Fashion Friday: Outerwear for Fall and Winter

With November just around the corner, dropping temperatures make jackets and coats essential fashion pieces.

In addition to the traditional jackets and coats, capes are making a comeback this season.

"They offer a lot of style with little effort," said Carrie Wurm, co-owner of in Kirkwood.

Red is also a key color for fall and winter 2011, and you can find plenty of it at Ginger and Mary Ann.

"Make your wardrobe pop with this easy-to-wear color for fall," Wurm said.

A striking red Luii cape ($110) looks great with a bold-printed bag and a pair of leather boots.

Printed jackets can also make a statement during these latter months of 2011.

"Muted floral jackets dress up the little black dress," Wurm said.

Ginger and Mary Ann has a black, gray, silver and red floral-printed Samuel Dong jacket ($176) that would be great with a little black dress and a simple clutch.

Printed jackets and coats also transition well to be worn with everyday looks. An olive and gray Three Sisters printed coat ($270) goes well with a pair of gray pants and a big black bag for a look that is work-appropriate.

Of course, you can't go wrong with a timeless piece like a trench coat either.

"Belted coats are always in," said Dana Hutchinson, associate manager at in Webster Groves. "You can also tie them with a leather belts to change it up."

At ScholarShop, an Old Navy belted trench coat ($25) is ready for work with a blouse, trousers, a pair of flats, a printed scarf and a basic bag.

Fur and faux-fur, whether it appears in the detailing of outerwear or makes up the main fabric for a coat, is definitely on-trend for fall and winter.

"The fur or faux-fur trim or coat is really big this year," Hutchinson said.

You can go for a classic fur look with a faux-fur vintage coat ($35), a red dress and a strand of pearls. ScholarShop will be having a sale on all of their vintage items (including this coat, if it's still available) on Dec. 3 during the normal store hours.

If you're looking for something a bit more casual, try a black Andrew Marc raccoon fur-trimmed cropped anorak jacket ($35) with a brightly-colored scarf, jeans and boots.

As ScholarShop is a resale store, there's no guarantee that these items will be in stock when you go shopping, but they have plenty of other comparable pieces available.