5 Types of Outerwear You Need in a Cold Climate
Living in Canada, we don’t just dress for the seasons — we dress through them. With months of icy wind, slushy sidewalks, and two transition periods between spring and fall, outerwear isn’t optional. It’s foundational for our wardrobe.
But just because the weather is harsh doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be dull; it can be both functional and stylish.
Here are five essential types of outerwear every stylish woman should build into her wardrobe — not just for survival, but for style that endures all year long.
1. Your Coldest-Winter Coat: Functional, Not Frumpy
When temperatures drop to -30°C, your coat must perform. But performance doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Look for a winter coat from a trusted brand like North Face, Canada Goose, or Aritzia’s Super Puff — but choose a silhouette that works for your personal aesthetic.
Personally, I love my North Face — it’s sleek, subtle, and classic. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it quietly delivers warmth, year after year. I bought a really good Prada winter coat, but I rarely wear it; I naturally reach for my North Face.
Key elements to consider:
- A fitted shape that flatters
- A hood (bonus if it’s detachable)
- Windproof and water-resistant material
- Enough room to layer underneath
Even in the coldest months, your winter coat should feel like you.
→ Shop our Extreme Cold Winter Coat Edit
2. Wool Coats for Fall and Early Winter: The Style Workhorse
This is where elegance lives. A wool coat is the most timeless outerwear piece in your closet — and also the one that instantly elevates your look. From camel to charcoal, ivory to deep navy, neutral wool coats will take you from office to dinner without a second thought.
I have an extensive collection of wool coats — for me, they’re more than staples. They’re statement pieces.
Essentials to include:
- At least two to three neutral tones (tan, grey, black, or ivory)
- A silhouette you love: belted, straight, or cocoon
- Mid-length or long for a more polished look
Wool coats bridge functionality and fashion.
→ Shop our Stylish Wool Coat Edit
3. The Trench Coat: Your Rainy-Day Hero
Spring in Canada is wet. Fall isn’t much better. That’s where a well-structured trench coat becomes your wardrobe MVP.
I recommend at least two — one short and one long. Personally, I prefer longer trenches because they layer beautifully over dresses and trousers.
What to look for:
- Neutral colors like beige, khaki, or navy
- Water-resistant fabric
- A flattering belt or a tie waist
This isn’t just for rainy days. A trench coat instantly adds sophistication — whether you’re layering it over jeans or tailoring.
→ Shop our Trench Coat Edit
Editor’s favourite: The classic Burberry trench.
4. The Stylish Short Jacket: Your Casual-Chic Layer
Not every outfit calls for a long coat. Enter: the short jacket. Think bombers, cropped puffers, or structured zip-ups. This is the jacket you throw over your spaghetti-strap dress for dinner out, or with high-waisted jeans for a polished weekend look.
I love a good bomber jacket in the fall — lightweight, modern, and just enough structure to pull an outfit together.
Checklist:
- One neutral and one statement piece
- Cropped or waist-length
- Interesting texture: quilted, suede, vegan leather, or cotton blends
This piece adds personality to an otherwise simple outfit.
→ Shop our Stylish Short Jackets Edit
5. The Tailored Blazer: Yes, It’s Outerwear Too
While technically not a “coat,” a blazer serves as excellent outerwear during early fall and spring. Tossed over a silk slip dress or styled with tailored pants, a well-fitted blazer exudes effortless, feminine power.
As someone who works in the fashion industry, I use blazers as both functional outerwear and sharp statement pieces.
What to look for:
- One structured blazer in a neutral tone
- One with a bit of personality: pattern, color, or bold buttons
- Wool or tweed blends for warmth during shoulder seasons
A blazer is where polish meets practicality — and no wardrobe should be without it.
→ Shop our Favourite Blazers — While They Last
Build Slowly, But Intentionally
The five outerwear categories — deep-winter coat, wool coat, trench, short jacket, and blazer — offer a wardrobe that’s not just weather-appropriate but incredibly chic.
Start with your basics, then add pieces over time. If you’re on a budget, Mango, H&M, and Massimo Dutti have beautiful high-street options. If you’re ready to invest, look to Burberry trench coats, Prada wool outerwear, or vintage designer finds.
Each piece should feel like you — elegant, effortless, elevated.
