My long wool/cashmere coat is the warmest one I have-even warmer than down! Mine is single-breasted, not double-breasted with classic lapels (not those wide ones they show every few years).

The vast majority of puffer coats I see on people ... let's just say they appear to be choosing function over form. Yes, they are hip. But the hip versions are either crazy pricey (BTDT for two DD) and/or a bit avant garde. Not at all what I think when I hear "I want one warm coat to wear when I must have on a coat for occasions such as funerals."

A puffer might be warmer (not always) but as others have said, you can make sure you are warm if you wear a hat, scarf, gloves and something warm under it. A classic simple belted coat can be dressed up or down, so it'd still be my suggestion. Plus wow are they cheap this time of year.

Although yoopers are not terribly formal and you could get by fashion-wise with a puffy coat, a good, lined wool coat will keep you warm. And you won't be standing outside for long. If you attend a graveside service in colder weather, they are often expedited and held under tents for protection from the elements. I attended one a few years ago in which the funeral home had set up a space heater under the tent.

stash these in your pockets...

Mtn's suggestions are excellent for most parts of the country. You'd also want wool scarf to fill in the neck and chest area. In places like MN, where I live, or the UP one needs down to be truly warm.

Even with down, you will probably feel cold. I like our cold weather, but I freeze in the fall until I adjust. At the same temperature in spring - hey, break out the swimwear! It depends on what you're used to.

In extremely cold weather, accessories matter. Heat loss through the head is a big deal, so be sure to have a hat with a tight weave to keep out cold air. Gloves separate the fingers, so they aren't very warm. Mittens look tacky, but fingers benefit from the heat of other fingers and are a lot warmer.

In general, you'll be warmer in layers than in a single heavy garment. Merino wool is your friend. It's lightweight and breathable. Silk ski underwear isn't as warm but fits under more garments. Be sure the coat is large enough to handle layers.

Random observations about extremely cold weather: Pierced ears get really cold with earrings. I tend to remove mine because they get caught on scarves and can be pulled out and lost. Contact lenses keep eyeballs warm. My third winter here, I couldn't wear my contacts for several months. It had never occurred to me that eyeballs get cold!

3kats, funny you should mention vintage coats, I was just looking at some on eBay. I like this vintage wool Barbour coat that is meant to be in mint condition but it’s really a coat to add if you already have your staples. Does it look like I should sing...rollin rollin rollin keep those doggies rollin, rawhide?

You don’t necessarily need the same thing that those of us who live in the cold north need. I have a big puffer for being out in coldest weather, I have stood on sidelines of football games in 20 degrees.

If you are just moving from building to car, or maybe walking a few blocks you’ll be fine in wool coat. I don’t love the deep v of the one Mtn posted but it probably folds over and I’d add a scarf and a hat and gloves and warm boots.

If you only want one coat to serve in a variety of situations and climates, think layering. Mtn's coat suggestions above are good ones. I personally dislike belted coats. I had a wool single breasted buttoned coat as my go to for northeast winters. It was loose enough to handle a thick sweater or wool blazer underneath. Good gloves, a warm scarf and hat kept me warm.

A wool coat will take you to any occasion. I find buttoned more comfortable and warmer than belted.

Ok , thank you everyone, I‘m getting a handle on the situation. I think I’ll go for a slightly roomier lined black wool knee length coat with no belt. I’m short waisted, not tall and my middle is the only area I gain weight in. I do want some style to it and a nice cut though. Those who look good in belted are so lucky.

I’ll also do some wool base layers. No idea what to do for my feet. I hate bulky footwear of any kind. I also dislike anything flat or for boots nothing more than an inch & 3/4. I’m fussy, hate rounded toe or too pointy, will probably wait for that horrible search.

Oh, ear muffs...I like those. Don’t want hat hair but will probably have to spring for a hat.

Cold weather is just not convenient : )

The good thing though, there are lots of sales and clearance’s right now.

If I only could have one winter coat I would go with wool. They look much nicer, IMO.

