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If you're anything like me, the only bonus to giving up your bikinis during the cold winter months is gearing up with a cozy new coat ... or two. Below, the top outerwear trends of the season for those who love to splurge -- and those who live for the best bargain out there.

The Military Coat
It's a classic style in the most classic of colors. A double-breasted military coat in deep navy is exactly what you need for casual weekends. Ideal (and uber-chic) with your favorite skinny jeans and booties, it's the look you don't want to let go of when office attire calls your name on dreaded, cold Monday mornings.


HIGH:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Gemini Melton Coat, $758

LOW:
dELiAs Emmerson Coat, $99.50



The Army/Navy Parka
Top off this season's military style with an Army-green parka. No matter how fabulous it is for running around on weekends, don't think of it as a jeans-only look; this thing has wearability beyond the casual. Throw it over little floral dresses with tights and boots, or go simpler with your favorite go-to black dress with some badass black heels.

HIGH:
TopShop Fur Padded Parka, $160

LOW:
Alloy Military Twill Puffer, $90

The Studded Zip Jacket
 I had a model walk into a shoot recently wearing the most fabulous studded zip jacket. I was convinced she was donning some million-dollar piece that she had scored doing a major fashion show. As I sat petting the (faux) leather, she explained in broken English that I, too, could have such a beauty if I just went online. Oh, but for a budgetista like me, no such thing as spending a paycheck on outerwear. It wasn't until she pulled up Forever 21 that I realized, yes, we can all be so lucky.

HIGH:
Trouvé Studded Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $149

LOW:
Forever 21 Studded Leatherette Jacket, $48


The Sweater Cape
If I were buying myself only one item this fall, this would be it. It's truly the only reason I'm not shedding tears over the storage of my caftans and flowy dresses. Not sure how you'd wear it? Balance the oversize volume of it with the skinniest of skinny jeans possible and a killer boot.


HIGH:
Diane von Furstenberg Abbe Sweater Jacket, $395

LOW:
Newport News Cape-Style Jacket, $30



The Faux-Fur Vest
Your inner bohemian just got a whole lot happier. And warmer. These faux-fur vests are the perfect between-season style as they keep you warm, gorgeous and animal-friendly all at the same time. Slip it on over a sexy, silky dress with to-the-knees boots and a scarf. When it's cold, you'll look hot.


HIGH:
MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Vest, $130

LOW:
Victoria's Secret Striped Faux Fur Vest, $78


The Suede Slip-On
Wearing a leather jacket has never looked so beautiful. This gray color is especially stunning going into the fall season. I'm lusting to see it worn with a pair of gray jeans; a cropped, lightweight, white tank top; a gray knit hat; and some amazing Bensimon sneakers. Give yourself a bright red lip and I'll be your shopping partner, best friend and stylist for life. Really.


HIGH:
Vince Drape Paper Weight Suede Jacket, $477

LOW:
ASOS Waterfall Suede Jacket with Chain Detail, $185



The Military Cape
 Every store I've walked into recently has racks of capes in every color and every length. Loving these two, as they are truly the sleekest and most simple ones I've seen this season. Toss it over tees for early fall and then once the chill really hits, wear it with some giant wooly sweaters and your warmest hat.


HIGH:
LOCAL Military Cape, $450

LOW:
ASOS Military Knitted Cape, $67


The Layered Looker
 Don't you love how these coats look like they're showing whatever you're wearing under your coat, but actually aren't? Tricky, right? The double-layer design is such a good way to breathe new life into what would be just a basic, boring coat.

HIGH:
Burberry Tweed Coat With Knit Sleeves, $1,295

LOW:
ASOS Knitted Rib Detail Coat, $135



The Cold-Weather Aviator
 It's all about trading your everyday summer aviator sunglasses in for a winter aviator shearling jacket. The shape can come off a bit boxy, so try not to wear it with anything overly baggy on the bottom. Slim is best. And keep your clothing tonal with dark pants or a skirt, and instead go with a pop of color on your nails or lip.


HIGH:
Vince Cropped Aviator Jacket, $1,450
LOW:
Express (Minus the) Suede Shearling Jacket, $128

Nicole Fasolino spends her days styling and doing creative direction for the online fashion brand Alloy and is the fashion director of the newly launched magazine Un-Titled Project. By sunset she can be found behind the camera, snapping photos for her love-filled 365 Heartbeats Project, writing for her Where There Is Love There Is Life blog and styling photo shoots -- always with her bear-sized 9-month-old son, Luca, propped on her hip. Smile, laugh or say the word "love" around her, and she'll immediately ask you to tell her something about your heart as she takes your picture.