The winter coat styles for 2009 makes choosing a coat both difficult and exciting. A preview of this season's best winter coats is sure to leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. Purchasing a winter coat should be seen as an investment, so ensure that your investment is a good one. Whether you choose to buy a designer piece or a more budget friendly alternative, choose durability in addition to style. Here is a preview of this season's stylish winter coats for women.

The Princess Silhouette: This style visually streamlines the body. The coats can come with or without lapels but the best feature is the slight flare around the hip area. The Princess silhouette helps to visually reduce the waistline and has a slimming effect. The lapel and single breasted styles add clean lines and give you an overall trim look.

The Classic Trench Coat: This style is always a good practical choice and very flattering to the body. Whether you choose mohair, tweed, cashmere or khaki, the trench coat offers numerous possibilities for accessorizing. These coats come in variety of colors like hot pink, yellow and green.

The Vintage or Retro Wool Coat: These coats are feminine and sophisticated, inspired by the Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn looks, and are characterized by high collars, sleek lines and modern cuts.

The Military Style Coat: A very popular trend for this year and you certainly can't go wrong with one of these structured winter coats. Brass buttons, tailored lines and strong shoulders make the military coat one of the best styles for a variety of sizes and shapes.

The Quilted Coat: The quilted coat seems to be reborn every year and they emerge more stylish with less fluff. If it is warmth you need, these coats are a great choice since they are usually down filled. Unlike the 80's versions, the quilted coat today is more fitted, lighter and streamlined.

Colors: If you want to add a lot more color and excitement to your winter, you don't have to settle for the traditional winter coat colors. Black, grey and brown are popular choices but you can make a statement by going for white, animal prints, pink or red. Check out Marc by Marc Jacobs plaid Wool-Blend Long Coat or the checkered Fred Flare Pleated Houndstooth Victoria Coat.

The best winter coat style for ladies is essentially a style that fits your body type well, satisfies your personal style and gives you the best style for your budget. A winter coat is a great investment so choose carefully and wisely but don't be afraid to try something new and exciting.

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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