If it's time to get a new coat, why not steer away from the usual brown, black and gray? Shades of red, from merlot to claret to tomato, offer a bright change for gray winter days. And the brighter colors are surprisingly versatile. This claret wool coat by Elie Tahari, $598, features a double collar with ruffle detail. Black leather handbag by Bodhi, $398, gold hoops, $53, ombre cashmere scarf, $130. Bootie platform pump by Stuart Weitzman, $355. Everything at Nouveau.
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High waists are part of the this yearÕs trend of accenting the waistline. The pencil skirt is a popular silhouette, and the double belt and high waist on the one pictured brings it to a new level. Of luxurious black wool, it's by Robert Rodriguez, $299, worn with a black blouse with metallic accents by Catherine Malandrino, $395. Earrings by Alexis Bittar, $175. All at Lyndon's. Black suede, zip-back, caged shoe by A. Marinelli, $135, at Nouveau. Right, a dress of silver and black polyester satin has the look of a high waist, even though it is one piece. By London Times, $80. Shoes by Nina, $80; earrings, $30, and bracelet, $48, are by Monet. At Von Maur.
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When it comes to outerwear, a topcoat is something every businessman needs. This one is wool and cashmere, by Empire, $795, worn over a V-neck sweater of cream cashmere, by Gran Sasso, $375, burgundy cotton shirt by Ike Behar, $175, and box pleat slacks of light gray wool flannel by Samuelsohn, $295. All at Gentry Ltd.
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The trend of shimmer carries on through winter and into next spring. A silver faux leather jacket by Da-rue, $193, adds shine to washed gray denim jeans by Cartise, $113, and short-sleeve cream, gray and purple animal-print cashmere sweater by Kin Ross, $223. Belt by Kippy embellished with Swarovski crystals, $235. All at GM Clotheshorse.
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Turquoise, teal and other hues in the blue-green color family are some of the most popular for winter and holiday. This showstopping silk and spandex dress is by Diane Von Furstenberg, $425, at Lyndon's. Metallic silver high heel sandals by Daniblack, $150, at Nouveau.
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The '50s and '60s aren't the only decades inspiring designers this season. Feminine, dropped-waist dresses that look to be out of the roaring '20s make up another retro category. This cream and black dress by Rozae Nichols, $535, is a cotton slip dress with beaded overlay, at Brick's. The T-strap shoes by Cydwoq, $313, are from Genevieve G Shoes at Brick's.
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With many sweater styles this year, it's a wrap. Wear it loose or wrap the sides of the sweater, making it a more form-fitting style. The sweater pictured, raspberry silk and cashmere, $195, is wrapped and tied in the back. Black cotton T-shirt, $55, and wool and spandex slacks, $225. All by DKNY, at Dillard's.With many sweater styles this year, itÕs a wrap. Wear it loose or wrap the sides of the sweater, making it a more form-fitting style. The sweater pictured, raspberry silk and cashmere, $195, is wrapped and tied in the back. Black cotton T-shirt, $55, and wool and spandex slacks, $225. All by DKNY, at Dillard's.
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When a sweater is a coat, itÕs not only warm but itÕs also versatile. This unlined gray sweater coat has colorful embroidery, by Simon Chang, $299. It's worn over a grape mock turtleneck sweater of silk knit by Louben, $121, and skinny jeans of dark blue denim, by Hello, $187. Belt by Suzi Roher, $275. All at The Boutique at Johnston's.
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A classic leather coat is good not only for this year but for many years to come. This sleek black leather coat by Karen Kane, $338, tops cement gray leggings that are brushed stretch corduroy, $129, and polyester stretch top by Hale Bob, $183. Short, black suede boots by Madeline, $79, earrings, $43. All at Aspen Boutique.
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If youÕre a fan of purple, youÕll be happy to know itÕs a hot color for the season. This versatile dress of grape rayon jersey with braid trim is by Muse, $170. Argyle leggings by Derek Heart, $32, shoes by Van Eli, $98.50, necklace, $36, and bracelet, $17. Everything at Wild at Heart.
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Knit pieces can be the most versatile garments in your wardrobe, whether you layer them on or wear them with other favorites in your closet. These charcoal Italian knits by SheÕs So are ready to mix and match. The sweater coat with tie belt is merino wool, $601, short-sleeve mock turtleneck, $177, and pants, $291. Necklace, $598, and bracelet, $179. All at GM Clotheshorse.
