Hot Coats For Cold Weather

Nothing in your closet gets a harder workout than you winter coat. During the cold months your coat will protect you from Mother Nature's cold winds, snow and rain. But this doesn't mean it can't be stylish.

For Chic on a Shoestring on Wednesday's The Early Show, Glamour magazine's Suze Yalof Schwartz presents three of the latest trends in outerwear.

BOLD PATTERN COAT

Bold patterns are hot in women's fashions period - and this will be a big trend in outerwear. Whether it be plaid or houndstooth, bold patterns are a must this fall.

Keep the outfit simple - all one color is nice for a classic, chic look. The coat will make the statement.

A sleek pair of leather boots pulls this look together - the models on the show are wearing Cole Haan boots.

SPLURGE: Helen Wang coat - $700

STEAL: H & M - $99

DIFFERENCE: The Helen Wang coat is more expensive because it is made with more wool. The H&M coat is a wool-nylon blend.

BROCADE COATS
Brocade coats are huge for fall. Add jeweled shoes and a colorful evening bag for a night on the town. This look is luxurious - very much in line with the modern ladylike look. The decadent fabrics recall the opulent dress of 18th century French courtiers. You'll see brocade skirts, handbags, shoes and pants everywhere in stores this season.

SPLURGE: Marni jacket - $2,028

STEAL: Marciano jacket - $328

DIFFERENCE: The Marni coat is more expensive because it is hand embossed lurex rather than machine made acetate. The Marciano jacket is an acetate blend.

BRIGHT PEACOAT
Peacoats have been seen all over the runways lately. The new peacoat is cropped, fitted and more colorful, unlike the peacoats from two seasons ago, which were a bit more boxy. Wear your peacoat with jeans tucked into shearling boots for a great weekend look.

STEAL: Express jacket - $148

SPLURGE: Mint jacket - $450

DIFFERENCE: Both coats are a wool/cashmere blend. The coats differ in price because the Mint coast has more cashmere blended into the wool.