Best Coats and Jackets for Women Over 50 in 2024

Faux fur coats

There’s something about a faux fur that women over 50 still love. Maybe it’s our passion for our furry pets and the planet, but we find stylish faux minks and shearling irresistible. Look for sophisticated styles like Kenneth Cole Women’s Long Belted Faux Fur Coat in Brown ($350, macys.com). The super-narrow shoestring belt adds just enough shape without highlighting a belly.

Faux leather coats

By now, many grownup woman who wanted a black leather biker or moto jacket has gotten one. It does indoor/outdoor service, but make no mistake … it’s not a winter coat. What’s hitting the stores now are faux leather trench coats in midi lengths, such as Worthington Women’s Faux Leather Midweight Trench Coat in Black PU ($150, jcpenney.com) for an edgy glam look plus leg and rear coverage.

Parkas

These are the toughies of coats. Heaviest of all, they are loaded with weather-proofing extras like sealed seams, zippered interior security pockets and extended knit cuffs with thumbholes to keep out drafts. These are what you want when dealing with freezing temperatures, snowstorms and extra time outdoors. While past parkas were cumbersome and often looked exactly like those the guys wear, newer versions including Columbia's Women’s Little Si II Insulated Parka in Canoe or Stone Green ($230, columbia.com) have a more streamlined shape and faux fur trim at the hood, and come in fashionable colors like beige and olive.

Puffer coats

The parka’s warm but fashionable sister, puffers have a style base with a big dash of cold control. Most feature quilted “puffy” rows (known as channels) stitched for separation and filled with high-tech insulation or down. Updated styles like the Banana Republic Factory Water Resistant Puffer Jacket in Transition Cream ($138, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com) include diagonal chevron quilting instead of horizontal rows for a shapelier optical illusion — more fashion than arctic expedition. 

Puffer vest

While not technically a coat or jacket, elongated insulated vests are subbing for both. Longer styles like the J.Jill Side-Zip Down Puffer Vest in Black or Fog ($159, jjill.com) offer rear and thigh coverage, making these sleeveless coats a warmer and more flattering choice than shorter puffer vests. Wear them over sweaters for layered warmth.

Hooded raincoats

Whether you want a waterproof or water-resistant finish, a trench-y look like the Kimi & Kai Women’s Emma Water Resistant Hooded Trench Coat in Gray ($132, macys.com) even sports a hood — a major detail in rainwear now. It may sound like a small thing but how many times have you gotten caught in a downpour with no umbrella? Too many!

(Left to right) Alex Mill Sophia Coat in Wool in Camel; Old Navy Relaxed Car Coat in Olive; Lands’ End Women’s Feather-Free Insulated Diamond Quilted Maxi Coat in Washed Evergreen

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Alex Mill; Old Navy; Lands' End)

2. Select a coat length and style that makes sense

One of the biggest problems with coat shopping is fantasy. It’s so easy to imagine yourself in a posh leopard coat like Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl, a preppy wool trench like Ali McGraw in Love Story, a sexy brown suede coat like Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair or a black leather trench like Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix. It explains why you might think a trendy cropped puffer or a dramatic ground-sweeping length coat will be great this winter. But the reality is a long maxi will always have a dirty hem from wading through puddles and snow, and that crop won’t keep your thighs and backside warm. Here are the three lengths to consider in jacket/coats this year.

Below the hips to top of the thighs is a universally flattering “short” length. You want enough belly/hip coverage to avoid “ride up” with every movement, a collar that shields your neck and enough volume for a flattering fit. One style is the double-breasted Alex Mill Sophia Coat in Wool in Navy or Camel ($350, alexmill.com), an updated funnel neck peacoat with dropped shoulders.

Mid-thigh to above the knees is considered three-quarter or “car coat” length. You get even more coverage, an elongated silhouette and a length that’s also easy to sit and drive in. Notch collar styles like the Old Navy Relaxed Car Coat in Olive or Camel ($48, oldnavy.gap.com) have the look of a very long blazer.

Long coats from knees to mid-calf offer extra warmth and coverage. If you love wearing clothes with volume and flow like wide-leg pants and midi skirts or dresses, a longer coat like the Lands’ End Women’s Feather-Free Insulated Diamond Quilted Maxi Coat in Washed Evergreen or Auburn Brown ($220, landsend.com) makes the most sense. (And yes, it says maxi but it’s a midi.)

3. Get enough warmth and protection

There’s no crystal ball that predicts the weather. Whether you hang on every word from your TV news meteorologist, check your iPhone each morning for the forecast or just use your own gut feeling, having a coat that keeps you warm and your clothes dry is essential. The degree of protection you need will vary. Some women are “always cold” or want maximum weatherproofing for icy temperatures and snow; others live in mild climates or live up north, can’t stand a heavy coat but still want a dependable chill-chaser. Coat fabrics make a difference.

Wool and wool blends are dense and retain body heat and are also naturally water-resistant.

Sherpa is an A-list type of fleece that’s made from a blend of synthetics. The fluffy and lightweight texture traps air, so it’s warmer than you think—especially in a coat.

Polyester is a synthetic that’s warm, durable and water-resistant on its own in quilted coats, faux furs, some parkas and puffers, and tailored coats. When added to wool, polyester enhances wrinkle resistance.

Down and high-tech insulators line the inside of puffers and parkas. They usually have a tightly woven outer shell of tough nylon or polyester. Down is now responsibly sourced from ducks or geese while man-made insulators work efficiently to reflect your own body heat. 

