| photography by sandra semburg |
My friend Nicki likes to keep score. Specifically, she likes to keep score of how many times I show up wearing a coat she’s never seen before. According to her very unofficial tally system, my outerwear situation has reached “this feels excessive” territory.
And you know what? She’s not wrong. But in my defense - this is New York. Winter here isn’t a season, it’s a marathon. One day it’s slushy and gray, the next it’s crisp and cinematic, and somehow both require completely different coats. I refuse to believe I’m meant to face four straight months of cold in a single black puffer like some sort of minimalist superhero. A great coat isn’t just practical - it’s the thing that makes getting dressed in January feel like a creative act instead of a survival tactic.
| photography by sandra semburg |
So Nicki, I hear your gentle roasting. I respect the dedication to the bit. But I stand by my collection. Each coat has a purpose, a mood, a moment. And if you, too, believe cute outerwear is an essential part of surviving winter, I’ve gathered some of my favorite coats below - the ones that make bundling up feel like the best part of getting dressed.
My Coat Closet
Madewell Double-Faced Brush Wool Coat
& Other Stories Voluminous Wool Coat
Quince Double Faced Merino Scarf Coat
Complete your capsule wardrobe: