CB’s Picks: The best topcoats under $500
C. Benjamin
When the temperature drops, it’s time to bundle up. Part of growing up is knowing how to bundle up like a man. Head-to-toe tech gear on the way to class or the office is not a good look. While you think you look like this, you probably look more like this. Unless you are hitting the slopes, all you really need is a good topcoat. A topcoat can take you from mid fall to the dead of winter in most places effortlessly. The key is knowing when to layer and when not to layer. On a brisk late October day, a wool sweater and a scarf will be probably all you need. If you are doing New Years in Times Square, it might help to have a blazer on under your topcoat for additional warmth (it will also look good when you hit the bars afterward and take the topcoat off). Here are my picks for some of the best topcoats under $500 that anyone can get right now.
1. J. Crew Wool University Coat $235
Perfect for the college student that wants something to look like an adult but doesn’t want to seem like he takes himself too seriously. This jacket will look just as good with a sweatshirt and jeans on your way to lab as it will with a suit headed to a job interview. It comes in charcoal, black, and navy and features a single breasted front and hand warming pockets at the mid-section. If you live in a area that gets really, drop an extra $20 on the Thinsulate version.
2. Banana Republic Plaid Topcoat $295
I have become a fan of the BBC drama Luther. I won’t bore you with too many details, but Idris Elba plays a cop that has a sick plaid topcoat not unlike this one. Women love Idris Elba. I think you are smart enough to put 2 and 2 together. This coat is a bit more grown-up than the university coat, but is still good for casual wear.
3. L.L. Bean Signature Wool Blanket Trench $350
L.L. Bean Signature dug in the archives to pull this wildcard out. While it certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a great statement piece that will keep you equal parts warm and fashion-forward. It is a blend of wool and alpaca so you know that it’s warm, and the belt is a great accent particularly for those in windy regions (I’m looking at you Chicagoans).
Coming in just under the $500 mark is our only double breasted coat from Gant Rugger. If there is one thing that Gant Rugger is known for it’s stellar updates to collegiate classics. While double breasted, their Wool Coat has a slim profile and doesn’t cross the body as much as say a peacoat. The result is a jacket that is suitable to wear buttoned or unbuttoned. It also features handwarmer pockets just over the hip.
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