But if warmth is your main criteria, wool is not it. I am not big into puffy, so I asked my husband for this down parka for Christmas this year. It is the warmest thing I've ever owned and heavy with down, but not super-puffy. It's more sporty than dressy, but in the really cold weather I wear it over my dressier work clothes because warm trumps all for me.

What brand is that sas?

Kuhl

https://www.rei.com/product/101648/kuhl-arktik-down-parka-womens

Thanks!

I love Kuhl!

Reread 3katz’ post and note the temps in the UP. It’s not NYC in winter. It’s not even Chicago in winter. Here in the NE, I would go long wool coat but I don’t think that will keep an unseasoned Floridian comfortable unless you get door to door service.

Sorry you need to be thinking of funerals. 😢

Don’t we all have to think of funerals Funky? Well maybe not you, not sure of your age. However, once you get around sixty it seems to happen more frequently. I had a friend die today, he was only in his early sixties. I don’t have a lot of family left in MI but the ones there are up in age. My dad turned eighty this year. I do have many childhood friends still there though. It’s so weird getting older and having to think of these things. If I had to go up north, even a week from now, I would be hopelessly unprepared.

Jterri, don't layer with wool under your wool coat or you'll get so hot you'll want to scream, unless the temps will be below zero with strong northerly winds.

Do have shoes and socks prepared though. This morning it was 18 when I went grocery shopping, wearing only a hoodie with ss shirt under it, but when I put on my warm socks with my tennis shoes it was an uncomfortable fit.

I have a black cashmere coat that I bought in the 80s-belted with no buttons, very warm, and goes anywhere (well not skiing!) The only tailoring I’ve done is to have the shoulder pads removed. It has a shawl collar that can be worn up or down that gives more warmth.

Oakley - you are showing your northern-ness. Only a person acclimated to winter weather can go about in a hoodie in February. It always shocked my mother when she was visiting from Arizona that I would let my kids go out to wait for the bus in shorts and a hoodie(and boots) in the winter. I had to explain that my cutoff is 17 F. If it is less than 17 I required a coat.

Yesterday my DH yelled at me because I was in the detached garage with bare feet, I had walked through the snow to get there. It never occurred to me to put anything on.

Wool sweaters, blazers, etc are perfect for layering under a wool outer coat up here in the winter - especially for someone not used to cold weather. The under-layer should be silk or another lightweight fabric used in base layers. Wool is not too hot for layering when it’s cold in MI, MN and the like. Smartwool socks are nice.

I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for a deal on Moose Knuckles down Parka’s. I think if I go up a size the cuts will work for me. They aren’t really the classic look I thought I wanted but they do have some interesting looks.

Will you wear the coat in FL at all? I'm in TX and I can't see ever wearing a puffer coat here. I think we probably get colder than you, but I wouldn't wear a down coat unless I had a reason to be outdoors all day long. Even then, hands and feet would matter most. If you want only one coat, classic wool is hard to beat. My mind went right to the type of coat in Mtn's first reply. If I lived up north, i'd look into a wool coat with a fur lining made from my mother's jackets.

I feel your pain. I don't like the cold either and I hate wearing a coat! Thankfully our winters are fairly mild, but we do have some cold days. I have a coat in my backseat, where it stays most of the winter. I also do not like puffy coats. I will admit because of the looks and they are rarely flattering to anyone. I think you are making a good decision with a wool coat. I have a long black wool coat, nice looking collar, large, nice looking buttons (kind of dresses it up) and I can wear a variety of scarves with it. I have lined (flannel like stuff) leather gloves (black also). I do not wear hats, and I do have a pair of those ear muff things - they are single pieces for each ear - not connected by a band. I don't even know where they are right now. LOL The coat in my car sounds similar to KSWL's although it comes below my hips - is a wool tweed (black/grey/white) slightly flared/swing and again the big buttons. We did attend a grave-side service last winter and I wore that coat (with pants) plus gloves and a scarf. We knew we would be under a tent so no earmuffs/hat. Good for you for planning ahead!

