Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Puffer
"Puffer coats nowadays are more compact and slimming then they used to be," says New York stylist Meg Goldman. "If you're wearing one, you won't also need a big heavy sweater. Opt for skinny pants or a skinny boot. Break up the proportions."

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

"This is definitely a more sporty look," says Goldman. "You wouldn't want to wear it with a suit or a pencil skirt."

The bright orange hue of this jacket is good for being out and about on the weekends and the faux fur trim detail on this hood will come in handy when winter strikes.

Uniqlo Down Jacket, $79.50, available at Uniqlo (546 Broadway) or order by calling 18774UNIQLO or emailing customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com. Gap 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, $69.50, available at Gap.com Air Caprice Shearling Boots by Cole Haan, $298, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com. (as seen in previous photo)

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Definitely the warmest and most durable coat on the market, a fuller length puffer will offer the best coverage against the elements.
Look for versions that have a little nip at the waist or come with a belt so as not to lose your waistline or your figure.

Megan (left): Nine West down plaid coat, $200, available at Grant House-NYC, Jackson House-NYC, Marshalls, Century 21 and TJ Maxx Urban Outfitters red scarf, $24, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. Urban Outfitters turquoise gloves, $34, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. Forever 21 Suiting Slacks, $18, available at Forever21.com. Fabienne by FarylRobin Footwear Tulip-cuff bootie, $200, available at Endless.com.

Sumaya (right): Landsend "Dory" goose down coat, $170, available at Landsend.com. Urban Outfitters chartreuse scarf, $18, at Urban Outfitters stores. H&M Black biker jeans, $35, available at H&M stores. Boots by Spring Shoes, $89, available at MySpringShoes.com.

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Military
This season, the classic coat comes many colors. The most important thing to remember: Avoid too much ornamentation.
"Though they're cute, epaulets are too 'Sgt. Pepper,'" says Goldman. "The more stuff you have on it, the greater the chance that you probably won't want to wear it again, which would be unfortunate with all the money that you spend on a coat."

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Tommy Hilfiger pea jacket, $220, at all Boscovs stores and Macys locations. Topshop Indigo Baxter Skinny Jeans, $80, available at Topshop.com.

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

UNIQLO Cashmere Blended Cap, $15.50, available at Uniqlo (546 Broadway) or order by calling 18774UNIQLO or emailing customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com. Kenneth Cole Reaction Wing Collar Trench, $148, available at Nordstroms.com. H&M black pencil skirt, $34.95, available at H&M stores. Air Milano Short Boots from the Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Collection, $248, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com.

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Gap Ultrafine Turtleneck Sweater, $34.50, available at Gap.com. Nine West Wool Double Breasted Military Coat, $260, available at NineWest.com. Urban Outfitters black leather gloves, $34, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. H&M Purple textured tights, $12.95, available at H&M stores. Air Sarafina Boots from the Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Collection, $298, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com.

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Buttons are an important component to the military look. Make sure they are good quality so they don't pop off after the first wearing. Also, the more antique-looking, the better!

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Plaid

The checked pattern has never gotten so much play. Tartan-loving fashionistas have plenty of options this season. Case-in-point: the a long coat, an au courant cape, or even a cooler-than-thou motorcycle jacket seen here.

Should you choose plaid as your exterior canvas, keep the rest of your outfit relatively clean so as to avoid looking like a mismatched Christmas present.
Which isn't to say that there isn't a place for mismatched patterns - lest we learn nothing from designer Dries van Noten!- but pick one item (ie Christine's leopard print scarf, right) and keep it in a relatively similar color scheme so the look is not too forced.

Womens Fall and Winter Coats

Hat Attack hand knit ear muffs with fur trim, $42, available at Hatattack.com. Topshop Wool Check Poncho, $145, available at Topshop.com. Topshop Indigo Baxter Skinny Jeans, $80, available at Topshop.com. Nine West booties, $119, available at Ninewest.com. (as seen in group photo)

Womens Fall and Winter Coats