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Kat Wirsing

SHOP $995.00, canadagoose.com


Winter coats are one of those items that just can’t fail you. Whether you’re wearing them in an urban environment, through a blizzard, or down a mountain, a good winter coat should be functional enough to move through every situation you need it in. That’s why we’re big proponents of shopping (and buying) wisely. When it comes to outerwear for the coldest months, the wise buy is a Canada Goose parka.

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Kat Wirsing

It's Stylish—and Versatile

Although every iteration of the brand’s outerwear is solid, the Chateau Parka is the no-fail way to go. The shape itself is a classic; its design is really rooted in function, and its purpose (shielding you from the cold) stays relevant much longer than trend-heavy jackets do. And the Chateau parka has minimal detailing—a clean front and a removable hood—which makes it work well in an urban environment, when you need those functional aspects but maybe don't want to advertise them.

SHOP $995.00, canadagoose.com

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Corey Olsen

It's Tough as Nails

And when it comes to function, the jacket is built to keep you warm in virtually any environment. (Canada Goose is the brand of choice for Arctic and Antarctic explorers, after all.) It has an official TEI rating of 4—which warms you through 5 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s filled with duck down, and hits at mid-thigh, ensuring your entire upper body stays insulated.

Jacket, Clothing, Water bird, Outerwear, Goose, Parka, Fur, Hood, Ducks, geese and swans, Poultry,
Kat Wirsing

It's Full of Smart, Functional Details

The details on the coat—like the fur-lined hood and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets—sound small, but make a big difference in the cold. Both of them are good for keeping your extremities (re: head and hands) from freezing, but they’re also optional—if the jacket is keeping you warm enough, you can keep those parts aired out. Considering how warm this thing is, you might be doing that more often than you expect.