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Coats are bulky. Tame yours by buying one that fits like a sweater. If it has a tie, even better.

Don't shy away from light colors! I have a winter white coat and I have had no problem treating it for stains. I don't dry clean it, though, because that can yellow it.

It's what you need for running errands, walking in the park or just any ole thing, when it's not freezing cold.

The key to a car coat is that it needs to cover your bum so when you slide onto that cold leather car seat or subway seat, you keep warm. I just added the yummiest car coat to the November Style Vault, Style Notes.

Great for when you need a bit more warmth to brave the elements for a long sit, like at a football game. Again, you want it to cover your bum for warmth, and pockets are great too. A boiled wool coat is what I like for this category. Shop a fabulous one inside the November Style Vault; it comes in regular and petite. Curvy option also available.

Mine is a custom Katherine Hooker coat. I chose a darker grey for my seat so it wouldn't show as much dirt and grime. Notice it tapers slightly around my hips, like a cocoon.

Duh. It's just really time you got one if you haven't already. You never know when it might be 65 degrees on Thanksgiving and you were planning on snow. So get yourself a good leather jacket that layers well with t-shirts and sweaters. I have provided oodles of fab leather jackets inside the Style Vault, and November's Vault has an incredible one on major sale.

I'll add a silk scarf to a leather jacket. It's unexpected and softens the look.

I call it a Lady Coat because it's what you need when you are asked to dress up just a bit. Great for over dresses. Which means the length should be around your knees. Either right above or below is fine (if you're petite, it needs to be right above your knees).

Here you can see how the coat is a bit longer than my dress; but it can just as well be a bit shorter. A good camel coat is hard to find. I just added one to the November Style Vault, Style Notes (comes in petite, too).

I found this scalloped grey mink coat at a consignment store years ago for $45. It had a massive collar and I paid a couple hundred dollars to have the collar removed and the arms narrowed to give it a higher armhole. I also had the sides taken in, so it looks more modern without losing that vintage feel.

And I for sure wear it with jeans, to keep it from being so serious.

Here you can see how the collar was removed. Don't discount your inherited furs or ones you see in vintage shops. They can be remade to fit you, and to look more modern. Gus Mayer in Nashville did mine, and they do an excellent job.

Every now and then you just want something different - not the prescribed camel, navy or grey coat (we already discussed black). Choose a color that flatters your skin tone - coral flatters almost everyone because it gives you that rosy glow. But please don't skimp on materials and fabric even when buying a fun coat. What use is a coat that doesn't do its job?

Looking for a way to wear your brooches without looking like an extra in a period drama? Pile them on together on the lapel of a coat or a blazer. I found a great source for vintage brooches and included them in the November Style Vault (even a gorgeous vintage Chanel brooch!).