PS - I am short and short-waisted so no belted coats for me!

Oh JT.. I am not at an age I don't need to think about it. Unfortunately, I think about it daily these days. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.

I live where it is cold and this morning was at the dog park in 14 degrees. I always just wear layers. I own a heavy winter coat that I have worn maybe 4 times in the fourteen years that I've had it. I thought that I had to have that when I moved here or thought I'd freeze to death. I much prefer lighter coats with layers under them.

If you do buy a very warm coat that you will seldom wear, just make sure it is something timeless that will last for years. Mine is a black down coat with a hood that will probably be in style after I'm dead and gone! HA!

Oh no now I really want this. Your fault Jterri. And btw you would have yelled at me if I showed you coats with those prices, admit it!

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/moose-knuckles-tompk-shearling-collar-parka-w-detachable-layer-prod224380301?childItemId=NMTZHNJ_&navpath=cat000000_cat000730_cat66200747&page=0&position=6&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_90b58de355f6ae1003a71bfd376a3b67_ioNCKFL4CvkYHULvBKBBDtFbNxDkqnojUcv71mTS.jsession

The funerals in my northeast area rarely have an outdoor grave site service anymore, especially in the winter. Instead, you are sent to a onsite chapel. This option keeps you out of the howling winds. I would opt for a wool semi fitted coat. If it's too fitted, squeezing a jacket underneath makes you feel like a sausage. Add a scarf , gloves and boots and you should be all set.

JT I’m south of you in Florida(Naples) and it seems you could use a coat this morning as we are cold and windy!!

I love this parade of coats, here's my latest

Mtn, yes I admit it lol. It’s hard saying no to such coolness but in the end my practical side came out. But, I LOVE that brand!!! I’ll just have to settle for not looking stupid.

This is more inline $for me. I would get a lot of use out of this lightweight down.

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/moose-knuckles-vidora-lightweight-vest-prod224380511?childItemId=NMTZHSB_&navpath=cat000000_cat000730_cat66200747&page=0&position=8&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_8ccac6e508aefb330588f9f584f8a9ce_UkCR1mqUtCRnuKRrBJAvj9LMKvF3ZIhut0qsrsUH.jsession

It’s been freezing here ( my fellow transplants above can attest). Last night I walked the dogs in a cold 61 degree rain. My Filson coat came in real handy. That was a great Sierra Trading Post deal a few years back and has worked great for Scotland and Devon.

I think I was probably not in the right frame of mind to buy a coat yesterday, but I did, I wasn’t exactly obsessed with the idea but close.

Anyway, I bought this. It might be likely it will go back as the price was so low I’m concerned with the quality. However, it might work.

I’m not as obsessed with boots but will keep my eye out. As stated above I don’t like clunky.

I almost pulled the trigger on these very low priced Sorel’s but they are not in my size. My ankles are slim so I liked the stretch idea. Also like the bit of heel. I’d have to wear some knee high wool socks though.

If that lower cost coat works I can spring for a nicer scarf to bring some groovy in.

If you do want to look for some inexpensive garments to wear under a sweater or pants, look at Uniqlo heat tech. I bought a few pieces for travel last fall in Ireland and Scotland and loved the stuff they have. I even bought a couple of their merino wool crew sweaters ($19.99) to take because I could hand wash if needed and they took up no room. I always like to have a few inexpensive basic pieces for travel and if they don’t survive, well, I don’t care.

Thanks for the reminder of that brand Outside! I buy their men’s slim v neck Tee shirts. They are way better than most anything out there and are cheap.

Since you may not even need a coat, would you consider renting one from, say, Letote, or one of the other clothing rental places? You could even have the coat and other apparel sent directly to wherever you will be staying, thus avoiding packing, etc.

My daughters always have their travel wear sent ahead to their work or vacation locations.

I think you made an excellent choice with the coat. It will take you almost anywhere and is timeless. I hope it works out for you. The vest is super cute as well. And, you can hardly go wrong with those boots or something similar.

