I’m a warm weather girl. I was born in Southeast Asia, raised in Texas and call Los Angeles home. But when Paris motioned for me to enter my senior year of college, I replied, sur. Shopping for winter clothes, I was dazzled by the image of sipping soaked wine as the snowflakes settled on my eyelids. I picked up a chic double-breasted coat that made me feel like Audrey Hepburn and smugly ticked “outerwear” off my list.
During the flight, I had planned to rush to the Eiffel Tower as soon as I landed, carrying a bottle of champagne. But as soon as Charles de Gaulle’s door swung open, I was struck by the coldest, driest wind I’ve ever felt, not even a single snowflake in sight. My eyelashes froze together, and it became very clear that I light cashmere jacket won’t cut it. A particularly cold rainy day while wandering the Marais that weekend confirmed it.
At first, I felt like a failure. Then I realized I had unlocked a whole new category of clothing to dabble in. A world of puffer jackets and thick coats spread warm arms to me. Years later, I’m still a fan of outerwear. Even California has mild winters ask me to get a jacket when the second temperature drops below 60ºF (okay, 70º if we’re being honest). I scoured the internet for the best coats that will make you look both cozy and cute.
