We know that retailers have been wondering what the "must-haves" for this season are, and aside from the new and improved turbo Tickle Me Elmo, there hasn't been anything that has shoved its way to the front lines. The same is true in the fashion world. It seems that there are so many new things that are on the list for fall, that there hasn't been one thing that stands out from the crowd. It kind of makes you want to just stick with what you have, right?

No no no. If there is ONE thing you get to update your wardrobe for the fall and winter season, it's the trench coat. Granted, you might already have one if you live in colder climates, since a trench coat is a classic piece for outwear. However, this season, the trench coat takes on a few twists and turns with different colors, patterns, fabrics, and even a few surprises on silhouettes, giving us lots of room to put together perfect, layered outfits for every day of the week. I'm starting with Friday because really now, my week starts with the weekend!

Friday - For your first evening out on the weekend, this satin trench coat from Victoria's Secret is perfect to throw over that sexy little dress that certainly isn't warm enough to wear on it's own. The trench coat is $148.

Saturday - Oh honey, if you haven't a thing (not a thing amongst the three closets in your house overflowing with clothes) to wear tonight for your date, just slip into an old standby -- a little black dress -- then toss on this gorgeous black twist-on-a-trench by Young, Fabulous, and Broke, which by itself, is cute enough as a dress! The coat is made of soft fleece with tie at waist. It has a wide open neckline, and notched collar and raw edge detail throughout. The coat is $176 at ShopBop.





Sunday - It's a lazy, casual Sunday afternoon, so all you need is this adorable little corduroy trench coat from Gap to throw over a pair of your favorite jeans to go to brunch, watch some football, go shopping, anything! It's a steal at $98 and comes in both antelope (camel), and a dark chocolate brown.

Monday - It's the classic. Burberry's "Honey" trench coat is double-breasted, has a belted waist, and has signature Burberry buttons on the front and on the epaulettes on shoulder. The coat is fully lined, and since it's Burberry and will never go out of style, we won't balk at it costing $1,175 at Net-a-Porter .

Tuesday - Anthropologie's Brindlebuur Tartan Trench Coat is a tailored Harris tweed that curves into an unexpected pouf. The coast has wide lapels, gumball buttons, and silk satin lining. Available at Anthropologie for $638. Sounds like a lot, right? But hey, with the Brindleburr, you're getting two, no three, trends in one! Plaid, poufs, and trench coat.




Wednesday - Going to the office on hump day doesn't mean you have to look and feel "blah." This trench coat by Yumi Kim is for the cooler climates since it is made from a wool blend and has a polyester lining. For the office, the coat is classic with a tailored fit, belted waist and tabs at the end of each sleeve cuff. However, the coat has a slightly vintage-inspired feel and comes in a salt-and-pepper finish (also available in blue-/gray plaid). The coat is originally $311, but is available now from Girlshop for $233.

Thursday - Ooh la la. I love leather. No, make that -- I loooooove leather. Sure, a long leather trench coat, particularly with a fur collar, may have the trappings of "1970s Vegas pimp," but I can't help it. This cognac colored Italian leather trench from Andrew Marc is gorgeous. It falls about 39" from shoulder to hem and is fully lined. with cotton. If you really are going for the Vegas pimp look, ignore skinny jeans and wear your extreme -flare bell-bottom jeans.