely by the embroidered flowers along the sleeves and skirt.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
A henley and sweater dress in one, the El Topo Sweater Maxi is the dress you’ll want to live until the sun comes back out. It has a relaxed fit, but the raised seaming throughout adds shape for a more tailored look—the best of both worlds. “Knew when I saw this dress to stock up on colors and boy was I right!” writes one 5-star reviewer, “[the] texture, medium heavier weight is so good for autumn and winter layering, chunky scarves, and boots.” For a more casual look, pair the El Topo with Birkenstock Bostons and chunky knitted socks.
For evenings that require you to get out of your pajamas, the Mont Blanc Mini Dress is here to save the day. Made of snuggly sweater material inspired by vintage cable knits, it totally delivers on snugliness while offering a flattering, body-con fit that’s perfect for holiday cocktail parties and crisp fall date nights. What’s more, the zip front makes the Mont Blanc breathable, giving you the freedom to unzip a little once you’re in the presence of a heater.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
Your favorite flannel, but make it a frock. That’s this dress, and it’s so comfy, you might actually not need to reach for that beloved flannel ever again. It’s technically a shacket (shirt-jacket) that makes for effortless layering, but given its extra-long length, you don’t have to wear anything underneath if you don’t want to. Otherwise, you can pair it with anything to keep you roasty toasty while instantly giving your outfit some edge.
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes/colors sold out.)
If we could sum up the Picnic Sweater Mini in one word, it’d be “effortless.” It’s easy to throw on and go, no matter what the weather brings. Got a rare sunny day? Throw it on with ankle booties. Raining out? Pop on some tights and rain boots. Snowing? Layer up with leggings and knee-high boots. Picking out an outfit has never been easier, no matter what the weather throws your way.
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When you either live in a really cold place, or are vacationing in a really cold place, the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold are essential. There’s cold places and then there’s really cold places. I, for one, live in a really cold place. Lake Placid, New York is a small tourist town tucked away in upstate New York. Not, like, the Castkills upstate. Like, Canadian border upstate. Come winter, temps regularly hit below freezing. The icy, snowy weather mixed with the access to mountains (hello, skiing!) have landed it not one, but two winter Olympic games. Simply put, the place is freakin’ cold and having the right cold winter gear is pretty much mandatory.
Living in what is effectively the tundra, I have learned to dress for such volatile weather. And while things like snow boots and fleece-lined leggings are very much needed, the one essential I recommend for keeping out the chill is a winter coat for the extreme cold. It’s a non-negotiable. And not just any old winter coat but the right winter coat—these are the pieces that keep you warm when the temps hit the negatives or keep you dry when a snow squall blows through during your casual evening stroll.
If you’re gearing up for a long, chilly winter and are in the market for a new coat, you’ve come to the right place. Take it from someone who lives in a cold place—these are the best women’s winter coats for the extreme cold.
Shop the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, recycled down fill
This is my go-to parka that I’ll toss on for running errands, walking the dog, weekend getaways—just about anything. It comes down to your knees, which, IMO, is perfect parka length. As for the specs: It’s filled with a recycled 600-fill down that’s warm without being stuffy or chunky, so you can layer in comfort. It also has a water-repellent finish on the recycled polyester exterior, which helps keep snowy moisture at bay. If you’re looking for a solid overall pick, this is a solid bet.
Columbia’s Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket has a heat-reflective lining and a synthetic down lining. For light snow, rain, and wind, this toasty coat is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s feature-friendly, with extras like a sherpa-lined hood (to keep your ears snug) and a 2-way zipper that can allow for better mobility.
Sizes: XXS-M | Colors: 2 | Materials: Down insulation, recycled nylon lining, polyester and cotton outer
This water-resistant Canada Goose parka may be pricey, but is loaded with features to keep you warm. It has a 625-fill-power down insulation, a removable extended hood trim, and snap closures on the cuffs and the back to lock in heat. It has interior and exterior pockets, as well as handy backpack straps inside that let you carry your jacket hands-free.
Sizes: XXS-XL (with petite, regular, and plus options) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, DownTek insulation
You can’t beat L.L.Bean for affordable, high-quality winter coats. The Mountain Classic Down Parka is filled with 650-fill DownTek down insulation (which is coated to stay dry and prevent clumping) and is rated for temps down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The recycled shell repels moisture and stops the wind chill, too, without clumping the down or getting it wet. It also has a detachable hood. For under $200, this jacket is a winner.
This jacket has a snuggly fill, thigh-length design, and added fur-trim parka. It’s crafted to be totally sealed against cold temps and has a thick layer of insulation for protection and warmth, plus a double enclosure and windproof ribbed cuffs to keep the chill out. It’s also waterproof.
This jacket, nicknamed “the Amazon coat,” has been the star of many an Instagram feed. It’s affordable, stylish, and warm. It has a fleece-lined hood, side zippers to let you wear it looser, and so many roomy pockets (six) that you’ll almost never need to carry a bag again. Better yet, it comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. You can also find styles with a fur-lined hood if that’s your jam.
If you do live in a place where temps frequent below zero, I would recommend investing in an Woolrich jacket. The brand is beloved for all things cold-weather, and while expensive, its products are worth it. The Aurora is a full-length parka with an insulated hood, made to withstand temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a water-resistant nylon exterior, too.
Pros:
Withstands temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit
This jacket has everything you want out of a resort or backcountry jacket—lightweight, yet reliable insulation that doesn’t compromise movement, an exterior that actually stops moisture in its tracks, a helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, pockets for hands-free storage, and more.
