If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a fashion blogger, it’s that outerwear can take a look from good to great. I’ve found this to be especially true in the fall and winter, when we’re all trying our best to balance practicality (warmth!) with style. Whether over a dress or denim and a sweater, a chic coat adds just the right amount of polish. Today I’m zeroing in on coats from a trending brand, Reformation. Below you’ll find an honest review my Reformation coats—the Reformation Lester and the Reformation York coat—plus budget-friendly alternatives if you aren’t ready to invest.

Reformation Coat Sizing

This review is specifically for the Reformation wool-blend coats, as I have yet to try they trench coats, blazers, shearling, peacoats, and faux fur coats.

The two Reformation coats I own are the York coat and the Lester coat. For reference, I’m 5’9″, a 34A in bras, and I’m typically a size XS or S on top and size 4/6 or 26 in bottoms. I have an XS in the York coat and a S in the Lester coat. My Lester coat fits great and allows room for a mid-weight knit underneath, but my York coat fits very tailored and almost a tad snug (I wish I’d gone with a S).

I highly recommend breaking out the measuring tape prior to ordering anything from Reformation’s outerwear collection as size is so subjective. In general, I’d say their coats run true to size. However, if you see ‘tailored’ or ‘fitted’ anywhere in the description, the coat may run a little small. If you want to have room to layer or you’re in between sizes, size up.

Reformation York Coat Review

The York Coat is a lined, double-breasted long coat with a structured feel. It has front buttons and is designed to be worn open or closed, but how good it appears closed with depend 100% on what’s layered underneath. Mine is black white check, and they usually bring it back in 3–4 fresh patterns every season.

To be honest, I wish I’d gone with the S in the York as the fit is tighter than I expected. I can wear bodysuits and thin cashmere sweaters underneath, but even so, it’s a touch too fitted for me when buttoned. I also wish it had side slit pockets (just a personal preference, but I think they’re more flattering than front pockets).

The coat is 63% polyester, so calling it a ‘wool coat’ is generous. It’s warm but not suitable for temps colder than 40 degrees. The York is a great choice for anyone in an average to mild winter climate who wants a classic, polished look. With its close fit, long silhouette, and shawl collar, it can be dressed up and down with ease for the office, weekend, date night, etc.

Reformation Lester Coat Review

The Lester coat by Ref is more of a heavy hitter that’s appropriate for cold weather as it’s 65% wool and 2% alpaca. I’ve worn it with warm layers underneath in 15-20 degree weather and felt comfortable. Like the York Coat, it’s lined for ease of layering and has front flap pockets. I have it in beige herringbone.

The faux fur at the shawl collar and cuffs add some warmth, but its main purpose is to make a statement. I think it looks best worn open (as seen above), but it feels comfortable worn buttoned as well.

If I had to choose between the Lester and the York, I’d go with the Lester 1,000 times over. The design of the Lester feels special (something you can’t find anywhere else), and I felt a little better paying Ref’s steep price point given its unique design and high wool content.

Where to Buy Reformation Coats

I’ve always purchased my Ref coats directly from Reformation, but Nordstrom and Net-A-Porter carry a select few pieces from Ref’s coat collection each season.

Alternatives Under $300

A quick note before we jump into Reformation coat alternatives: one of the best ways to find Ref coats (or anything from Ref, for that matter) for less is via Poshmark or Mercari. Check out my post on how to find designer clothes for a discount if you’re interested in learning more about that.

Below, I’ve handpicked double-breasted coat designs that are reminiscent of what we’ve seen Reformation release over the last few fall/winter seasons. H&M, Mango, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and And Other Stories are great destinations for winter coats, if you want to do any additional browsing on your own!