Best Coats and Jackets for Women Over 50

Tune out the retail coat language you read online and check the photos. Brands and content writers on sites often refer to hip- and thigh-length jackets as “coats,” and long coats as “jackets.” Balance is key when selecting a coat length, and that goes for your clothing and your body proportions as well. Here are the five lengths to consider in jackets and coats this year.

At the hip. This is the shortest winter jacket or coat women over 50 can realistically wear. Any shorter and you’ll be tugging at the hem with every move. Great for short car-to-door hops, evenings out when a long coat feels like overkill, or mild winter climes, they look best as faux fur jackets like the Gap Women’s Leopard Faux Fur Coat in Leopard Brown Print or Terra Brown ($160, gap.com), and boxy, structured jackets that stand away from the body, like the Everlane Women Rewool Short Peacoat in Heather Wheat, Deep Navy or Dark Chocolate ($209, everlane.com).

Below the hips to the top of the thighs. This is a universally flattering “short” length. It has enough belly/hip coverage to avoid the dreaded “ride up” with every move you make. A straight, body-skimming style, like the J.Jill Faux-Suede & Sherpa Jacket in Warm Tan/Dark Oatmeal ($229, jjill.com), provides enough structure for a flattering fit, too.

Thigh-length. This long-enough length covers your rear but leaves your legs visible. Practical for driving and active days, it’s an in-between option that works best for sleek, sporty jackets like the Quince Featherless Quilted Long Puffer Jacket in Silken White or Barolo Burgundy ($100, quince.com).

Right above the knee or at the knee. This classic moderate-length style can be worn casually or dressily, but looks best paired with pants or jeans rather than long skirts and dresses. A versatile version is the Coldwater Creek WanderLite Go Anywhere Coat in Black Raspberry or Dune ($130, coldwatercreek.com).

Long, midi-length. Offering the most coverage and extra warmth, midi coats (which can range from below the knees to mid-calf) are great for clothes with volume and flow, such as wide-leg pants, midi skirts and dresses. A longer coat, like the J.Crew Women Long Barn Jacket in Brown Black Taupe, Houndstooth Wool Blend in Heather Taupe or Heather Gunmetal ($398, jcrew.com), can handle anything and everything.

(From left) J.Jill Notch-Collar Coat in Camel; Quince Women Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket in Stone Taupe.

AARP (J.Jill; Quince, 2)

3. Solve the polished vs. casual dilemma.

Retailers have a more-the-merrier approach to coats. They create a menu of multiple and often confusing coat categories to lure you in and amplify sales. However, women over 50 know there are really only two options when buying a new coat: either a casual lifestyle coat or a more tailored, polished one. You might long for both, but here’s how to choose the one you want and need now.

The tailored coat. Fashion pros always suggest throwing a tailored coat over anything as the ultimate style move. That does work. However, is it for you? Yes, if you prefer classic clothes; live or work in an urban area; like the body-firming, pound-paring effect of structure and the polished look it creates (even over casual clothes); or you don’t require major storm insulation on a daily basis.

What styles to look for now: Notch-collar topcoats like the J.Jill Notch-Collar Coat in Camel ($249, jjill.com), either single- or double-breasted, trench coats, wrap coats, trending high-neck/scarf coats, crisp peacoats, straight toggle coats (also known as stadium coats) and prep-inspired barn coats.

The casual coat. Many women now have a relaxed, laid-back winter wardrobe and prefer coats and jackets with the same “I wear leggings and a hoodie every day” vibe. They feel best when spending winter comfy, cozy and bundled in bits and pieces. Say yes to a casual coat if you prefer soft, feel-good dressing, live in athleisure clothes, make comfort a major outfit requirement day and night, work from home or spend lots of time driving.

What styles to look for now: Quilted coats and jackets, puffer vests, duvet-like puffers, such as the Quince Women Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket in Stone Taupe ($200, quince.com), and sherpa and faux shearling styles.

4. Choose a coat or jacket that’s warm enough.

You can’t predict the weather, no matter what the Farmers’ Almanac, TV meteorologists or your iPhone says. Whether you live in Minnesota, Maine or Miami, a coat that keeps you warm and your clothes dry is always a good idea. The degree of cozy protection you need and want will vary — and it’s not just about the weather!

