When it comes to keeping warm this winter, it doesn’t get much better than a thick and toasty warm winter coats. However, there are a lot of different styles of women’s winter coats to choose from, so here is a quick rundown of the best out there to help you decide what you’ll have wrapped around your shoulders this winter.

Down coats

Wrapping yourself in duck feathers sown together in black plastic bags may seem like a bit of an extreme option, but there’s no denying the down coat’s warming qualities. New technology for thinner down coats, without losing out on warmth and the addition of some stylish designs from the likes of Jil Sanders have led to a resurgence in the popularity of Down this winter.

Duffle coats

Always a classic, the duffle coat can’t fail to look good. However, the big gaps between the chunky buttons and the heavy feel can sometimes put people off it as the winter coat of choice. Although, shorter styles and zips under buttons are new options that bring a little more diversity to the good old reliable duffle coat.

Poncho

While these have historically been the sole domain of spaghetti westerns and stereotypical perceptions of Mexico, the poncho has now found its way to the high street. Some great chunky knit varieties, especially of the monochrome variety, have made the poncho a bit of a gem.

Parka coats

Bastion of the mod and Britpop culture, the parka has for a long time been a style classic, especially here in the UK. However, as with other women’s winter coats, some new variations in style and cut have given them a renewed lease of life.

Mac

What can you say about the mac? It’s never going to keep you really toasty warm in the heart of winter, but you’ll look stylish while freezing your little rear quarter off. It’s like the lingerie of women’s coats; no functionality on a frosty morning, but very hot none the less.

Pea coat

While this has been one of the mains coats of choice for men in last few years, it’s also one that has started to gain in popularity for women’s designs. With some close fitting styles on the high street, combined with cute patterns makes this a bit of an outside bet for women that like a double buttoned winter look.

Woolen coat

This is a bit of a catch all category, with woolen parkers, pea coats, reefer jackets and duffle coats on the market right now, but here it specifically means the long and slender woolen coat that wraps you nearly from head to toe in wind stopping thick wool fibers. Elegant and slimming, they’re a definite shore bet for long lasting style that transcends trends.

Bomber jackets

The bomber jacket isn’t always a great option for a winter coat, because it’s wind protection stops at the waist. However, there are more than a few shearling bomber jackets out there that more than compensate for this with their thick covering on the midsection.

Cape

Dating back to the dark ages, the cape has been a staple of winter warmers, but has faded out of popular fashion sadly. However, it’s back with a brilliant vengeance right now, inspired by the cape-loving style of Vince Noir.

Faux fur coats

Fur is a bit of a tacky choice with the knowledge that you had to kill a little beasty to get it, but there are a number of high quality faux fur options on the marketplace that look just as chic right now, especially over your favorite going out dress.