Fat Girl Fashion on a Budget: 5 Winter Coats Under $50

By Caitlin Seida

Ladies, I feel your pain. Winter coats are expensive, but a good jacket is worth the investment. Pick a timeless cut in a color that suits your wardrobe basics and you'll get years of use out of it, so I'm breaking my own self-imposed rules and expanding the "budget" portion of this column to go up to $50 this time. You can't put a price on warmth, but if you had to, these would be my top picks.

First up is this sassy little number in pink corduroy with a faux fur lining. Sure, it's not necessarily classic or even classy, but we're a sucker for pink here at I Feel Delicious and this number is a girly take on a rugged ranch hand staple. At $9.99 USD, you've got little or nothing to lose. It's machine wash and dry flat, which is a big plus for me. I'm not going to lie - this jacket looks better for everyday wear and is a little on the trendy side, but if you're looking for something a little youthful and fun, this is a good pick. Sizes are in XL and XXL. You can get it here, at 10dollarmall.com.

Next up is the puffer jacket. Ladies, if you think you can't pull off those big puffy jackets because of your size, shape or build, think again. It's all about the details and this number has just the right ones. It's got a long cut that hits at a flattering mid-thigh point. A broad collar draws attention away from any problem areas and up toward your face and a belt cinches you in at your narrowest point. The placement of pockets at the hips has me a little concerned, but if you're not wide through that area, you might just want to try it. And it's a steal at just $5.70 USD. Sizes up to XXL.  Get it here from AliExpress. 

Now we're getting into the more expensive but timeless options. This double breasted wool pea coat is great for us ladies who want to add a little more shape where there might not be one. Rectangular body shapes and pear shapes both look great in this style, as it adds a little volume up top. The belt, again, is a great detail as it can cinch you in at the waist (or give the illusion of one if you aren't too thrilled with what nature gave you.) This piece is wool, sized up to 3XL and is currently on sale for just a hair under $40 (normally $53, so get it while you can!). Find it here at DebShops. 

Ashley Stewart, how I love thee! If you want a trendy print and details with a classic cut, this coat is the one for you. The long trench hits mid-thigh and again, belts at the waist. The cheetah print is on point with the trends, and so are the (faux) leather accents at the collar. This coat is made from 100% man-made materials, so there are no ethical quandaries for the vegans among us. Sizing starts at 12 and goes up to 20. I'm a firm believer that every girl needs a good trench coat and this fits the bill perfectly. It is double breasted, so again, ladies that are larger on top may want to examine other options. At about $35, it's pricey, but worth it. Get it here on Amazon.com.

Any fans of fleece out there? This jacket is just the ticket and it flatters just about every body type. It's an A-line cut, which flows away from the body. It hits at about low-hip and has a rounded shirt-style collar, drawing the eye to your gorgeous face. Princess seams in the front and back add subtle shaping to emphasize curves without giving away the whole picture. It's machine wash and 100% man made. At $50, this is the most expensive item on the list but for good reason: It's the kind of coat that'll see you through many years of use. It's got oversized buttons that are fun and funky without being too trendy or overbearing, and it looks soft enough to roll around in (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that with soft things?) Available in multiple solid colors, heathers and prints (including that cheetah or leopard that we're seeing on runways), this coat comes in sizes up to 5XL. If you're the matchy sort, the vendor also sells hats, gloves and scarves to complement this style. Get it here at Roamans. 

Do you have a favorite winter coat? What style do you like best for your winter outerwear? Do you prefer classic pieces and cuts or more trendy styles you can replace from year to year? We want to know! Talk to us in the comments below.