Some women over 50 say “I’m always cold,” while others say “I can’t stand a coat that’s too heavy, even in a snowstorm in January.” Some prefer maximum weatherproofing with all the wind- and rain-resistant bells and whistles, while those who live in mild climates just want a chill-defying jacket to layer over their tees. The fabric of a coat makes a difference; here’s the inside story on some of the four most common ones you’ll see on tags now.

Polyester. Not kidding. Expect to see more of it on coat and jacket labels. Polyester is a synthetic that’s extremely warm, durable and water-resistant. It’s used on its own in quilted coats, faux furs, some parkas and puffers, and tailored coats.

Wool and wool blends. These are dense fabrics that are naturally water-resistant and retain body heat, making them ideal for tailored coats that feel deceptively lightweight. 

Fleece and sherpa. Fleece, or pile, as it’s also known, is a soft, breathable synthetic fabric made from polyester that’s warmer than you think. Sherpa is simply a trendier A-list type of fleece that’s made from a blend of synthetics. Faux shearling has a suede-like exterior and a furry interior, but it is a type of fleece typically made from recycled plastic. All have a fluffy and lightweight “teddy bear” texture that traps air and feels delish.

Down and alternative synthetic filler. This is used to line the inside of puffers and parkas for extra warmth without adding weight. They usually have a tightly woven outer shell of tough nylon or polyester. While down is warmest and now responsibly sourced from ducks or geese, synthetic filler is hypoallergenic and actually more water-resistant than down, which can start to feel waterlogged and heavy in rainy climates.

5. Solve the ‘puffers-look-fat’ problem once and for all.

For decades, women have given puffers and parkas rave reviews for their warmth and weatherproofing. In private, they complain about how unflattering they are and ask, “Which ‘big’ coat will make me look slimmer, cuter, less like the Michelin Man?” Others are even more blunt and say, “I love my puffer, but it makes me feel fat.” 

Typically, women choose the fallback plan — a black puffer — figuring it erases bulges and pounds. To eliminate the bulk of a puffer, you have three choices. Look for styles with a belt, like A New Day Women’s Duvet Puffer Jacket in Dark Gray ($65, target.com) or Donna Karan New York Women’s Belted Asymmetric Puffer Coat in Antique Gold ($181, macys.com). You can also pivot to light “travel” puffers with slim, mini-quilted channels, like Lands’ End Women’s Wanderweight Packable Down Coat in Rich Ginger Brown or Champagne Shine ($168, landsend.com), or with slim, angled quilting, like the L.L.Bean Women’s Ultralight 850 Down Coat, Long in Mariner Blue ($320, llbean.com), for subtle body shaping instead of one with wide horizontal bands.

(From left) Loft Shawl Collar Belted Coat in Heather Silver Lake Gray; London Fog Plus Size Women’s Quilted Jacket in Olive; Gap Women’s Wool-Blend Wrap Coat in Burgundy Bordeaux; Old Navy Women’s Water-Resistant Quilted Long Puffer Jacket in Salt Marsh.

AARP (Loft, Kohl’s, Gap, Old Navy)

 6. Solve your fit problems before they start.

You know how tough it is to find a great swimsuit or a pair of perfect-fitting jeans? Just because you wear a coat over your clothes doesn’t mean your body concerns are over. The same coat size, length and design may appeal to women of very diverse proportions.

Say you have a big bust and your best friend has a meno-potbelly bulge, but you’re both a size large. Will the same coat work for both of you? Here are the five trickiest body proportion problems, and their solutions. If you have:

A large bust. Your new cold-weather friends are coats with a structured but relaxed fit, a notch-collar V neckline, like Sanctuary Women’s Live-In Faux Fur Coat ($189, nordstrom.com), and puffers with all-over diamond quilting, like the London Fog Plus Size Women’s Quilted Jacket in Truffle or Olive ($109, kohls.com). Skip puffers with wide horizontal quilting and short coats. Longer, mid-thigh to midi lengths can help balance body proportions and prevent a top-heavy look.

