The Coats and Jackets 50+ Women and Men Need Right Now

Not long ago, anyone over 50 who lived in a cold climate owned a practical — but boring — winter coat and wore it grudgingly November through March. Then “outerwear” became a major fashion category. Coats and jackets gained style traction with hybrid designs, high-tech fabrics and innovative details that fit modern lifestyles. Which one suits you? Check out the best new coats and jackets for women and men right here, and pick quick — these will sell out fast.

(Left to right) L.L. Bean Women’s Ultrawarm Coat, Long in Night; Gap Women Big Puff Coat in Deep Depths Green; Levi’s Men’s Quilted Extra Long Parka Jacket in Navy

L.L. Bean; Gap; Macy's

1. The power puff coat

Remember the cold-blocking puffers that turned everyone into the “Michelin Man”? The tire effect is gone and so is the barrel shape, but the stitched-down rows of insulation (called channels or baffles) that keep the cuddly stuff evenly distributed still make puffer coats a megawarm choice. The big question is which filler — down or synthetic? Down is superlight, very compressible and extremely toasty, but it can become heavy when wet unless the outer shell is treated. Synthetic insulation (which comes under a slew of high-tech names but is often polyester driven) is more resistant to snow and rain. Longer puffers with hoods obviously keep more of you snug, and improved styles have streamlined silhouettes. For example, the belted Gap Women Big Puff Coat in Deep Depths Green or Brown Noir ($182, gap.com) with 100% PrimaLoft P.U.R.E fill has a curvy waist-defining shape, while the L.L. Bean Women’s Ultrawarm Coat, Long in Night ($299, llbean.com) with down is sleek and straight. Both have water-resistant outer “shells” and feel airy and pillow soft on the body. Guys can try slimmed-down styles too like the Levi’s Men’s Quilted Extra Long Parka Jacket in Navy ($130, macys.com) with synthetic insulation.

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(Left to right) Rains TM Long Jacket in Sand; REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket Men’s in Sea Forest; Sweaty Betty Technical Hooded Trench Coat in Dove Beige

Madewell; REI; Bloomingdale’s

2. The it’s-raining-cats-and-dogs coat

Anyone who keeps getting drenched in unexpected downpours or lives in a rain-prone area knows a hood and a waterproof or water-repellent finish are essential to staying dry. There’s a fresh category of modern minimalist raincoats in varying weights that employ details like sealed seams, adjustable cuffs and a covered zipper to lock water and wind out. Two waterproof examples are the sporty Rains TM Long Jacket in Sand ($125, madewell.com) and the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket Men’s in Sea Forest or Stratus Gray ($100, rei.com), which pair well with leggings, jeans and boots. For a dressier look, trench hybrids like the water-resistant Sweaty Betty Technical Hooded Trench Coat in Dove Beige ($398, bloomingdales.com) blend fashion and function with relaxed drop shoulders, an elasticized drawcord toggle waist and large snap patch pockets.