See also: The Scarf is the Outfit

You can fight it or you can be warm, there’s really no in between. If you live in the northern half the United States, it’s cold for half the year and unless you want to reenact those years in college when you hopped over snowbanks whilst wearing actual open toe slutty heels that you bought from Charlotte Russe (no thank you), then you’re going to need to bundle up. Speaking from experience here, clearly. Ha!

I’ve heard that the kids aren’t drinking alcohol anymore and good for them, but when I was 22, we were going to the club on a Saturday night and were definitely getting drunk. I have no regrets! I had a job and going out dresses were like, $15 at Forever21. UV Blue will always have a place in my heart (but never in my mouth again, good God).

ANYWAY. Can we talk chic outerwear for a sec? I live in northern Michigan and investing in excellent coats, hats, and gloves is a religion because otherwise you will be miserable for six months. Right now though, I’m not talking about our efficient North Face puffers or fleece-lined leggings. I want to talk about gorgeous, beautiful coats that move as an entire outfit. When done well and properly, it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath. The coat is the outfit.

Exhibit A-D:

And for what it’s worth, it’s a good time to be discussing this because we are approaching the end of the season. A good classic coat won’t ever go out of style really, but it does go on sale, so it’s time to scour!

+Strong daily driver vibes. The warm herringbone is so so so chic.

+A soft, fluffy number in a gorgeous shade of navy blue.

+A ruby red number.

+A nice blue that will carry you straight to spring.

+Here for the coat obviously, but really the entire outfit is GOOD.

+Good lord, the color on this one!

+Ooh. A little dramatic, no?

+I actually have this winter white in my cart.

+See a whole closet of picks here.