Full arms, broad shoulders. A wide upper body, with or without a large bust, benefits from a stylishly roomy A-line coat with spacious sleeves and dropped shoulders, like the Quince Women’s Double-Faced Merino Wool Car Coat in Caramel, Cocoa Melange, Oat or Heather Gray ($200, quince.com). Avoid narrow set-in sleeves, and opt for wide raglan or dropped-shoulder styles that extend the sleeve from the neck without a break.

You have a very curvy shape. Do you have a full bust, wide hips and generous thighs? Be a show-off and look for a coat that hugs the waist with a tie belt or a drawstring, like Old Navy Women’s Water-Resistant Quilted Long Puffer Jacket in Salt Marsh ($60, oldnavy.gap.com) or Gap Women’s Wool-Blend Wrap Coat in Toasted Almond Brown, Burgundy Bordeaux or True Black ($198, gap.com). Avoid any coat that’s boxy, bulky or loose.

A belly bulge. It’s hard to ignore the front-and-center part of a coat, but there are many solutions. Draw attention away from your middle by choosing sleek, fuss-free, minimalist styles with straight up-and-down lines, like the J.Crew Women Toscana Coat in Italian Stadium-Cloth Wool Blend in Natural, Wool Heather Acorn or Crimson Rouge ($209, jcrew.com) or Columbia Women’s Suttle Mountain Faux Fur Long Insulated Jacket in Dark Stone, New City Gray, Tobacco or New Stone Green ($161, kohls.com). Avoid belted styles!

Narrow on top, wider on bottom. This used to be called a “pear shape” before we embraced body positivity, but the difference in proportions is actually one of the easiest in coat shopping. Any coat that has top-loaded details — a hood, a notched-collar V, a statement shawl or a stand collar — will balance things out. Try the Loft Shawl Collar Belted Coat in Desert Camel Heather or Heather Silver Lake Gray ($132, loft.com) or Donna Karan New York Women’s Stand-Collar Single Breasted Coat in Camel ($244, macys.com). Keep the “party” on top!

 7. Know how to make sure a coat fits and flatters.

It’s easy to get carried away by success once you find a coat that includes all the style essentials within your price range. However, you’re not done yet. That coat has a few final tests. Try every coat you consider over a blazer, your biggest, thickest sweater, your longest midi and maxi skirt or dress, and your widest pants (though not all at once!). You should not look “stuffed”! Say no to any coat that pulls across the bust, belly, hips to rear; feels too tight when you cross or raise your arms (try hugging yourself); or causes buttons to pull or pockets and vents to gape. Can you sit in it? Can you cross your legs? Check if your daily bag works with your coat. Shoulder bags should not slip off or make the coat’s shoulders sag; crossbody bags should lie comfortably with no added bulges. If you wear a crossbody bag, a belted coat is not a good choice. The coat of your dreams, the one you’re buying now, should tick all the right boxes. 

(From left) J.Crew Women’s Signature Puffer Jacket With PrimaLoft in Vintage Red; L.L.Bean Women’s Popham Puffer Coat in Shore.

AARP (J. Crew; L.L. Bean, 2)

8. Think of coat color as makeup.

There’s nothing wrong with a black winter coat. It hides stains (no worries if you spill cocoa or get caught in the rain), visually deletes extra pounds, works over any outfit you come up with, day or night, and has a chic, edgy look.

That said, a black coat can be draining to mature skin in the cold, harsh light of winter, when faces look a little more ashy, ruddy, sallow or fatigued. A frame of black can exaggerate lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues and under-eye circles, too. And while a coat can have lots of interesting detailing, it all disappears if you buy it in black.

Do yourself a favor and try rich, dark navy, chocolate brown, olive or charcoal as alternatives to black. You’ll get all the benefits, more visibility of coat details and a softer effect on your complexion. Or try a coat in beige, light ivory, cream or snow white, like the L.L.Bean Women’s Popham Puffer Coat in Shore ($270, llbean.com) or the Uniqlo Women Ultra Warm Down Long Coat in 32 Beige or 01 Off White ($230, uniqlo.com). These colors work like highlighters or filters to bounce light off your face, adding radiance and softening the above skin concerns.

A third solution is to opt for a zesty red-lipstick shade, like the J.Crew Women’s Signature Puffer Jacket With PrimaLoft in Vintage Red ($198, jcrew.com), to energize and brighten your look.