Sugarcoating the Classics: Coat Check for Fall and Holiday by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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Sugarcoating the Classics: Coat Check for Fall and Holiday

Buying a coat may be a rite of fashion passage this time of year, but don't think you have to settle for any boring basic. Think of it like an accessory — sort of like the handbag you wear every day. It always makes a first impression, so why not make it special?

And yes, buying a coat can be a major investment, so shop around. Whether you need a casual workhorse like a peacoat ... or a serious classic like a trench ... or an elegant evening statement like a glamorous cape, find a coat that gives you thrills, but keeps you away from the chills — every time you put it on.

There are so many new coats to check out this fall and winter from classic camel reefers to colorful peacoats to cozy blanket wraps to long, belted puffers. The details can make all the difference in updating standard basic outerwear: How about ruffles, bows, tartan plaids, bold checks, animal prints, giant buttons or zippy zippers? Take your pick and add some unique style to that first fashion impression you make wherever you go.

Here are a few tips from Jenny Levin and the editors at Harper's Bazaar magazine's "Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look" (Sterling Publishing, $24.95):

— Because a coat is your outer layer, the shape can make or break your look. A slim cut is, well, slimming. A style that's flared from the waist down works with full skirts but can often have too much volume for curvier figures.

— For the most universally flattering look, choose a piece that highlights the waist and is about knee length.

Something nipped in at the waist is your best choice. If your coat is straight, cinch it with a regular, wide belt.

— If you can splurge on a second or third option, consider a luxe coat, which can double as a dress. Pair it with pumps and opaque hose, and you're cocktail ready.

— In warmer months, a lightweight coat looks refined and elegant over a dress. Pick one that matches for the most uptown air.

— Soft-shoulder wrap styles look luxurious and are cozy. Try them over tailored silhouettes.

— Capes are a fun way to mix it up. They're voluminous enough to handle lots of layering underneath.

— For a more structured style, a shiny-buttoned, belted military coat is a key piece, and it works well for the office.

— The longer you go, the more formal. Shorter styles are great for every day, while floor-sweeping cuts look elegant in the evening. A three-quarter length generally goes anywhere.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.