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Special events during the holidays require special attire. When it comes to dress-up affairs, pull out the stops and go glamorous. Left, a slate-colored satin gown by Calvin Klein, $218, at DillardÕs. Center, a gown with beaded straps and sparkling ornamentation is cranberry red and black ombre chiffon over satin. By Cartise, $453, bracelet, $175, at GM Clotheshorse. Right, a teal iridescent satin gown with crystal beading, by Night Moves, $300, chandelier earrings by Jim Ball, $100, at Foggy Bottom.
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Green and black is a strong color combination that works for any season. The belted cape, left, by Regent, has a detachable faux fur collar. Made of wool boucle, it's $148. Underneath, a black polyester ruched top by Gen X, $58, and leggings by Knoell Premium, $75. Black suede short boots by Bamboo, $62. All at Eccentricity. Right, a black-and-apple green plaid coat is rayon and wool, by Tribal, $129.95. Sailor style pants of black stretch polyester blend are by Karen Kane, $118. Underneath, a green-and-black argyle vest by Ivy Jane, $95. Bracelets: narrow, $10 each, wider, $16 each. Emerald, pearl and smoky topaz necklace, $75; necklace with antique coin set in sterling silver with peridot medallion, $450. High-heel tie shoes by Naughty Monkey, $99.95. All at Wild at Heart.
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Iridescent fabrics that reflect light are a big hit for day and evening this winter.
This teal jacket is crinkled polyester by Caribe, $92. ItÕs worn with black denim jeans by Jag, $79, and a polyester mesh top by Amore Couture, $69. Necklace, $58, and earrings, $38, are by Brighton. Everything at K-Lane's.
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Layering is the answer to the fluctuating weather conditions in Kansas. Pictured is a green wool jacket by Annette Goertz, $785, that tops a crinkled shirt of cotton and silk by Pas de Calais, $195, and olive brown skirt of wool and cotton, $525, by Annette Goertz. All at BrickÕs. Shoes by Cydwoq, $318, at Genevieve G Shoes at Brick's.
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Metallic fabrics are as big as ever, but this season the shine is subtle and the colors are rich. This polyester dress for after-five by Antonio Melani is dark bronze with black, $169. Evening bag, $50, by Kate Landry. Bronze satin sandals by Kenneth Cole Reaction, $69. All at Dillard's.
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Animal prints no longer come and go from season to season. They are a classic look that is omnipresent but used in a myriad of ways. This richly detailed coat by Simon Change, $440, is bronze and black animal print with a detachable hood. At The Boutique at Johnston's.
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Metallic fabrics are as big as ever, but this season the shine is subtle and the colors are rich. This polyester dress for after-five by Antonio Melani is dark bronze with black, $169. Evening bag, $50, by Kate Landry. Bronze satin sandals by Kenneth Cole Reaction, $69. All at DillardÕs.
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When it comes to menÕs sweaters, it's back to basics, which translates into versatility. This sweater is gray with navy stripe, of cotton, $98, worn with blue and white striped cotton shirt, $79.50, and dark blue indigo wash denim jeans, $95, all by Polo Ralph Lauren, at Dillard's.
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It's a must-have item for your winter wardrobe, whether youÕre male or female. A great jacket. For women the "boyfriend jacket" is hot. Strong shoulder treatment and sometimes a longer length make it resemble a guyÕs jacket. For the guys, beautiful fabric and the perfect fit will take you a long way. The jacket pictured on him has a black ribbed mock turtleneck front that zips out. Zip it out and youÕve got a regular sport coat. The charcoal wool jacket is by Abito, $295. Black wool slacks by Kenneth Cole, $125. Both at JohnstonÕs. She has topped a ruffle-front tunic of black polyester, $88, and pants, $48, with a black jacket, $128. Earrings, $24, bracelet, $48. All at White House Black Market.
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A dress, whether worn with tights, leggings, hosiery or bare legs, is an important element in your winter wardrobe. This dress is green and brown polyester, by Muse, $140. Tights with crystal trim of cotton and spandex, $24. Chain and bead necklace, $30; bangle bracelets, $15. All at Global Trends.
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When it's time for a new coat, consider some color. Whether it's a shade of red, a berry color, yellow or green, color is a fun change from black, brown and gray. Left, a maize wool and nylon double-breasted coat, $249. Worn with brown polyester-blend slacks, $89, silk scarf, $44, and plaid wool hat, $34. All at Talbots. Right, an eggplant coat by Ellen Tracy, $199, is worn over a brown mock turtleneck by Jones New York, $59, and brown cotton and spandex tights by Kenneth Cole, $44. Boots by Antonio Melani, $199. Multi-color scarf by Lucky Brand, $59. All at Dillard's.
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