Yes, a mom may wear any coat she wishes (or choose to go without, whatever), but there are a handful of qualifying factors I’ve found that elevate a standard piece of outerwear into a Mom Coat. They are:
Pockets (obviously)
No fussy buttons or closures
Material that won’t get trashed if you have to pick up your kid and carry them and their muddy shoes rub against your sides
The ability to be worn with a large bag of shit slung over the shoulder (not too puffy or stiff, and no Dolman sleeves)
Warm & useful (obviously)
Doesn’t need to be swept up under and around you when you get in and out of a car
Isn’t so warm or huge that it ends up being one more thing you have to carry around when you go inside a store or whatever
Not hideous or frumpy or a bummer to wear.
Beyond that, I feel this all needs very little explanation, let’s just get into the coats, yes?
SPORTY ONES
1. This is the one I’ve been wearing - it’s men’s, and I wear it almost every day. It’s windproof and waterproof, but super light, so it’s warm without bulk. It has two huge external pockets, and a great internal pocket for misc stuff. An all around win. Gr10k, $655
2. This one is very fun and colorful and playful! Lots of pockets and warm with the down portion AND fleece, plus, it’s machine washable. Kule, $197 (was $328)
3. Similar idea to the Kule one, but a bit more subtle of a look. I like the mixed nylon and fleece, and the mixed black and navy. This one is slightly cropped, so probably better for warmer climates, but an excellent mom coat. Ulla Johnson, $330 (was $550)
4. Ooooooo this one is mixed felt and leather and is sooooo good! It has lots of pockets, and is thin enough to schlep anything on top of it. I love this one. JW Anderson, $332 (was $830)
CLASSIC ONES
1. A gorgeous, classic shape and gorgeous plaid! It’s water-repellant, which typically means it has some wind resistance too, and is made of recycled polyester. It’s very roomy in the body so will be great to layer with other, warmer pieces, and then wear into spring. Toteme, $1,080 (was $1,800)
2. Oooooo I love Tory Burch so much, and I love this jacket. It’s a classic wool car coat, with a removable puffer dickey inside for extra warmth. The wool is thin enough to enable layering and a huge tote bag over the shoulder - an all around winner. Tory Burch, $699 (was $1,290)
3. One thing I love about these longer robe coats - you can toss one on over almost anything and look polished. It looks great over sweats or workout gear, or over a dress, anything - but when you’re flying out the door in the morning this is a great thing to tie your self up in to dress yourself up. Mango, $300 (was $500)
4. A true classic, and a great option if you have to deal with your kids in the morning and evenings and then go to an office and look nice. It’s made of a sturdy wool that’s easy to clean off, and zips all the way to your chin so you don’t have to also bring a scarf. It has roomy pockets in front, and a chain so you can hang it up easily in your hallway for grab & run mornings. J.Crew, $293 (was $365)
CRAZY ONES
1. I know we may have reached peak bow over the holidays, but I honestly do love this bow-print puffer from Sandy Liang. It’s so cute and so feminine, but also highly practical with zippered pockets at the chest and sides, warm puffer body, and a cropped enough shape that it won’t get tangled up with your legs. Sandy Liang, $695
2. Gorgeous Sacai on sale - the front is super utilitarian, with pockets for snacks, keys, phone, kleenex, etc, and the back is a very warm quilted nylon. It’s kind of a frankencoat, and is truly perfect for schlepping around someone else’s shit. Sacai, $1,215 (was $2,025)
3. Similar sentiment here as for the Sandy Liang puffer, it’s a puffer…and. Super shiny silver goes surprisingly well with most colors and is easier to wear than it looks. Yet will always say SOMETHING! Tory Burch, $598
4. And now - THE statement coat of coats, and it might not seem like a mom coat, but it has the same ability to disguise whatever sloppy outfit you have underneath as the robe coat from above, plus the leather is easily wipeable if you get muddy shoes on it. It’s super warm, has exterior AND interior pockets, and is much more practical than it looks. Saks Potts, $926 (was $1,570)
Ta-da! There we are. Stay warm out there, mom.
x
Would you do a roundup of coats for super cold North East weather? Would love help. And cute boots to match! Snow boots are tough... thanks!!
It’s going to be minus 20 degrees Celsius where I live for the next few weeks so this roundup of mom coats couldn’t have come at a better time!