Maxi coats the secret weapon for warmth, style, and a touch of glamour in NYC’s chilly days.

In New York City, the stretch between October and March earns the moniker “coat months,” a time when outfits are predominantly defined by the outerwear due to the chilly weather. It’s a reality Emily Ratajkowski knows well, evident in her recent stroll through the city on December 15, where she made a fashion statement with a striking furry plaid maxi coat.Ratajkowski’s coat isn’t a newcomer; it debuted as part of Prada’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection and made its appearance on her in January 2018. Now, in winter 2024, she’s confidently pulled it out again. Her approach to styling remained refreshingly simple. She paired the statement coat with slightly flare-legged black trousers and chunky black dad sneakers. Embracing the quintessential New Yorker vibe, she accessorized with a chilled iced coffee in one hand and slender round glasses.

The allure of maxi coats once intimidated me. Standing at five-foot-two on a good day, I feared they’d dwarf my stature, opting instead for a cropped puffer jacket. However, after enduring one too many frosty days with half of me exposed to the elements, I finally embraced the maxi coat trend—and I’m not turning back anytime soon.Surprisingly, not only did it keep me warmer, but it also lent an illusion of height, especially when paired with heels. Maxi coats are versatile; they effortlessly elevate formal looks. Nothing dampens the glamour of a stunning party dress quite like a standard black puffer jacket. A maxi coat—especially one with playful furry accents akin to EmRata’s—completes the ensemble without overshadowing it. Moreover, they’re the go-to choice for achieving a polished appearance with minimal effort.