Mine last year was from Macy's

Regardless of where you shop, this is something to definitely buy with a coupon. Check out Banana Republic, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Loehmann's.... but do not pay full price at any of those places.

i got my winter coat that i've been wearing for 5+ years at filenes for $29. too bad they are gone....

department stores have the most selection.

but also look at sites like gilt.com for deals on higher end coats.

I got a nice one from Loeman's last year.

I always look at department stores -- Macys, Nordstrom, etc. At Macys, you can usually score one on sale and with a coupon. I think mine is an Anne Klein coat, and I also have had DKNY. I've always spent in your price range or less.

Jcrew used to have nice winter coats, but I think are more expensive than $150-200.

You can also score a lot of the same department store coats for less (I sound like a commercial) at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and even Overstock.com.

It's time for a new winter coat this year, not having had one in about five years. But where to go (in DC or close-in MD.) Something professional but practical. I'm thinking camel colored wool/ cashmere. Mid-thigh length. (Is that a car coat?)

Probably can't spend more than about $150-200. I wish I hadn't been unemployed back in the early spring, or I'd've gotten one on sale.

Also, I think I have a pretty good idea of what's classic-- since I keep my winter coats for years, I can't get anything trendy. But any thoughts on what to look for in terms of styling that will last a good while would be welcome.