AOL reviewed: This Lands' End Coat is my favorite winter accessory — here's why I love it

For those living in colder areas of the world, picking out the right winter coat is one of the most critical wardrobe decisions of the season. Winter coats can get expensive and take up a lot of closet space. You can't exactly invest in one for every day of the week and potential weather fluctuation. So, finding "the one" is crucial as it will largely contribute to your ability to function, feel confident, and be comfortable throughout the winter season.

As someone with no closet space (primarily due to my NYC apartment and lack of self-restraint), I've bought and tried many winter coats. And I can truly say that Lands' End's Women's Insulated Cozy Fleece-Lined Winter Coat takes the cake and has become a true standout and staple for me throughout those humid and blustery Manhattan winters.

AOL / Chloe Toscano

Lands' End Women's Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Winter Coat

As an NYC resident, having the right winter coat is essential for the colder seasons. This one comes in five sizes (XS to XL) and nine colors, most of which are on sale this week.

Pros

• Warm without being bulky
• Keeps thighs warm
• Lightweight
• Long-lasting
• Comes in wide range of colors and sizes
• Plush feel

Cons

• Lining isn't attractive
• Expensive when not on sale

$72 at Lands' End

Things I Love

Practicality

Versatility is among the most important things I look for in a winter coat. As a New Yorker, I go from freezing as I walk the streets to sweating bullets as soon as I step onto the subway, where the heat blasts and everyone is standing and sitting too close for comfort during rush hours. So I like a coat that keeps me warm, but not Alaska winter warm.

This coat isn’t so long that I can’t wiggle my way up and down the platform stairs, but is also long enough to keep my core and upper thighs warm, which I find are the parts that matter most (never forget warm shoes too!). And it also isn’t so bulky that I feel like I’m being swallowed by an oven as soon as I walk into a heated building or crowded public transportation — because in NYC, although the subway isn’t always going strong, the heat in its carts sure is.

Weight

The lack of bulk this coat brings is a major pro in my book because it isn’t one of those enormous cloud-like puffers that need their own seat if taking them on a plane or in a car. Additionally, it makes this coat easy to store. This is a significant positive because, despite its lack of weight and overall immenseness, it still brings incredible warmth, with a temperature rating of -5 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

In recent years, New York hasn’t experienced such low temperatures. Still, I had an older version of this coat, which I took to Switzerland. It kept me perfectly toasty on every snowy hike my aunt dragged me on… and left me plenty of room in my suitcase to bring home a lifetime’s worth of chocolate. And if you want to streamline the coat even more, you can remove the furry trim on the hoodie, which easily snaps on and off.

Durability

For me, when I think of Lands' End, I always think "forever" because, as a kid, my mom would always buy me a Lands' End coat a couple sizes too big so I could get at least a few years wear out of it and they always looked as good as new by the time I needed an upgrade. That's what this coat is to me. The older model of this coat held up just like my childhood ones did, and although I haven't owned this new one for very long, I expect it'll be the same.

This season, my coat suffered a tragic collision with a cup of coffee. This was an excellent durability test because it went into the washer and dryer and came out looking and feeling brand new. Accidents happen, and you also don't want to spend your time worrying about staining your coat. So, live your life in this coat to its fullest, and just be sure to remove the faux fur trim before washing!

Versatile Look

I've had so many coats that make me feel like the younger brother from A Christmas Story — you could hardly tell a person was in there when he was so bundled up. Although exaggerated for the film, sometimes it's true that winter coats can turn you into an abominable snowman, trapping you and any ability you may have had to move your arms freely. This coat, however, isn't that as it follows the shape of your body a little more closely, not in a constricting way but just in a way that feels a little more streamlined, making it a great day-to-night option as you can easily throw it on over a dressier outfit without looking like you put on your storm parka to go to a dinner party.

Additionally, this coat comes in many colors with an array of options in both neutrals and more vibrant hues. I always tell myself I should get something black so it goes with everything, but I went for the Light Cornflower and couldn't be happier with the decision. If you're gifting this, you can even have it embroidered with whatever name or word you'd like. I got my name on it in silver cursive to match my dog Dingo's Lands' End puffer, which also has his name written in silver cursive.

Finally, I always love to see clothing with a true size assortment. Lands' End did an excellent job in that department, offering regular, petite, tall, and plus-size options ranging from XS to XXXL. I'm 5'7" and went with the regular, which hits the top of my thigh. I could've gone with the tall sizing if I wanted a bit more length, but I find the length just right as it prevents cold from traveling under my t-shirt or sweater and hitting my core. At the same time, it is a practical length for more walking and dashing around the city.

How It Feels

The word “cozy” is in the name for a reason, as this coat feels like your favorite fleece but comes with the water-resistant and insulated factors you’d look for in a winter coat. As a strict vegetarian, I never buy down coats, which means I sometimes struggle to find something that matches the warmth that comes with a feather lining. However, I’ve found that the recycled insulation that this coat relies on has been perfect. The ultimate test was wearing it on an hour-long boat ride to the beach while I stood on the upper deck the entire time, the wind hitting me like a thousand icicles. I layered a sweater underneath, paired it all with a scarf, and stepped off the boat feeling toasty.

Additionally, the plush lining feels nice against your skin. Sometimes, wearing a polyester coat over short sleeves can feel uncomfortable, but I’ve found that this coat works equally well over a tank or tee. This makes it easy to transition it between very chilly weather and less frigid temperatures.

Things I Don't Love

Appearance Of Lining

There's only one thing I don't love about this coat: the appearance of the lining. As much as I adore how it feels, the look of that kind of plush fleece takes away from the overall aesthetic, making the coat seem like a slightly lower-quality item. That said, the lining isn't outwardly visible and highly comfortable, so it's not a dire downside.

Is It Worth It?

After raving about nearly every aspect of this winter coat, I’d say absolutely. It’s the perfect staple. Its versatility makes it an indispensable part of your winter wardrobe, and the price point is unbeatable for what you’re getting, especially if you snag this while it’s on sale (which it currently is).

AOL / Chloe Toscano

Lands' End Women's Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Winter Coat

As an NYC resident, having the right winter coat is essential for the colder seasons. This one comes in five sizes (XS to XL) and nine colors, most of which are on sale this week.

Pros

• Warm without being bulky
• Keeps thighs warm
• Lightweight
• Long-lasting
• Comes in wide range of colors and sizes
• Plush feel

Cons

• Lining isn't attractive
• Expensive when not on sale

$72 at Lands' End

If you're looking for any shopping advice, drop us a line at shopping.editors@aol.com and our Shopping Editors will be in touch!