(Left to right) Gap Big Puff Coat in Plymouth Rock Brown; Rokka&Rolla Women’s Heavy Long Winter Parka with Fleece Hood in Metallic Gray; Old Navy Women Double-Breasted Pea Coat in Sierra

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Gap; Target; Old Navy)

4. Always look for fashion plus function

No woman over 50 wants a boring or blah coat now. We’ve come too far in our clothes evolution. That’s why my advice is to avoid repeating past coat buys too closely by always looking for the update factor. Let’s say you’ve always worn a classic navy peacoat. If you’re buying a new one try an oversized style like the Old Navy Women Double-Breasted Pea Coat in Chocolate Malted or Sierra ($65, oldnavy.gap.com) with dropped shoulders and a new-for-you warm neutral. Or if you prefer tailored coats for work, try a funnel neck style like the Ann Taylor Funnel Neck Tailored Coat in Light Charcoal Heather ($228, anntaylor.com) instead of your usual notch collar. And instead of a puffer with wide horizontal channels you might choose one with angled channels for the optical illusion of more shape like the Rokka&Rolla Women’s Heavy Long Winter Parka with Fleece Hood in Fig or Metallic Gray ($62, walmart.com). And remember: a coat is often the first (and sometimes only) thing people see you wearing in winter. If you wear dresses and skirts even in freezing temperatures, a midi length coat with volume like the Gap Big Puff Coat in Plymouth Rock Brown ($114, gap.com) is a good idea. If you work in an office situation or see clients, a coat should reflect that situation and be polished enough. If you travel, commute or drive a lot your coat needs to “sit” easily. Make your own list.

(Left to right) H&M Brushed-Finish Twill Trench Coat in Beige; Jessica London Women’s Plus Size Faux Fur Trim Wool Cape in Cognac; Donna Karan New York Women’s Belted Wing-Collar Teddy Coat in Mushroom; Mango Double- Breasted Coat with Buttons in Light/ Pastel Grey

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: H&M; Target; Macy's; Mango)

5. Make sure your coat fits and flatters

Try on any new coat over your biggest, thickest sweater, your longest skirt or dress, and your widest pants. Also slip it over a long-sleeve tee and an indoor jacket like a blazer or knit jacket. You should not look “stuffed”! Your clothes should be in sync with your coat at the neckline, sleeves and hem. Say no to any coat or jacket that pulls across the bust, hips or rear, feels too tight, or causes buttons to pull, pockets and vents to gape. The coat of your dreams should allow you to raise your arms, reach for something, sit comfortably and cross your legs without a problem. Here are solutions to the three top fit problems women ask about most:

You have an allover curvy shape. Those with a full bust, wide hips and thighs might have a hard time getting a flattering fit. Going too loose or shapeless contributes to a bigger boxy look. Relaxed belted coats and trench coat styles like the H&M Brushed-Finish Twill Trench Coat in Beige ($90, hm.com/en_us) and Anne Klein Women’s Bibbed Belted Trench Puffer Coat in Khaki ($131, macys.com) add structure and definition.

You have a wider bottom half and a smaller/narrower top (what we used to call a “pear” shape). Look for easy-fitting coats and jackets that strengthen the upper body and have eye-catching details like statement collars, such as the Donna Karan New York Women’s Belted Wing-Collar Teddy Coat in Mushroom ($259, macys.com) or attached scarves (a new coat style detail!) like the Quince Double-Faced Merino Wool Scarf Coat in Oat or Heather Grey ($190, quince.com).

You have a prominent belly. Choose belt-free coat styles with volume that flow right over your middle, A-line capes like the Jessica London Women’s Plus Size Faux Fur Trim Wool Cape in Cognac ($186, target.com). Toggle coats such as the Catherines Women’s Plus Size Wool Blend Toggle Peacoat in Soft Camel ($140, walmart.com)with diversionary hardware feel comfy and cozy.

You have a large bust. Your new cold-weather friends are coats with a notch-collar, V neckline, full sleeves and dropped shoulders like the notch-collared Mango Double-Breasted Coat with Buttons in Light/Pastel Grey ($160, shop.mango.com) and fit-and-flare styles like the Lands’ End Women’s Insulated Cozy Fleece-Lined Winter Coat in Golden Sand or Dark Rose Clay ($240, landsend.com) to balance fullness on top.

(Left to right) Big Chill Women’s Down Blend Oversized Hood Jacket in Soft Sage; Gap Women’s Belted Double-Faced Wool Scarf Coat in Medium Cool Brown; Athleta Aire Puffer Parka in Feather

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Gap; Athleta)

6. Break out of the black coat rut … for now

A black coat is dependable, chic in tailored styles, edgy in leather and extreme silhouettes, and can top off any outfit with fashionable assurance. It also hides stains. But black coats can also be draining to mature skin tones in winter, when complexions seem ashy, sallow, ruddy or fatigued. We’re not always in the mood for makeup — the blush, concealer or vibrant red lipstick — that’ll compensate for all the above. And when coats have interesting detailing and texture it all disappears if you buy it in black. Do yourself a favor and try another neutral like camel, olive, gray, brown, off-white or beige, or lighter pastels that have a subtle brightening effect. Warm up in the Big Chill Women’s Down Blend Oversized Hood Jacket in Soft Sage, Stone or Faded Denim ($85, target.com), the Gap Women’s Belted Double-Faced Wool Scarf Coat in Medium Cool Brown($238, gap.com) or the Athleta Aire Puffer Parka in Feather ($179, athleta.gap.com).