Winter Coats: Brave the Cold in Style

As winter is quickly approaching us here in Happy Valley, most college students turn to parkas, yoga pants and Uggs. This winter, don’t let the cold weather put a damper on your style. Valley took it to the streets to break down this season’s trendiest jackets from plaid, leather, camel and military-inspired styles.

Buffalo Plaid

This vintage wool buffalo plaid jacket is right on trend this season. Tartan and buffalo plaid are certainly making a comeback, as seen all over the runways from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We can thank designers such as Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Chanel and Michael Kors for bringing back the plaid. Wondering how you can take this trend from the runways into your closest without those costly designer prices?

Zara always provides their shoppers with the latest fashion trends and certainly does not disappoint when it comes to this hot trend. You’re likely to get your plaid fix with Zara’s large selection including coats, skirts, dresses and pants.

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Although leather pieces may change from season to season, leather will always be in style. Faux leather bomber jackets can be a fun way to add some grunge to your wardrobe. If grunge isn’t your thing, this jacket could also be paired with a pleated skirt and ankle booties to give you a more feminine chic look. If you’re looking for extra warmth, try a quilted leather jacket, as seen in the picture above.

Urban Outfitters online has a “Silence + Noise Midnight Quilted Bomber Jacket” on sale right now for $59. You can also find similar leather bomber jackets from Forever 21.

Military

This jacket takes a different approach to the military trend. It actually knocks out two trends in one: military and leather. The military trend has been around for quite awhile now, but somehow the fashion geniuses in London and Milan keep coming up with new takes on the military trend every season.

Forever 21 has a menswear-inspired bomber jacket with faux leather sleeves for $40. Style & Co. at Macy’s sells a very similar jacket to the one pictured, on sale for $55. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Camel-Colored

If you’re looking to invest in one particular jacket, why not invest in a timeless piece? Camel is a classic color that goes with anything and everything. A camel-colored trench coat is the perfect go-to for the fall. But when the snow starts falling here in our lovely Happy Valley, those trench coats may not provide you with the warmth you’re looking for. As those colder temperatures start setting in, a camel-colored wool jacket will keep you warm and stylish all at the same time.

On the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price, Gap has a wool car coat for $168. H&M online sells a wool blend coat in camel for $80 and if you’re looking for a camel-colored trench coat, Forever 21 has several to choose from under $50.

Photos by Katie Wall