I know coats and outerwear are the last thing on your mind given that it’s probably 85 degrees where you are right now, but whether we want it to happen or not, fall and winter are coming and we all need to be fashionably ready.

So I thought I’d pop in today and share one of the hottest  fall fashion trends of  with you, OUTERWEAR.  Fall and winter outerwear often gets the short end of the style stick with function trumping fashion but for 2013 coats are making a major fashion statement.   The trend is boxy, slouchy, plaid and stripes, with just about every color on the color wheel being popular. So grab a glass of ice tea and take a look at what you’ll be seeing in the coming months in magazines, store windows and on the street!

Grey, black and white have always been top colors used in outerwear but when combined into a stripe they take on a fresh appeal.  The classic double-breasted car coat silhouette is one you’ll see a lot of  as always.

 Here’s the slouchy approach to that classic car coat style.  This is a tricky silhouette to pull off and if not done right you could look like a balloon.  The key is to keep your top and pant slim and close cut.

This plaid coat is awesome! The kimono style is really fun in this red and white plaid and the black piping helps to give the coat structure. {fyi– I’m pretty sure if you found this coat in a store it would come with a finished hem}

 Classic black and white tweed in a raglan sleeve coat.  Stripes mixed with tweed are one of my favorite pattern combos.

Even long coat styles are more relaxed for fall!

The color camel is also a hot trend for fall and works great as a stripe paired with black.  You’ll be seeing wide and narrow stripes so you’ll have options.

 I love anything in red so this coat really appeals to me.  The fur collar is fab and the bell sleeves and oversized pockets give this coat some playfulness.

 If pastels are your thing you’ll find outerwear in those colors too.

 This look is so beautiful.  I’ve always been drawn to a head-to-toe color palette and the ice blue is so chic in my book.  And the tapered silhouette really helps with the shape of this coat.

 Hum?  At first glance I really liked this coat but the more I look at it the more I see “fire fighter”.  The orange however is fab and will be a big color for fall and winter so keep your eye open for less industrial looks in that color.

There you have it, your first look at fall fashion trends.  Since I’m a fashion fiend, I’ll be sharing some more fall looks with you over the next few weeks so getting your shopping list ready.  Until then enjoy your glass of ice tea and the last bits of summer!