5 coat trends that might actually make the cold weather more exciting

As temperatures descend, you know it's time to prepare for the looming winter days ahead and start thinking of and investing in the right outerwear before it sells out. Unlike prior fall/winter seasons — where fit and tailoring were key — this year we see an obvious shift toward oversized silhouettes, which will help you stay layered and cozy. Lean into the trend with dramatic colours, textures and stylish details that will stand out against gloomy days and winter whiteouts.

Massive takeover

Go big, or stay at home curled up in your comforter. This season is all about embracing oversized silhouettes. There's a bit more to the look than appearing as though you were wrapped in a duvet. Keep in mind when you've found the perfect coat, you want to have at least a few inches of width in the arms to allow for layers, and to ensure there is no pulling under the armpit.

This mid-length jacket is a great option for those of us that like a bit more coverage from the elements, in an of-the-momet rose.

Melodic Down Puffer Jacket with Fur, $795, rudsak.com

Layer. Layer. Layer. This simple and unstructured trench is perfect to build a foundation of layers under. By choosing a neutral gray, you can layer with many of the season's trending prints or colours like camo, mustard, and red.

Flowy Trench, $199, zara.com

If the weather channel were to issue a week long wind chill warning, this super puff coat would do the job in keeping you warm, and noticed with it's unique iridescent colouring.

TNA The Super Puff, $250, aritzia.com

This colour is great, but even better is the removable quilted scarf that you can pair with a separate vest or coat you may already own.

MIRRI-M Lightweight Down Jacket with Detachable Scarf, $750, mackage.com

Winter highlighter

Highlight your winter style in bright neons — also a sweater trend this year. If you're trepidatious, know that we'll be seeing even more of this trend come spring/summer 2019, so might as well dive in now.

Consider wearing orange as another way to get your vitamin C…. ok, maybe not. But, this is a great trench option to get into your wardrobe for more mild weather.

TopShop Bunny Batwing Trenchcoat, $140, thebay.com

If you're not mellow about wearing yellow, this notched lapel trench is the direction you want to go.

Tibi Yellow Oversized Trench Coat, $875, ssense.com

Practicality meets function and style in this lightweight parka — a great piece to wear with athleisure or casual wear.  

Lightweight Parka with Vents, $39.99, zara.com

Caped crusader

It's a bird. It's a plane. Nope, it's just your everyday Canadian, slaying fall/winter looks. Capes haven't gone away, but this season they have taken on new silhouettes designed to elevate your wardrobe. Wear these with ease over sweaters, blazer, evening wear or even over your coat.

This cape needs a manual for all the amazing ways to wear it. Short in the back and longer in the front, it's ideal for wearing over a blazer or motto jacket. Consider it open and draped over your shoulders with a trench or parka underneath. Or simply, zip the collar and wear on its own.

HELINA-X Wool Cloak with Fur Trim, $650, mackage.com

A turtleneck and a cape walk into your closet and come out looking like the perfect thing to throw over a long sleeved shirt, or to layer over a denim jacket. To up the ante, consider cinching the waist with a belt worn over the cape.

Turtleneck Cape, $99.90, zara.com

Dress it up or down, this chic number can be worn belted in the front, or casually tied in the back. It's perfect for the extra warmth we often need.

Woolrich John Rich & Bros Women's Belted Cape, $575, sportinglife.ca

It's in the details

Key style details seen on the runways for Fall/Winter include large collars and hoods, double buttoned front closures, ruffles, and romantic embellishments. Also, for those of you that tend to lose your scarves, this season we're seeing outerwear with scarves built-in.

This unique piece, with it's belted waist, ruffle detailing through the sleeve and front closure, is polished worn belted or open.

BCBG Max Azria Hi-Lo Ruffle Trench Coat, $438, thebay.com

The wide lapels and snap closure detailing make this a perfect jacket for layering.

Blanket Coat, $895, shopsmythe.ca

Simple and polished, this single button closure design with a built-in scarf can be styled up or down all through the next two seasons.

Short Coat with Scarf, $189, zara.com

Faux shearling is a sure thing

This ultra-warm trend is now available in so many variations of length, colour, and detailing, as seen all over the runways. To keep the look current, consider investing in a bold colour (like red), oversized buttons, buckles, or fun trim.

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A great faux shearling option is this asymmetrical zipper closure with plush sleeves.

Chloe Shearling Jacket, $159.99, evernew.ca

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Make everyone red with envy by incorporating this colourful double button option piece into your wardrobe.

Faux Shearling Coloured Coat, $149, zara.com

This shearling biker jacket with a buckle hem and wide lapel neckline is definitely trending.

Faux Shearling Biker Jacket, $119, zara.com

Parveen Anna Dhanoa is a Toronto-based stylist and storyteller, who loves tech and a good pun. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheStylistPAD