Living in the Midwest, a coat is a necessity. Pea coats are generally made with warm wool, which is best for fall and winter’s declining temps. Double breasted, with a wide notched collar, the original pea coats were inspired by the navy. (Hello, boys!)
While the “sailor look” is not particularly a trend this season, the traditional styling has remained a requisite in women’s outerwear. Add a twist of color, print or military-esque embellishments (and buttons!), and your wardrobe will be saluting, “Ahoy!” Without any shivering in your booties.
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Price: $148.00 at express.comThe fit of outerwear is important, especially with all the bulky layers typically worn this time of year (and sizing up in coats for strictly this reason). I like the fitted nature of this Corset pea coat (appropriately named, right?) that makes it so much more interesting than just another cover up, but adds an extra layer of fashion. This gray wool pea coat from Express has a hint of military edge, which is also super trendy for this fall.
Price: $90.00 at karmaloop.com
In fall winter, I limit my carry-on items because it’s hard enough to balance on sheets of ice and in mounds of snow. The blue and white plaid Dove Coat from BB Dakota has zippered pockets, which are perfect for tailgating season (especially handy with storing tissues for the impending runny noses while standing out on bus stops… oh, the delays!). The over-sized buttons make it even easier to love. And button up.
Price: $140.00 at karmaloop.com
This olive-colored pea coat from Roosevelt has the perfect weight and warmth for cool fall days. Warm, without being overly bulky, it’s an outerwear match made in “keep me warm, please!” heaven. Similarly as with others on my list, I love the cute button details and zippered front pockets.
Price: $88.00 at karmaloop.com
I know, I know, gray is just too universally blah for an already-gray day. But when this double-breasted number is buttoned all the way up, it prompts a wholly unique neckline and look that I think promotes warm coat fuzzies. Amazing extras adornments of the Bricklane Pea Coat include amazing button detail, of course. Would you call that a button fetish?
Price: $105.00 at karmaloop.com
True story: I hate long sleeves. Also: my skin doesn’t like wool. So, when I can find sweaters and coats with a ¾ length sleeve – and in cotton – I am one happy camper (staying warm in all the frigidity, of course). I would pair this Blaque Label London jacket with a set of long gloves, thereby being stylish without feeling totally claustrophobic in winter gear. This striped coat with asymmetrical buttons is to-die-for.
Price: $168.00 at karmaloop.com
Don’t get caught out in the cold this fall without this Free People Patricia pea coat! Red-and-black zig-zag stripes complement a wonderful neckline – that, when closed, looks like a perfectly-tied scarf. The ruffled-bottom hemline of this coat is uniquely eye-catching, while still maintaining the traditional fashion “rules” of a true pea coat. It’s polished; it’s refined – and oh-so-darling.
Price: $178.00 at fossil.com
A twist on a classic, double-breasted pea coat, the Fossil Berkley has unexpected plaid color pairings and gorgeous large buttons. Eerily reminiscent of my old school uniforms in all of its brown and yellow glory, this fall coat is surprisingly versatile. However, this time, I can add another coat to my closet without any of that unnecessary Catholic guilt.
It might still be an Indian summer, but dreary skies, wet pavement and chilly temperatures are so close that I can detect a hint of fall in the air. How will you stay warm and stylish in this upcoming cold weather season? Have you found a pea coat to love?