From leather to fur, vests have been running rampant on the sartorial radars of editors and bloggers for seasons now. Finally choosing to toss one over my coat might have been the best decision I’ve made as of late (no judgment).  Why didn’t I try this sooner?

For those who live in warm climates (I’m increasingly jealous of you), a vest layered over a medium-weight jacket is ideal for mild winters too.

Convinced yet? Here are a few things to think about (or not) when adding a vest to your winter outerwear repertoire.

• Mix textures: Layer a fur vest over your leather jacket, or a down vest over wool.
• Mix lengths: Try a knee-skimming wool coat under a waist-grazing vest. Or opt for a short jacket under a chic long vest.
• Mix and match: I’ve been keeping three vests and two jackets in rotation. Depending on the rest of that day’s outfit, I like to play with the possibilities. It’s half the fun.

 
And, one final tip for temps bordering on snowsuit-appropriate: adding a heavy knit scarf ups the warmth and style factor.

Sooner or later, sweater weather will turn into coat season. Although I would gladly skip over winter all together (just ask the Snuggie®, scarf, and cable knit ever-present at my desk), there’s no denying the polishing effects of a sleek winter jacket. But, how do you know which style to choose? The answer is in the length.

Below the Thigh – If a pencil skirt is your go-to workwear, invest in a coat that hits just below the thigh so your skirt peeks out (just a bit) from underneath.

Mid-Thigh – The most versatile style yet, this mid-thigh number works best with almost anything. For the most flattering effect, wear this style with pants.

Waist – Feeling fancy? Jackets that hit at the waist (be it a cape, leather jacket, or cropped bolero) work best with long dresses and skirts – great news for us maxi-loving girls.

Coat season. Why, hello – here you are. And with you? The fear of looking overly bulky in your layers. But we promise: it’s possible to appear slim and streamlined in that coat no matter your shape, thanks to these quick fit tips.

Disguise a tummy… with a coat that’s relatively straight or slightly A-lined. Avoid oversized buttons and anything that nips too much at the middle. But don’t be afraid to have fun – the leather detailing on this number keeps it on-trend.

Flatter your curves… with a knee-length coat that ties at the waist. Single-breasted coats are particularly flattering – especially if you have a larger bust.

Boost a boyish frame… with detailing like toggles, buttons, and pockets. This straight look-at-me red number has plenty of flattering detail – and the fur at the hood makes it uber cozy.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit question you want answered? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.

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Long gone are the days when just one coat would suffice – now it seems we need a different jacket for every occasion. But when the styles are all so different, who can blame us for justifying that third (or fourth) coat purchase of the season? If you’re having trouble deciding which must-have item to scoop up next, here are some ideas:

Black Hidden Zipper Leather Jacket: Not just for biker chicks anymore, this ebony number adds a little edge to sweet frocks and Saturday night’s typical jeans-and-heels combo.

Black Belted Wool and Cashmere Cape: The cape is back in full force, and we couldn’t be happier. With less bulk than a standard winter coat (and much more chic), this piece is the perfect option for last-minute dinner plans. Bonus: It can be left on through the whole meal to keep you warm without compromising style.

Black Classic Belted Down Coat: The A-player in winter warmth? The belted puffer. Now with a more streamlined fit and flattering vertical seams, this is one coat we’ll never head to the bus stop without.

Our Go-Everywhere Coats: Capes, Down Jackets, & More Boutique opens Monday, October 15, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Fresh off the workweek with the whole weekend in front of you – what’s not to love about Saturday? Now that the weather is getting even cooler, I’m happily passing up that shopping trip in favor of a little cyber spree. For everything from dresses and fur-trimmed coats to heels and boots, our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique is the one-stop shop for everything I could possibly want – without tripping over mall walkers along the way. If I had to choose? These three items would be the ones I’d scoop up.

1. BCBGeneration Black Shoulder Pleated Mini Dress

2. Matthew Williamson Cream Knitted Fox Fur Shrug

3. BELLE by Sigerson Morrison Suede Tall Shaft Boot

Our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique opens Saturday, October 13, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.