Parts of the U.S. are basking in unseasonably warm temperatures, but many women are preparing for the inevitable big freeze.
Although the temperature is forecast to hit 60-plus degrees this week in Boston, for example, shoppers are buying Balenciaga’s heavy wool coats at Louis Boston. “In New England, we don’t really worry that it’s not going to get cold,” owner Debi Greenberg said.
Here’s a look at some bestsellers in North America.
Store: Bergdorf Goodman
Location: New York
The Get: A hooded black felted wool Chanel coat with toggle closures.
The Payout: $4,410
The Lowdown: “It is the perfect black coat. It has a sporty feel, yet is still incredibly chic,” said Linda Fargo, Bergdorf’s senior vice president and fashion director.
Store: Buffalo Exchange
Location: A Tucson, Ariz.-based retailer with 28 units.
The Get: Collective Clothing’s vintage-inspired jackets with three-quarter-length or bell sleeves. Most shoppers are buying them in grays, purples and teals.
The Payout: $25 to $45.
The Lowdown: “It’s classic and an easy jacket to layer,” said purchasing manager Gneiss Hobbs. “Most of our stores are in warmer climates. They are buying them more for fashion than for practicality.”
Store: Holt Renfrew
Location: Toronto
The Get: A Mackage Mod-inspired black wool coat with a leather-backed sculptured collar, leather belt and buttons. The Payout: $509
The Lowdown: “It is selling due to its fashionability…shapeliness and hits just above the knee,” said Barbara Atkin, fashion director. “The price makes this a must-have buy — luxury and quality at a good price.”
Store: L.L. Bean
Location: Freeport, Maine
The Get: L.L. Bean’s Ultrawarm coat made from Bean Tested goose down for lightweight warmth.
The Payout: $139
The Lowdown: “They are square-quilted to cut down on bulkiness,” said L.L. Bean outerwear developer Maynard McCorkle. “That adds to their appeal, since quilted goose down is usually considered puffy. They are outdoor styles made by a company that knows the outdoors. The customer can trust that they are making a smart purchase. The hood and fur ruff can be zipped off to give the wearer a different look, depending on the occasion and weather. They are also easy to take care of — machine wash and dry.”
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Store: Louis Boston
Location: Boston
The Get: Balenciaga’s three-quarter-length heavy wool coats with rounded shoulders and birdcage buttons or toggles, as well as the black, short bubble coat.
The Payout: $1,685 to $2,985.
The Lowdown: “They really fit beautifully, and they are a great weight for New England,” Greenberg said. “They have a lot of fashion as well as being a good, heavy coat.”
Store: Maus & Hoffman
Location: Palm Beach, Fla.
The Get: A classic Brioni coat with two buttons that hits just at the hip in baby blue or hunter green.
The Payout: $3,250
The Lowdown: “A lot of our business is very traditional,” said John Maus, co-owner of the family-run business that has been on Worth Avenue since 1961. “It doesn’t suffer the ebbs and flows of changing styles. Often a man will come in with a woman and buy something from a label he is familiar with. It’s made in the same factory as the men’s, and he knows it’s good quality. The women’s Brioni coat is lightweight Windsor flannel — wear it with bone slacks or black slacks — it’s perfect for the Palm Beach scene. “
Store: Nuages
Location: Aspen, Colo.
The Get: Ermanno Scervino’s cotton or nylon fur-trimmed or fur-lined coats in tan, black or brown.
The Payout: $3,000 to $9,000.
The Lowdown: “They have unique details like fur trim, leather belts and embroidery,” said Mary Moyer, owner of the 20-year-old store that specializes in European designer labels. “Our customers who have bought them before come in looking for them.”
Store: Ron Herman
Location: Los Angeles
The Get: Mike & Chris for Ron Herman’s hooded black leather jacket.
The Payout: $835
The Lowdown: “The leather is buttery soft, and it has a slim, flattering fit,” said Ron Herman vice president John Eshaya. “It’s great for layering, and you can’t find it anywhere else than at our store. The first delivery sold out within two days.”
Store: Tangerine
Location: Chicago
The Get: Jungal’s belted tweed coat with dolman sleeves.
The Payout: $800
The Lowdown: “The fabrics are beautiful,” said store owner Keri Waddington. “They are fun coats with great details. They are a little more unusual than the standard puffy, down, ugly coat.”
Store: Van Maur
Location: Lincoln, Neb.
The Get: Three-quarter-length wool Marvin Richards coats in ivory or black.
The Payout: $180 to $240.
The Lowdown: “We have had many requests for peacoats and three-quarter-length wool coats,” said department manager Daniela Alic. “Marvin Richards is one of our main vendors for coats.”