The Right Coat: Think of a winter coat as a good investment: If you buy one that fits you well, you can wear it for seasons to come. Here are some crucial secrets for buying the best coat for you:

1. Think fabric. A synthetic fabric will look great for one or two winters, but won't hold its shape any longer than that. Instead, try a wool or cashmere blend coat, both of which have staying power.
2. Forget boxy cuts. Longer coats without a curve to their waists look frumpy. Instead, look for a coat with a shaped waist, which flatters all figures.
3. Wear a classic. A lined, belted trench coat can work through fall and early winter. Bonus: It's instantly and eternally chic.
4. Try on right. To be sure you get the proper fit, try on your coat wearing what you'll wear under it every day, such as a suit jacket or a chunky sweater.
5. Consider length. A coat that falls from mid-thigh to the knees is the most versatile, and works over pants, jeans, and skirts.
6. Work with your shoulders. If yours are wide, look for a coat with unstructured shoulders (to take the emphasis off your upper body). Have narrow shoulders? Buy a coat with structured, padded shoulders to give your upper body definition.
7. Don't fear color. Black and gray are staples for winter coats, but a bright orange, turquoise, or pink coat is much sunnier and more playful in dreary winter months!
8. Go short to look taller. A shorter jacket -- one that falls to or above the hip bones -- will elongate your legs.
9. Try a trend. Already own an investment coat? Get trendy with a cropped bomber jacket in deep-colored leather.
10. Look for sporty details. Quilting, sleek zippers, and a hint of stretch give a coat a streamlined, sporty vibe.