I’m Tired of Looking Cool but Feeling Cold —These 8 Cute Jackets Are Actually Practical

Image Credit: 12 Storeez
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Winter hit the West hard this year with temperatures as low as ‑70 degrees in parts of Wyoming, where I live The Arctic weather had me questioning my closet of cute jackets with zero insulation. Luckily, a handful of recreation-focused brands are dipping their toes into funky colorways, trendy cuts, and even statement pieces filled with actual down— like these eight fashionable jackets that are actually functional and avoid frostbite this winter.

Our favorite jackets for looking cool and staying warm, at a glance:

• Cropped Bomber:  North Face Women’s Nuptse Short Jacket - $280.
• Wool Parka:  J. Crew New Chateau Parka in Italian Stadium-Cloth - now $194.50. 
• Jackson Jacket: Stio Women's Tayloe Down Jacket - $329. 
• Technical Puffer: Black Crows Ora Micro Down Jacket - $499. 
• Leather Bomber: Parajumpers Peppi Special - now $1,325. 
• Epic Parka: Houdini Unisex The Cloud – $460. 
• Retro Puffer: Holubar Lauren Puffer Jacket – now $679.
• Classic Parka: Askov Finlayson Women’s Winter Parka – now $495.

North Face Women’s Nuptse Short Jacket - $280.

This cropped bomber by the North Face is inspired by their classic Nuptse jacket from 1996. Full of 700-fill goose down, this coat comes in multiple  colors to make or match any outfit. Its cropped construction makes the puff factor flattering, but it isn’t so bold of a cut that it’ll be out of style by next season. The adjustable hem cinch cord ensures you can seal your core off from any and all wind (brrr) while  the fabric is both durable and water repellant. 

Crew New Chateau Parka in Italian Stadium-Cloth - now $195 

I’ve had this J.Crew wool parka for over four years now and get compliments every time I wear it. Another classic construction with a stylish twist, this coat has a removable fur-lined hood and four front pockets: two that snap and two that zip. Depending on what color you choose, this coat can function as an everyday basic or a statement piece. It’s also offered in classic, petite, and tall sizing but runs a little small—so keep that in mind if you plan to wear thick layers underneath.

Stio Women's Tayloe Down Jacket - now $230.30.

I’ve had my eye on this retro style coat for a while now, by Jackson Hole-based gear brand Stio. Its two-toned color-blocking and 800-fill down makes for flattering lines and abundant warmth. Interestingly, a zip feature on the sleeves allows you to turn the coat into a cape which could be helpful in the instance you—dare I say it—overheat. The high collar on this one means you’ve got the option to zip it up to your chin,but you may want  a beanie to go with it on the coldest of days since its design doesn’t include a hood. Shit That I Knit makes some vibrant ones that match the colors of this coat. 

Black Crows Ora Micro Down Jacket - $499. 

I've become obsessed with Black Crows since following their sponsored skier and photographer Gabby Palko, who lives in her sailboat in Alaska. This jacket is meant for those who go for gold, whether on the slopes or in their OOTDs. Its hood is helmet-compatible making this a great coat for skiing on a chilly  day and it completely folds up to fit back into an internal pocket,making it a great jacket for travel. Most importantly, every piece of Black Crows’ gear comes with a cryptic motto and this jacket gets: “You don’t understand me.” What more do I need to say?

Parajumpers Peppi Special - now $1,325. 

If you’re looking to make a too-cool-for-you  statement in Arctic  temps, this jacket’s for you. This leather jacket puffer combo designed by Parajumpers creates  sleek bomber look that instantly adds polish to your ‘fit no matter what you’re wearing underneath. The coat is a combination of shearling and taffeta filled with duck down that equates to a 720-fill. Its neutral colors keep it versatile, and its drawstring hood means you can cover most of your face if you need it.

Houdini Unisex The Cloud – $460. 

This coat by Houdini is literally a down blanket—and lucky for us, that’s en vogue. Better yet, it can be a blanket, pillow, sleeping bag liner, or a jacket depending on how you fold and snap it. Hello-o multi-use. How much more functional can it get? Its quarter length sleeve gives you the freedom to express your base layers and cozy mittens, while its high collar covers your entire neck. Buy it in black so that it will go with everything or choose one of two green tones to add an earthy vibe to your outfit.

Holubar Lauren Puffer Jacket – now $679.

If you’re aiming for retro après ski style, this coat’s got you covered. Slimming diagonal neon stripes declare style influenced by the best skiers of the 80s. Two front zipper pockets give you a place to put your phone while you ski or shop, and a removable hood gives you the freedom to let your hair down or keep your noggin cozy. If you love this construction but aren’t ready to make a bright statement with the full jacket investment, consider this vest version instead. 

Askov Finlayson Women’s Winter Parka – now $495.

My sister spent a month living with me in Jackson Hole and left with a red puffer she’ll have (and I’ll envy) for the rest of her life.  This red winter parka by Askov Finlayson is an uncanny dupe of her colorful coat and it comes with a lifetime warranty, meaning you too can inspire envy from friends and family. If you’re waffling on the colorway, this brand also offers a “one winter guarantee.” If you aren’t completely satisfied with your choice within the first three months of wear, you can simply return the jacket. Oh, and Askoc Finlayson is on a mission to “keep winter cold” so this jacket is the first winter parka to be filled with 100% recycled featherless insulation — yay for sustainable fashion!