Could you go without new clothes for a year? That was a question I was asking myself in late 2018, long before stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic effectively shrunk my wardrobe for me. Now, the answer feels like a no-brainer—surely I’m not the only person cycling between the same three to five outfits, largely made up of pajamas and athleisure. But a year and a half ago, when I first pondered it, that wasn’t the case. Back then, I was ruminating on the just-released report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change outlining how we had 12 years left (now 10) to drastically cut emissions before we’d face inevitable global environmental catastrophe and widespread extinction of many species. Figuring out how to quit shopping felt like a way I could help.
The “shopping diet” rules were simple: Don’t buy new things. Repair existing items. For special occasions, “shop” from my closet or borrow from a friend. Though I considered renting clothes, I decided that, too, seemed wasteful when considering factors like cleaning measures and packaging materials.
On a daily basis, it was pretty easy to avoid shopping. I’d walk past stores without going in, feeling quite self-satisfied and even smug about my abstinence. Online, however, temptation lurked everywhere: via targeted-marketing algorithms pushing products my way, newsletters urgently promoting discounts, and some clever campaigns even framing shopping as a means of self care.
I quickly learned that when you stop shopping, the constant drumbeat to buy slows, then quiets, then disappears. The less I viewed, the less compelled I felt to shop at all.
To save myself from this digital minefield, I unsubscribed from e-commerce newsletters, unfollowed or muted Instagram accounts that triggered a shopping urge in me, and stopped reading fashion content covering the latest trends. Minimizing those messages recalibrated my spending momentum; I used to routinely buy without dedicating much thought, if any at all, to my need or use or intention for an item in question. I quickly learned, though, that when you stop shopping, the constant drumbeat to buy slows, then quiets, then disappears. The less I viewed, the less compelled I felt to shop at all.
The forced experience of shopping my closet
In the beginning of this experiment, I’d open my overstuffed closet in the morning and find “nothing to wear.” Without the excitement of something fresh to accent my older items, my outfit options felt lackluster and even frumpy—a feeling only heightened when I’d meet with friends or colleagues who somehow always seemed to look on-trend and polished. (Perhaps the lack of this ability amid social distancing guidelines is a factor exempting many of us from these feelings of outfit boredom.)
“The more you can extend the life and reinvent what you already own, the more you’re decreasing demand to produce faster, quicker, and ultimately disposable clothing.” —sustainable stylist Laura Madden
This was all in my head; sustainable fashion stylist Laura Madden says by rethinking what we currently have, most of us can breathe new life into the many garments already in our closets. “The more you can extend the life and reinvent what you already own, the more you’re decreasing demand—especially on the fast-fashion industry—to produce faster, quicker, and ultimately disposable clothing,” she says. “A lot of times, it just takes another set of eyes to put two pieces together in a totally different way. That feels fresh and exciting, and it gives you that dopamine rush of having something ‘new.'”
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Furthermore, when I looped in others about my plan, I only received support and like-minded enthusiasm in return. A couple of style influencer friends even confided that they had been feeling conflicted about showcasing new outfits, and that they were starting to encourage their followers to buy vintage instead of new. Still, though, novelty remained a difficult urge to resist, and I’d sometimes wish I could update my closet, even just a little bit.
Ultimately, I did. I wanted to make it through a full year without buying anything new, but in the spring of 2019, I discovered that my black cashmere sweater had been devoured by hungry moths. The garment served me well for 10 years, so I replaced it with one for the next decade. In May, I had to buy a new swimsuit because my existing ones no longer fit. And on December 31, while on an overnight trip for which I’d packed just enough for the next day, I had to rush to the Gap sale rack to buy an emergency dress and pair of underpants. (I’ll spare you the details.)
Otherwise, though, I succumbed to the occasional consignment-store item: A pair of unworn Gucci loafers from the ’80s, a form-fitting dress, a new-with-tags blouse, and a pair of sandals. Madden advises that when you do buy items, it’s best to ask yourself practical questions to make sure you’re doing so thoughtfully: How frequently will you wear the item? Can you mix and match it with your existing wardrobe? Does something you already own meet the same needs? And though I was satisfied with my answers to the questions in all cases of “cheating,” the transactions didn’t feel as exciting as I assumed they would. In fact, they were downright anti-climactic.
The results
Though I didn’t play by the rules to perfection, I did emerge from the experiment differently than I came in. I no longer cared about trends, and I wound up saving hundreds (thousands, maybe?) of dollars. Then, after a massive Kondo-style closet clean-out, I sold my other unwanted clothes to a local secondhand store, making even more. The exercise wasn’t financially driven, though; rather, by streamlining my wardrobe, I got a better sense of my own style, which gifted me a sense of ease and simplicity in getting dressed each morning. Ultimately I wound up with more money, less stress, and less climate anxiety.
As of March, I haven’t bought any clothes or accessories (new or secondhand) in 2020. Simply put, my habits have shifted in a way that makes me happier. Knowing my personal taste now stops me from buying what I don’t need and even makes shopping feel less exciting—which, to be clear, I feel is a win. It’s priceless to me to not desire to buy new things, to feel that I have enough—that I am enough—without a stream of fresh outfits. And while that alone won’t solve the climate crisis, it is a productive, even though infinitesimally so, piece of a necessary collective effort that I can feel great about.
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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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