Sugar Coat the Cold

Winter has come early this year--at least in Boston! I could hardly believe that it was actually snowing when I awoke this morning. Is this some sick joke? Perhaps. Whatever the case, it's official: the cold weather wardrobe is in full effect.

Growing up in New England, my siblings and I spent years braving the cold in massive, shapeless--yet totally warm (thank you, Momma)--winter jackets. In fact, my sister and I even developed loving nicknames for one another (Cherry and Periwinkle) based on the colors of these trusty puffer jackets. It wasn't until years later that I realized it was possible to protect myself from the elements and retain my fashionable dignity at the same time. What a relief!

For the past several weeks, I have been donning blazers and cozy sweaters to keep me warm against the early morning chill, but with the first dusting of snow on the ground, it's time to bring out the big guns: hello, winter coats! Fortunately for the weather-conscious, these days, there are dozens of options out there to help you sugar coat the cold.

Winter Coat 101: When investing in a stylish winter coat, remember that it needs to last you alllll through the season. This means two things. First, it can't be a total snooze fest--that would defeat the whole point of being a fashionista! That said, you don't want to go too crazy either; versatility is the name of the game. In an effort to find middle ground, I've come up with a few favorites...

1. Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket: Brighten up the dark days of winter with this cozy canary yellow coat, equipped with crest-emblazoned metal buttons for an added military flair.

2. Short Didi Coat: Straight off of Diane von Furstenberg's Fall 2009 runway collection, this oversized cocoon coat is made of a cozy wool/mohair blend to keep you warm as the temperatures plummet. The classic lines are made playful with the multi-colored plaid pattern, for a city-chic reinterpretation of classic lumberjack.

3. Indina Jacket: If subtlety is not part of your vocabulary, this is your jacket. Made of Mongolian fur and leather, it is pure glamour and completely fierce.

4. Wool Ruffle-Front Coat: I adore this lovely wool coat, which is taken from traditional to flirty with the addition of the bias-cut ruffle at the center-front placket. The subdued color is ideal for day or night, work or play--but with the ruffles, it's anything but boring.

5. City Cape Coat: This winter cape is a breath of fresh air among racks and racks of your standard coat. With sharp military inspiration in the double-breasted silhouette and button belt in the back, you'll be certain to stay warm and chic beneath the oversized collar and front slant pockets.

6. Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Collar: For those who like to stay sporty, this puffer jacket ups the ante with a faux fur collar and hood. Yet,the true allure of this jacket is hidden in the details, with its zippered cuffs, ruffle trim and elbow patches--because sporty and posh should always be in the same sentence.

Decisions, decisions! Admit it, you're feeling a teensy bit excited about fabulous outerwear, aren't you? With endless possibilities promising endless fabulousness, soon you'll be singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" But until then, you've got some shopping to do...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Me!; (2) Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket $248, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (3) Short Didi Coat in plaid multi $585, by Diane von Furstenberg (www.dvf.com); (4) Indina Jacket in black $725, also by Diane von Furstenberg; (5) Wool Ruffle-Front Coat $268, also from J. Crew; (6) City Cape Coat $695, by Elizabeth and James, available from Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com); (7) Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Collar $378, by Juicy Couture, also available from Bloomingdales.