Growing up in the midwest, I learned a thing or two about cold-weather dressing. Yet it still always comes as a shock to me when that first gust of wind comes around

and knocks me off my feet. I forget so easily how cold the initial under-50-degree day is.

I used to be so consistent and usually clutched on to one favorite coat per season, the warmest of them all. However, as I've entered the world of fashion and New York City, I've come up with a styling theory that has become my bread and butter of winter dressing. When my friends ask me how to dress for the weather, I tell them this:

The first thing most people will see when they greet you, whether it's at dinner, when you walk into the office, or you run into a friend on the street, is your coat. Make sure it's a winner.

With that simple fact, I'm usually successful in convincing my friend to splurge on that unique find or try something besides a neutral. The most important purchase you make for both your warmth and personal style will be your coat, and I'm here to help you choose the right one.

And of course, we're not just looking for a pretty face. We have many winters ahead of us, and I love a coat that lasts, so I made sure to pull together a selection that will keep you as warm and toasty as possible, with some lighter options included for the unexpected. Good luck to you in surviving another cold winter, and be sure to scroll for some good finds.

PS: A quick tip that helps me find the warmest coats when shopping online is zooming in on the model images where you can see the inside of the coat a bit. The amount of lining there will tell you all you need to know.