Waterproof and breathable, the Stio Environ jacket is made with recycled fabric that will keep you dry and warm on the mountain. It has a removable hood, underarm vents, pockets inside and out, and a snow skirt for those long days on the slopes or tubing hills. Plus, Stio is Carbon Neutral Certified, making this one of the more sustainable picks on our list.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with standard and plus options) | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled nylon outer, 700-fill goose down insulation
Throw it back to the ’90s (or 1996, to be exact), which is when the original version of this puffer was introduced. This version still has that retro look, but with modern touches. It’s made of recycled fabrics, and has 700-fill down, a water-repellent exterior, and a stowable hood. The jacket also packs itself into the right hand pocket, which is super handy for travel.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with regular and tall options) | Colors: 1 | Materials: Recycled nylon, 3M Thinsulate down alternative insulation
Not everyone likes the Jet Puff fluffernutter look of a down jacket. That’s okay—you can get something slim that still stays warm, like this parka from Athleta. Instead of down, it’s filled with a lightweight alternative to traditional feather fluff. The exterior is made of recycled, water-repellent nylon, leaving you with a featherlight coat that is quietly cozy—without overdoing it.
This award-winning jacket is built for the slopes but can be worn just well off them, too. It’s made with three sturdy layers of waterproof protection that keep you dry and warm (but never sweaty or sticky). Just note, It’s technically a shell which means it’s made for layering and keeping your clothes dry from wind, rain, and snow (aka, layer up).
Like its name suggests, the Ghost Whisperer Hoody from Mountain Hardwear packs down in a pinch, so you’ll forget anything’s there. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor adventures alike. Still, this coat packs a lot of heat: with 800-fill RDS-certified goose down insulation and an elastic draw-cord hem, you’ll have no problem fending off the cold winter air.
Pros:
Super lightweight and easy to stow
Recycled, water-resistant nylon ripstop shell
Cons:
Only standard sizes available (no plus or petites)
The outside of this jacket is a weather-resistant material that sloughs off rain, sleet, and snow. But the inside features a wool insulator designed to keep you snug as a bug whether you’re running up a mountain or down the road. It’s airy and durable, built to stay to warm stride after stride.
Noize is a one-stop shop for all things cruelty free, eco-friendly, and sustainably-made. This mid-length heavyweight parka does a darn good job keeping the cold out when the temps drop. In true Noize fashion, there’s no bird feathers or animal fur—everything is vegan, so you can look good and feel good, too.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, which means ethical sustainability is built into all of their products. This jacket is not only warm, water-resistant, and lightweight, but it’s also made with responsibly-sourced down. It has elastic binding at the hood and cuffs to keep heat inside, and it comes in a ton of colorful patterns. One percent of company revenues also goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation to help alleviate poverty.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Organic cotton and recycled nylon lining, recycled down
This long puffer is versatile and casual enough to pair of jeans or joggers, so you’ll want to wear it all season long. It has a drawstring hood and drawstring waist, and oversized front pockets for convenience. Bonus: It’s also made of recycled fabric and filled with recycled down insulation.
Pros:
Casual design makes this pick easier to dress up (or down)
Sizes: 0-14 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester (recycled and new), 600-fill goose down insulation
This puffer has a cinchable waist so you can pull it in tight, or leave extra room to layer underneath. The 600-fill goose down insulation will help keep your torso toasty, while the recycled polyester exterior helps keep wind and water at bay. Plus, it has a removable hood and it comes in classic colors so you’re sure to find something to match your wardrobe.
A classic wool coat is a closet essential. This one from Quince is made with Italian wool to wrap you in cozy warmth. It’s lined, has a standing collar, and inconspicuous side pockets for a sleek, stylish look.
When it comes to insulated winter coats, you’ll want to take stock of the “fill power,” which indicates how warm the jacket will be. If you’re hoping to stay toasty with a down or down-alternative jacket, look for insulation that’s 600-fill or higher. Additionally, think about how you’ll be using your coat: if you’re looking to stay warm while skiing or snowboarding, prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials.
How much coverage do you need?
Coverage is a matter of personal preference (and your personal style), but keeping your legs and bum warm with a long puffer coat can be extremely helpful when the temperature plummets. Still, there are plenty of warm waist-length jackets on this list if a longer fit isn’t for you.
What features are important to you in a winter coat?
The coats on our list have a variety of added bells and whistles. Whether you’re looking for a winter coat with deep pockets, a removable hood, interior shoulder straps, or built-in hand cuffs, you’ll find a coat with your desired features on this list. Just note that they sometimes come at a higher price (as with the Canada Goose pick, above).
What’s your budget?
As our list proves, you can certainly find a quality winter coat at a wide variety of prices. There are plenty of lower-priced coats on our list (as far as winter coats go, that is), but some of the more reputable brands above come with a higher price tag—they also may be more durable and even help out with repairs (as with Patagonia) down the line.
Frequently asked questions about winter coats for extreme cold
What coats are as warm as Canada Goose?
Canada Goose coats are revered for being some of the warmest jackets around, thanks to their higher fill count. Still, there are a handful of other coats on our list that have the same 600-and-up fill count, if not higher. Look for brands that offer 600- to 800-fill warmth and wind-resistant outers for maximum toastiness. The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Cotopaxi coats we reviewed all meet that criteria.
What is a warm winter coat that is not bulky?
Puffer coats tend to be on the bulky side (all that insulation has to go somewhere!), but you can find plenty of warm jackets that keep a low profile. As mentioned above, the Athleta Whisper Featherless Parka and the Quince Italian Wool Cocoon Coat both offer a slimmer profile without compromising too much in the warmth department.
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