Chanel, $4,545
The ultimate in sporty glamour, but it’s made from silk taffeta and stuffed with polyester—delicate and expensive materials to make water-resistant (3 W. 57th St.; 212-355-5050).

Celine, $2,200
This sparkling-white, fur-trimmed parka is wind- and waterproof, but the astronomical dry-cleaning bill might keep you indoors (667 Madison Ave., near 61st St.; 212-486-9700).

Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons, $1,020
Avant-garde poncho style and down stuffing make this polyester taffeta jacket so hot, you might not care it isn’t water- or stainproof. (At Barneys New York.)

Andrew Marc, $398
This quilted, polyamide bomber with raccoon- fur-trimmed hood scores style points, but your midsection may feel a breeze when it rides up, despite the goose-down stuffing. (At Henri Bendel.)

Perry Ellis Women’s, $268
With a belted waist, a sleek, non-quilted look, and a thick faux-fur hood, Patrick Robinson’s design is runway- and element-ready. (At Henri Bendel.)

Ralph Lauren Blue Label, $225
This festive frontal zip-up isn’t water- or stain-resistant, but does have hidden zipper compartments and a chin guard in case you take a spill on the slopes. (At Polo Ralph Lauren stores.)

Esprit, $149
Eighty percent down stuffing (the rest is feathers) keeps this parka extremely warm without a Michelin Man puff—and it’s water-resistant, too (110 Fifth Ave., at 16th St.; 212-651-2121).

L.L.Bean, $109
True outdoorsmen will stay warm at –5 degrees Fahrenheit—and there’s a water-resistant finish and multi-zip pockets for lip balm and other winter necessities (800-809-7057; llbean.com).

(Photo: Davies and Starr)

Old Navy, $68
The down filling and faux-shearling hood keep you cozy, but like some of its more expensive cousins, this coat’s not waterproof. Haven’t they heard of snow? (At Old Navy Stores and oldnavy.com.)

Related:

• Archive: “Market Research”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: Oct 18, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!