Keeping the winter chill out is nothing to take lightly. But heavy, boring jackets and coats shouldn’t be an option when you’ve got a busy day braving the elements. Investing in a great quality jacket or coat is worth every penny because staying warm and protected never goes out of style.

We’ve picked out some of our favorites from our Zappos Outdoor Shop to get you ready to face old man winter in the best gear around:

Women's: 1. Prana Devan Jacket, 2. Marmot Arona Jacket, 3. Patagonia Down With It Parka

Men's: 4. Marmot Conness Jacket, 5. Prana Rhody Reversible Jacket, 6. The North Face Gatebreak Down Jacket

The groundhog spotted his shadow and the calendar confirms spring is weeks away. Keep yourself snuggly warm with a quilted and patterned winter coat. Wishing won't make spring true, at least not yet, but these waterproof, insulated and stylish coats will.

Pullover, I Want to Run in the Snow

Some of the warmest winter coats are the ones with the fewest closures. A pullover, including the Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Pullover has no need for a zipper or buttons, and keeps arms warms with elasticized sleeves. It has lively diamond-shaped stitching. The pullover is insulated with microfibers. The PrimaLoft One in this winter coat provides a lightweight and soft insulation, for all of your winter fun. So go ahead, run around in the snow and chase snowflakes, or trek across town in your snowshoes and pullover.

Wave Runner

For a zipped up version of a quilted winter coat, there is the Marmot Venus (yes, you can be a goddess even in the snow) It's adorned with wave-pattern stitching. This winter coat lets you move your arms, thanks to Angel-Wing Movement technology. You'll be able to make snow angels, use cross-country ski polls, and throw your best snowballs without your coat riding up your torso.

Gloss, Not Just for Lips

When you want to wear a quilted winter coat with real pizzazz, opt for a coat with some glossy fabric, in black or sky blue. You'll still be cozy in the warm down filling, but bedding down will be the last thing on your mind. Windproof and lightweight, these shiny and quilted winter coats can accompany you to the slopes, the mall or the local coffee bar. Travelers and weekend warriors should consider the reversible versions, allowing you to shine in style for two ways, while still leaving room in your suitcase for your favorite jeans, heels and straightening iron.

Quilted Winter Coat Checklist:
- It's a color you adore
- The coat has a shape and is tapered in the right places
- Machine washable
- Contains 600 to 800 fill goose down

Fight wind chill factors with an ultra-long winter coat. When it comes to winter warmth, longer is better for coats. Like an Olympic athlete, you can go the distance and keep your hips, thighs and even your knees warm. Pair a long winter coat with your favorite knee-high or thigh-high boots and brave the winter elements.

Breeze Around

Breeze around town without ever noticing the weather, when you snuggle up in a full-length down jacket. You'll stay toasty and insulated from the cold with a water-proof coat made with goose down. A nylon exterior make this coat easy to wash in a machine, keeping your coat and you looking spiffy. Cole Haan offers a similar full-length down coat insulated with 80% down and 20% feather.

Brown, White or Black

The most popular winter colors for full-length are cocoa brown, camel, vintage white, snow white or classic black. These basic colors make it easy to match with boots, and can easily be paired with a pair of jeans or a dress.

Long Coats and Slender Fit

These long winter coats are not the puffy coats you may remember wearing as a young child or teen. These coats, while insulated, are long and warm but are designed in an A-line shape, to slim and slenderize an otherwise bulky look.

Long Coats to Suit You

Petites - Petite women can stay warm with shorter coats, or long coats which go to the knee. If you feel too short in a full-length winter coat, match your boots to the color of the coat, and wear a long winter coat that grazes the top of the boots for a uniform and elongated look. Pairing a long coat with heeled boots will also make you feel more comfortable in a longer coat.

Tech Gals - Some ultra-long winter coats have zippered pockets for internal media like MP3 players and phones.