The Quest For the Perfect Coat Ends Here

Why we love it: The ultraclean look is sleek, sophisticated, and easy to wear. It can easily adapt to any wardrobe or be the focal point of the entire season — lady's choice.

How to wear it: Wearing a beautifully tailored coat is practically brainless. It looks sharp worn into the office and with skinny jeans on the weekend. If you're looking to invest in a single piece, then let this be it.

Runway: Chloé, Rag & Bone, and Helmut Lang

Why we love it: Seen on the runway, the unfussy parka might be all fashion, but design details are still rooted in the style's practical DNA. Roomy with a cinched waist and traditionally with a hood, the new version looks cool while keeping you warm.

How to wear it: In early Fall, roll up the sleeves and throw it over your short-sleeved dresses and tees. When real Winter rolls around, wear it solo or layer it with sweaters and sweats for ultimate bundling.

Runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim, BCBG Max Azria, and Michael Kors

Penfield Kasson Parka ($185)

Why we love it: Compared to dainty dresses and feminine skirts, a coat can feel so . . . boring. But this sweet style, whether supersaccharine or made for the working woman, is far from masculine.

How to wear it: Experiment with your tying strategy to mix things up. Casually knotted can read laid-back Saturday, while a proper tie or hook feels all buttoned-up. Already own a coat this shape? Experiment with a regular belt!

Runway: Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, and Miu Miu

Why we love it: There's something inherently sporty about the style, with its banded cuffs and bottom. And whenever designers bring something back from the closets of our memory (letterman jackets, anyone?), we cheer.

How to wear it: The silhouette naturally makes for the perfect off-duty topper, sure, but try it styled with a sleek dress or flared skater skirt, and we're really talking.

Runway: Tom Ford, Rag & Bone, and BCBG Max Azria

Why we love it: Anything that tests the boundaries of accepted silhouettes is met with glee by jaded fashion editors. It feels avant-garde but comfy, making for a total win-win situation for the cozy mentality of Fall and Winter.

How to wear it: The trendy shape is a standout and totally comfortable with being the focal point of your entire outfit. Temper its size by wearing with skinny jeans and trousers (read: skip your wide-leg pants when taking this out for a spin).

Runway: Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, and Céline

Why we love it: Pieces become classics for a reason, and the timeless camel coat is a perfect example. No matter the shape, it speaks a language that everyone knows, and adding one to your closet is a smart investment.

How to wear it: Embrace the style's preppy roots by wearing it with plenty of sweaters and loafers. It's the professional's coat of choice, too, making it smart for wearing into work (or an interview).

Runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum, and Max Mara

Mulberry Blanket Coat ($2,100)

Why we love it: Whether you prefer your fluff faux or real, we're not judging. It's the luxuriously soft, playful look we're loving. Worn with beat-up jeans in the vein of Kate Moss or a bit more proper like that other Kate (Middleton, of course), we're loving it for Fall.

How to wear it: To avoid looking like you're playing dress-up in Grandmother's clothes, don't wear it with anything formal. Instead, pair it with unexpected pieces like distressed denim or oversize button-downs.

Runway: Lanvin, Peter Som, and Saint Laurent

Why we like it: One of the best things about chillier weather is getting instantly transformed with the addition of a coat. Ladylike styles add polish instantly, and when it's all zipped up, no one will be able to tell what you've got on underneath (beloved but old t-shirts included).

How to wear it: Don't go halfway. This look is best with other similar pulled-together pieces like an a-line or pencil skirt and pumps.

Runway: Christian Dior, Erdem, and Valentino

Why we like it: The most demure fashion follower gets tougher whenever there's a piece of military-inspired garb around. Tailored and authoritative by nature, this coat is one you should use to really take charge of the season.

How to wear it: The strong feeling of this style works best with other pieces borrowed from the boys. Try wide-leg pants and a silk button-down for work and jeans and a sweater for your days off.

Runway: Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, and Burberry Prorsum

Why we love it: The motorcycle jacket has been sending out the sexy-tough vibe ever since it landed on James Dean. It's not different in the 21st century, when ladies everywhere routinely count on one to add an edge to casual weekend outfits and ball gowns alike.

How to wear it: Style this piece as you would a blazer or cardigan — with anything. It's a cinch with whatever you already own, whether skinny jeans or a formfitting sheath.

Runway: Altuzarra, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Saint Laurent