The one you ordered is pretty much what I think of when I think of a "nice coat". It's a classic style. Hope it's warm enough! :)

Mdln and all, if wanted to get real jiggy with a scarf to add some hip style to the coat I bought, what should I look at? I was thinking a cool faux fur. However, I have no idea if that would be cheesy. Also, long long ago when I was a child with jackets of faux, I have a vague memory of unpleasant wet faux fur touching my skin. I want something cool/hip but comfortable and warm. Maybe a little designer-y.

This time of year, prices on winter things are slashed, so you may get a great buy. Hope the coat works out for you. I think a classic coat is a god thing to have. I think the vest and boots like that would be great for cool, wet or windy days in the south -- much more versatile than a puffy coat.

I thought they didn't do outdoor services or burials in winter because of the frozen ground?

Lascatx, there are methods of thawing the ground to dig graves, and some states require it. It's more expensive, but it's done.

https://adventuresincemeteryhopping.com/2015/02/27/frozen-funerals-how-grave-digging-meets-modern-times/

eta. as a sidenote of why I know this above... I once met a young man who was studying to become a mortician. Most funeral homes tend to be family businesses, but he wanted to enter this field without having a family background. First, we discussed these challenges (I wasn't aware of the whole culture of mortician work), and then, because he was receptive to my questions, I asked him a slew of questions about what happens to a body after it expires. Frozen ground came up, and he explained much of what the article above states. The whole discussion was just so fascinating, and this kid had such a calming yet matter-of-fact approach to it all. He had truly found his calling.

Local, I'm in central OK where we get our fair share or cold. When I'm moving a lot I tend to get hot in a coat. I love hoodies, wear them all the time when I'm doing errands.

I had a light blue ski coat in the 70's, similar to the one above. Ah, to have that body back. :(

Mtn, looky the cute rain boots to go with your coat. Too matchy matchy?

I haven't tried the hand warmers that eluna shared, but I do have about 4 pairs left of the toe warmers. I bought them for when we went to Quebec in November and they are awesome. My toes really are always cold, and these worked so well that I could walk and walk and not be cold. It's not like your toes or feet are hot, but they just don't bother you at all. They stick to the outside of your socks.

I need to try the hand warmers because my hands are always cold.

is the belted coat somewhat trendy right now? I can't decide if I like them or not they remind me of bathrobes too much.

JT and Cmm1964 I am in the middle of you guys, in Ft Myers AND I want that Moose Knuckles coat. Don't think we would get enough use out of it....

Franklinakay, I’m in PBG’s near the Jupiter, Juno line. I’m thinking of relocating in the next two years. I have been south of Tampa and down many times but this summer we will be exploring Dunedin, St Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and inland Mount Dora. My dream is to be within a charming small town but not over 45 minutes to a major airport. Tarpon Springs looks good , but sink holes?

That sounds great! We have a few friends in TS, but not sure on the sink holes. My DS used to live in St. Pete, we loved to visit there. All these towns are exploding with people moving south, from up North. Keep us posted, then we in SWFL could do a meet up!!

I actually live on Marco but use Naples as a location on this forum. East Naples is about the last area here to be built up but it’s on its way. On a good day I’m about 53 minutes to RSW. If I want a more direct flight 1:45 to FLL and 2 hours to MIA.

I can honestly say I don’t ever want to have to go winter coat shopping again!

All my friends and a few relatives either own 2nd homes or visit the gulf side to stay. It‘s starting to be a pain being on the east coast. Ideally I would like to be able to walk into a pretty little town from my in town home , maybe go to a few nice restaurants or take my golf cart to the store for milk. Not fancy but nice. It will have to be an area that really grabs at me as I do really like my area. I have endless things within two miles. Trader Joe’s is a mile, the mall a little over a mile, also, lots of restaurants. What I don’t have is a “town”. There are new near by communities who have built little towns within but it’s just not the same. I guess I’m looking for unpretentious character.

In the future hopefully we can meet up : )