<p>Places to buy coats: LL bean, J crew (And all those other more practical but still professional stores (more practical then say Rue 21 don’t go trendy go warm)) Or thrift stores.
Make sure your coat is warm and don’t get a tight fitting one! You’ll be wearing hoodies, sweaters, and a ton a layers underneath. Buy a warm scarf (Wool is fabulous) and gloves (they make ones that you can use touch screens with). Ill also bet you’ll end up wanting a warm hat too.
Like previously said north faces are nice-- until October.
I love coats-- to the extent of having around 12. Don’t think as your fashion sense being compromised but rather broadened.
Layers will be your friends! Keep an eye on what other people wear around campus and copy then as you see fit,
There’s no need to rush out and buy new stuff yet wait until its colder but do remember it will get colder</p>
<p>Since you are on a budget- check out Sierra Trading Post online for closeouts. LLBean, Lands End and Eddie Bauer rate their coats by temperature and they may have some in their outlet section. I would not buy a cute fashion coat for the very cold weather. It’s worth investing in a down and waterproof one for the cold and wind.
It’s too late for this season- you will need a coat sooner, but for cold weather clothes, I look at the January sales, so you can add to your wardrobe at this time of year. This is when you can get extra hats, gloves, scarfs, and other winter clothes at the best prices.
I bought cheap winter jackets one time, and the wind went right through them. Better to invest in a good winter coat and it will keep you warm and last a long time.</p>
<p>Some girls here go out in midwinter with a thin shirt, short skirt, and a nice thick “beer jacket”. 
Winters here are similar to yours, being in the upper midwest. </p>
<p>I don’t recommend that, definitely get a good winter coat. One good one will do, you can get more if you want.</p>