Cloak Room - Have a coat wardrobe to suit the outfit and occasion.  Sporty, casual attire need parkas, anoraks, or puffy short styles.  Hoods represent a sporty look.  A quilted car coat, barn jacket or parka is relaxed with khakis or jeans.  Rainy days require a trench coat or slicker.  A long winter coat or wrap harmonizes career and special occasion dress.  A belted cardigan is a fashionable (and cozy) alternative for cool weather. 

In Style - Replace your coat every five years with an updated style, especially if the coat is an unusual color such as acid green, or has excess shoulder pads, yokes or pleats which easily dates the coat.

Timeless Tradition - Select classic styles such as a pea coat or toggle coat.  These silhouettes offer longevity and are versatile enough to be worn with jeans or a skirt. 

Warm and Cozy - Purchase a quality wool coat.  An all-wool or wool/cashmere blend is superior (and warmer) over acrylic fabric, which tends to pill.  Linings made of silk, polyester or nylon are stronger.  Avoid acetate, which discolors from perspiration and easily rips at stress points.

Body Conscious - Make sure the style of the coat is appropriate to your body type.  Single-breasted styling gives illusion of height, double-breasted adds width.  Long coats should extend past dress length.  Sleeve length should reach past wrist bone.  

Color Matters - Chose colors that are flattering to you and match your wardrobe.  Dress or classic styles are ideal in traditional colors, such as black, navy, gray, and camel.  Fun hues, such as red or royal, spice up casual coats.     

Animal Magnetism - Invest in chic leather which is perfect for early fall and late winter.  Shearling is ultra hip.  Real fur (fox, raccoon, mink) is the ultimate luxury.  Avoid rabbit hair, which sheds excessively. 

Keep it Clean - Dry clean or launder your coats at the end of the season to prevent insects from feasting on them during the off-season.  Real furs should be protected in cold storage provided by professional furriers. 

Little Details - Snip the threads that have kept pockets and pleats closed during manufacturing.  Pleats should swing freely.  Pockets provide great storage for accessories.

Finishing Touches - Accessorize your coat with coordinated scarves, gloves, and hats. Tie a decorative silk or velvet scarf around the collar to jazz up a plain coat.