Five outerwear pieces every woman should own

The wide world of outerwear can be daunting—after all, coats are more expensive than most wardrobe essentials, and they’re the element of all your wintertime outfits that gets noticed first. But with temperatures plunging fast, now’s the time to invest in a good topper or two. Click through to learn which five outerwear essentials you’ve got to own and why. And where to buy them, obviously.

The Camel Coat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Max Mara Manuel Classic Coat$

This straight-out-of-the-'70s staple has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to Phoebe Philo and her minimalist work at Céline. Like a warmer version of the traditional trench (more on that later), it's a classic piece you can pass down to your children someday. Click through to shop more camel coats.

Max Mara Manuel Classic Coat, $2,191, matchesfashion.com

©Lucky

1 of 16 Courtesy of Matchesfashion.com

The Camel Coat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Michael Michael Kors Reefer Felt Coat$

Michael Michael Kors Reefer Felt Coat, $350, michaelkors.com

2 of 16 Courtesy of Michaelkors.com

The Camel Coat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Madewell Promenade Coat$

Madewell Promenade Coat, $268, madewell.com

3 of 16 Courtesy of Madewell.com

The Parka

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Gap Twill Parka$

Whether you call them parkas, anoraks, flak jackets or something else entirely, there's a reason these weatherproof hooded wonders are such a popular choice. Usually found in khaki and olive, they're particularly good over casual weekend outfits. Click through to shop more parkas.

Gap Twill Parka, $168, gap.com

4 of 16 Courtesy of Gap.com

The Parka

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Le Bac by United Bamboo Unisex Fishtail Parka$

Le Bac by United Bamboo Unisex Fishtail Parka, $825, unitedbamboo.com

5 of 16 Courtesy of Unitedbamboo.com

The Parka

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Malene Birger Howenda Parka$

By Malene Birger Howenda Parka, $865, shopbop.com

6 of 16 Courtesy of Shopbop.com

The Peacoat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ J.crew Tipped Peacoat$

This military-inspired piece is ultra-warm, slightly androgynous and ideal for layering. Whether you choose one that hits right at the hip or slightly lower, it'll serve you well season after season. Try a peacoat in a classic neutral, bold jewel tone or even a natty pattern like plaid or houndstooth. Click through to shop more peacoats.

J.crew Tipped Peacoat, $238, jcrew.com

7 of 16 Courtesy of Jcrew.com

The Peacoat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Vienna Wool-Blend Coat$

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Vienna Wool-Blend Coat, $765, netaporter.com

8 of 16 Courtesy of Netaporter.com

The Peacoat

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ Smythe Plaid Pea Coat$

Smythe Plaid Pea Coat, $795, shopbop.com

9 of 16 Courtesy of Shopbop.com

The Trench

$"Five Outerwear Pieces Every Woman Should Own" \\ A.P.C. Trench Coat$

A wardrobe workhorse that's been worn by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Gwyneth Paltrow, a good trench instantly polishes any outfit. Many come with removable linings and waterproof finishes—perfect for tricky transitional weather. Click through to shop more trenches.

A.P.C. Trench Coat, $560, barneys.com

10 of 16 Courtesy of Barneys.com