Where would you look for a coat?

[Jenny in Florida]

I'm going to NYC in February (for an event, so no choice on the timing). I live in Florida. I do not own a coat. The last time I ended up in NYC during the winter and decided to just "make do" by layering items I already owned, it was miserable. 

So, I definitely need something. 

The "howevers":

• I'm vegan and do not buy or wear leather, wool or down.
• Although I am hoping to start making the trip a little more often in the future, I don't wind up in NYC terribly often. So I don't want to invest a lot of money in something I'm going to wear for a few days every couple of years.

I've already looked at Lands End, which would normally be my first stop for this kind of thing, but I got overwhelmed. Given my fit issues, I would much prefer to look and try on possibilities in person, anyway.

We do have Burlington outlets here, so I will probably head over there this weekend.

Where else should I look?

[TheReader]

Honestly, Burlington. 

I found a really great one there that's surprisingly thin, but surprisingly warm (and also stylish) -- it's tag just says "100% polyester" but it's that stretchy kind of scuba material stuff (and a really pretty outside texture). This was a couple of years ago, but just tossing that out so you know you don't have to limit yourself to big puffy coats or things that will take up a lot of space and be hard to pack. Mine is like a trench style coat, but dressy and pretty, and everyone just comments on it like crazy when I wear it. 

[mommyoffive]

Do you have a TJ Max or Sierra?  I got a great winter coat at TJ Max a right before Covid.  It is super long, warm, and was cheap under $40. Possibly Walmart or  Target.  I haven't been there to see what they have.  Costco or Sams.  Costco has some good ones online.

[regentrude]

If you are in FL, would any in-person stores even stock coats suitable for a NY winter?

 

Lands End is good. I bought one in 2008.

 

[MEmama]

Amazon or some other online shop with free returns/exchanges? 

I wonder too if there will be an appropriate selection for you where you live. 
 

Conversely, you could submit a request on Nextdoor asking your snowbird neighbors if they want to offload a coat! Lol

[QueenCat]

Columbia, Lands End, and LL Bean are my go-to's for coats for our family. That said, they may be more than you want to pay for limited use.

[BeachGal]

I cross country ski in a $40 H&M coat. You could probably find some on Poshmark for not much money. Madewell has some that fold up and are warm as well. Those would work well with layers — tshirt, sweater, coat, scarf.

[elegantlion]

Duluth Trading Company is another store to try. 

[KungFuPanda]

From Florida? I’d just shop online at a place with a great return policy. Then I’d emotionally prepare myself for multiple returns. Measure yourself, pay attention to the sizing charts, and call and ask questions about fit. The company I work for adds three inches to the size chart measurements for jackets and six inches for coats. If you’re not used to winter, buy a longer coat that covers your thighs and you’ll be MUCH warmer. Pay a little more than you want and get something you’ll like forever. It’ll probably be the only winter coat you ever need. 

[MercyA]

I found a warm, light, stylish, vegan coat at either T.J. Maxx or Ross--sorry I can't remember which! If I remember correctly it was less than half of the retail price. The brand is Spyder. I really love it.

[Arcadia]

TJMaxx has vegan choices as well.

Noize brand and Save the duck brand are vegan.

[Myra]

When I was living in Florida, I'd shop the thrift shops as many new residents that have moved from the North unload their winter coats, skis, etc. once they permanently move to Florida.  Great deals!

[Forget-Me-Not]

Do you have a Cabelas/Bass Pro Shop/Sportsman’s Warehouse/Scheels nearby? Or a sporting goods store like Dicks or REI. (I don’t know if the fact that they sell hunting/fishing equipment would bother you)

My Costco has several jackets/coats right now. Some of them are down, some aren’t  (I hate the smell of down, so I always look for PrimaLoft or something like it). 
 

Definitely Duluth Trading Co, LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, but again they might be more than you want to spend.  I just recently moved to a much colder climate and I found one I really like at LL Bean.

 

 

 

[Jenny in Florida]

Thanks, all. Some places I wouldn't have thought of, some of which have local brick and mortar locations not too far from me.

I just really hate the process of ordering, waiting, returning and would vastly prefer to try on and select in person. I have some time, though. So if I strike out locally, I will break down and try ordering.

[TravelingChris]

When we were living in Space Coast about 12 years ago, we were moving to the DC area in late Dec ( a few days before Christmas).  We couldn't find any coats locally that were adequate.  I ordered Lands End for both girls, and myself.  Dh had already been living there so I think he already had a warm coat.

[matrips]

Costco may have some.  And thrift shops.

 

[catz]

Honestly, I would go to thrift stores.  I've gotten a lot of great coats at thrift stores.  Even in men's.   I've used men's dress coats as an outer layer. Something long and full like a trench coat or men's dress coat might be good.  I have gotten decent long dress coats in thrift for less than $25.  I've come up with a belt for them in some cases.  

We visited NYC in January a few years back.  None of us brought our heaviest coats (we are from the upper midwest, it's colder than NYC), but we did bring, hats, mitts, something for your neck, warm socks, long underwear.  Walking boots.   I know you said you didn't want to layer, but I just wanted to say with a decent shell that covers to the knee, I think that can be a really comfortable option.  We were outside walking hours and hours for like 6 days.  

Even if you find a parka or something, get something LONG.  Lands End are usually pretty easy to fit if you come back around to that as an option.  I guess for winter coats, I personally don't worry about look or tailored fit too much.  Assuming your February event is in doors, it's not like anyone will see it past the front door.   I have a HUGE long Land's End parka I got last year in 2 sizes too big for winter walking and I'm pretty short (under 5'3").  Layers well, covers to my calf, has a hood.  Possibly looks ridiculous.  Oh well.  🤷‍♀️

[Hilltopmom]

I get our Lands End gear on eBay every time for a fraction of the cost.

[mmasc]

I’ve had this coat for 3 years now. I wore it from Oct-March (sometimes April) every single day and it still looks great. It’s not super bulky, but very warm, imo. You can find certain colors and/or sizes cheaper. $150 is the normal price, but I’ve seen a light blue one for $83 and a maroon one for around $100. Amazon and Zappos both offer free ship/free returns. You can probably find it to try on at Dick’s Sporting Goods if you have one locally, or possibly REI. 

[TexasProud]

Do you have any ski shops in your area? Yes, I know it is Florida, but I live in Texas and we have them here because people go skiing in other states. We have found some good stuff in their clearance section. Regular price is too expensive. But google and see if there are any in your area somewhere. 

Have fun in NYC!!!