The FJ guide to finding your ideal winter jacket

Update your cold-weather wardrobe.

Growing up in Queensland, my idea of a ‘winter jacket’ was a little different. The mornings were frosty but the days quickly warmed up, with the temperature settling somewhere in the early twenties. As much as I desperately wanted a Penny Lane-esque shag coat, wearing anything lined with faux fur was ambitious, even for a trendsetter like me.

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Instead, I settled on my dad’s old Levi’s denim jacket, a relic he’d kept in the back of his wardrobe since the late ’80s. It was the ideal amount of distressed and oversized, worn threadbare around the elbows but warm enough for a sunny winter’s day. I could layer a sweater underneath on those particularly frosty mornings, and tie it around my waist over a sundress in spring.

Southern Hemisphere winter is almost upon us and with the changing of the seasons, it’s time to think all-important winter jacket. Like any staple wardrobe piece, finding the right one requires patience and some forethought. Do you want something formal, casual or somewhere in between?

Are you looking for something to throw on for frosty morning walks, or do you need a piece that can handle a bit more of the winter wear and tear? To help you pinpoint exactly what to look for, we’ve put together a guide to help you identify your ideal outerwear.

Material

It sounds obvious, but your chosen material will determine how well you’re protected against the cold. So choose wisely! When selecting, consider how well the jacket will meet your winter needs. If you live in a cooler climate and want something cosy, the Levi’s Women’s Long Nola Shacket will be a great addition to your wardrobe. Inspired by a menswear silhouette, it’s the right amount of oversized with roomy sleeves (ideal for layering), a slightly longer hem and front flap pockets.

Match this shacket with a lightweight, fine-knit sweater, dark denim and a slouchy bag for an outfit that’s comfy, but always looks put-together. For a more elevated look, layer it over a classic slip dress, tights and chunky moto boots or Mary Janes. Add interest with off-kilter accessories and mixed metal jewellery.

Fit and sizing

While aesthetics are important, winter dressing is also about practicality. Be sure to find a well-fitting jacket that seals in the heat, has enough room for layers and protects against the winter chill. It’s a fine balance between tastefully oversized and drowning in fabric.

Thankfully, Levi’s jackets masterfully balance snugness and style. The Levi’s Women’s Tailored ’90s Trucker Jacket, for example, has a boxy-yet-tailored fit, with a flattering crop and slightly flared sleeves to accommodate a chunky knit layer underneath.

Layer this jacket over a soft, fitted long-sleeve top and high-waisted pants for a reliable base outfit. For a night out, add a boob tube over the top, finishing the look with Carrie Bradshaw-esque heels and a teeny-tiny handbag.

Functionality

The ideal winter jacket serves as a shield against the cold, complete with features designed for comfort and practicality. Pockets, zips, buttons and extra-snug lining all play a part. For those needing some extra protection against the elements, the Levi’s Women’s Juno Western Puffer Jacket blends function with fashion. In a classic chambray and cream colourway, the button-up front offers adjustable warmth, while the side pockets keep your essentials close and your hands toasty.

If you gravitate towards a bomber style, the Levi’s Women’s Andy Tech Jacket is cropped, comfy and available in both a sage green and a classic indigo. You can go handbag-free with its oversized flap pockets, which are big enough to fit a phone, card holder, lipstick and early 2000s digital camera (naturally).

Versatility

It’s the year of shopping consciously. Before you pull the trigger on a new jacket, think of the outfit possibilities with your already-existing wardrobe (if you want to take it one step further, refer to your Notes app). Choose something that will slot in seamlessly and give you maximum dressing options. The Levi’s Women’s Original Trucker Jacket, for example, can be paired with jeans for a Canadian tuxedo moment, or worn over a little black dress, tights and cowboy boots for a winter wine date.

To browse the collection of Levi’s outerwear, head here.