COATS Weather the elements with style in trench coats and cool jackets

Pastels and winter white stand out among the common shades.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Freezing temps, blustery winds and icy flakes are in the forecast. Face these elements with an element of style.
This season, designers have weathered the ins and outs of outerwear and come up with some cool coats and jazzy jackets.
On the coat front, makers seem to dig the trench coat. The classic piece popped up in a number of collections from Michael Kors to Armani.
Lucky magazine put the venerable topper at the top of its Closet Checklist.
The experts there said, "It's the in-between coat you will reach for again and again."
Part of its appeal is that "It is lightweight and easy to get in and out of the car in it," said Tracey Demonbrun, senior department manager for women's at a J.C. Penney store in Knoxville, Tenn.
Various interpretations
Fashionistas don't have to save it for a rainy day. The trench has been interpreted in a number of ways. Look for it in single- and double-breasted version. Fabrics range from high-tech microfiber to sensual velvet. Colors are not limited to the usual neutrals and seasonal shades.
The trench coat plays into the menswear trend that is at the forefront of women's clothing. Included in this is interest in the pea coat, which has been making waves the past few seasons.
Also speaking to the menswear trend are the classic Chesterfield designs, done in wool. The long coats sometimes take on a more masculine tone when done in tweed or covered in herringbone checks and plaids.
Must-have jackets
For women who prefer jackets, this may be your year.
One of the chicest shorties is the bomber or aviator jacket, which is a facet of the tough side of women's fashion.
However, it's not your father's bomber. It is tailored to suit the curves of a woman, like other jackets and coats this season.
If a woman is not comfortable about the shift in shape, Demonbrun advises her to go up a size. This also can help accommodate bulky layers underneath.
Also adding a feminine touch to outerwear are trims and embellishments. This year the fur is flying.
"This used to be about 20 percent of the mix," said Demonbrun. "Now it's about 50 percent of it."
Fur accents
Fur covers collars and cuffs, and sometimes lines the pieces. Fur choices range from pretty pretenders to real rabbit, mink and Mongolian lamb hair.
Fur is the major detail in Sherpa and shearling looks, which make a return from last year.
They have a bit of an ethnic appeal, thanks to their worn, broken-in appearance and intricate embroidery.
The shearling and Sherpa designs fall into the leather and suede category. Blacks and shades of brown are key here. Susan Smith, outerwear buyer for Goody's Family Clothing, noted there is a large faux-suede market, making jackets and coats more affordable.
Also important is the active-wear segment.
"Puffer (down) jackets are back," Smith said. "They are in for both junior and missy customers."
She noted that some of them have fur trim and that the hot colors are white and pink. They also come with matching headbands.
The bubble jackets will share space with more streamlined, lightweight nylon styles suited to outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing, Demonbrun said.