Melbourne

As an overweight person, the overcoat I have looks a lot smarter and more flattering than my puffer, which when zipped up is cosy as but makes me look like a liquid paper pen.

I have one of each. Long wool coats protect your bum and legs from the wind, but have to be drycleaned, brushed of hair or lint and protected against moths. Puffers are more practical and portable but cover less of you, and depending on filling may also have to be dry cleaned (in the case of down).

The trench coat I have is op shop and the puffer is Kmart so getting both came in well under budget.

If you really can't choose you could start with a cheaper puffer to get an idea of it while you continue saving. Then if you don't like it you can donate it and buy something more suitable

Edit: Also consider where you'd be wearing it most. Woolen coats are generally more formal and puffers more casual.

Thermals are also great to layer under clothing if they're not a sensory issue for you

Edit 2: Also definitely consider adding scarf, gloves, woollen socks and maybe a beanie. They don’t have to be expensive or brand name, just having them helps a lot

Go to Kmart and get something else warm for $30 and go for a nice meal instead

I used to have a long down puffer with a detachable hood, it was the warmest coat. Make sure if you have a long puffer it has press studs as well as a zip. Woolen hat to cover ears and forehead, scarf to cover neck and face if need, thin gloves or double gloves.

You can get end of season puffers from overseas sellers .

Sometimes when it's cold here in Melbs I put on a roomy lined wind proof raincoat and have warm jumpers underneath

Here are some deals in my inbox this morning:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/854646

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/854668

There was a BCF one that said expired, but that could be the extra $20 off

I've got a wool welders jacket that's basically sat in retirement since I got my puffy. I'd start with the puffy and then reassess your needs. I do sometimes wrap a blanket round my waist like a towel to keep my midsection (kidney) warm if I'm tinkering in the shed on winter nights.

To throw a spanner in the works my current go to (with a long underlayer) is a lightish jumper (usually woollen) and a shell jacket that doubles as a raincoat over the top. Super efficient at keeping out the wind and easy to pack down. I walk everywhere so it's heaps warm enough the wool jumper is warm for inside.

Other than that I would go puffer first for packability (I love my pea coat but rarely wear it now)

I'd say get a puffer, much more versatile esp if you don't drive as it's lighter and easier to pack down/carry around if it gets warm. I almost never wear my trusty old wool jacket now.

Best option is get a Patagonia/North Face/Macpac etc while on sale. You might've missed the sales but have a look online anyway. I bought mine from Wild Earth

everyone raves about uniqlo.