Italian Fashion In Winter

There is already that nip in the air, and fall has set in. Before winter dons your world in a coat of white, you might as well hurry up and pick up your own coat for the season. Or, if you are like me, you would choose in plural: coats! Yes, I am a believer in glamorous coats that beat the brutal cold but still manage to make the wearer look hot. Protection from the weather does not necessarily mean saying goodbye to glamour, and in a season that doesn't offer any skin-baring options, well designed coats can do the trick. And should you take my word for it, some of the best coats styles in the world are set on Italian ramps.

One of the perennial coat styles that comes out with new variations each season is the military-inspired line: epaulets, high collars, natty belts, all the works and more. Something in the mind of fashion gurus likes to twist these war-like, usually male attire into wickedly alluring stuff for women.
I say more power to them, because it sure does make women look awesome. Check out some of the styles that went on the Italian ramps for this fall. The button-studded khaki French look from Dolce and Gabbana, and the belted beauty from the house of Fendi, that nips in the waist and lengthens the torso.

And of course there is always the seasonal staple, the trench coat, which has been in fashion for as long as I can remember. From practical rain wear to fashion statement, trench coats have come a long way. They cover up but do so with elegance or pizzazz depending on the color or styling you choose. Bright fall colors like the Forzieri on the right here can put a spring in your step even on a cold, gloomy day. Of course if you prefer the classical type, you could go for this smart, muted khaki number that would look gorgeous for a normal day at work or a day spent around the skating rink.

Any of these trench coats can carry you through the season, and to my mind it is important to invest in a very good piece. These will never go out of fashion, so it makes sense to invest generously in one. Check out Roberto Cavalli's interpretation of the trench: luscious printed velvet, fur and a stunning gold belt cinch, perfect for the diva in you, especially in case money is no object!
You could also go for a cropped trench version with big collars that are such a rage this season. Deceptively simple, they give you that no-nonsense air. But combine them with black leggings and they give you a hint of hidden mystery. Or wear it with a skirt that just peeps underneath for that uber-cool semi-casual look. Best in a shorter length, like the Fendis in sober beige, sumptuous black velvet and the kimono-sleeved black with the wide, nipping belt, these cropped trenches are the ultimate in smart, go-getting Italian outerwear this fall.