Every woman must invest in a high quality, classic overcoat. In fall and winter months – regardless of how stylishly you're dressed underneath – your coat is the first thing people see, which means it creates your first (fashion) impression.

Your overcoat should be at least as stylish as the clothing you're wearing underneath it. Wearing nice clothes under a shoddy jacket or windbreaker is pointless. However, there have been many women who have dashed out to get the paper in their long overcoats with sweats (or even their skivvies) underneath, only to look fabulous: your overcoat can make a statement even when the rest of your ensemble is in shambles.

Buying An Overcoat is a Long-Term Investment

A flattering overcoat is a rather big-ticket item, but if you make the right selection you'll wear the coat for many years, so think of buying a coat as a long-term investment. Remember:

• Select durable fabrics like cashmere- and alpaca-wool blends, or newer high quality synthetic fabrics.
• Look for indicators of low quality construction such as loose buttons, ill-fitting seams, hanging threads, uneven hems, or exposed linings – if you find any of these signs, put the overcoat back on the rack and walk away.
• Spend as much on an overcoat as you possibly can afford, and only buy it if the coat fits you beautifully.

Choose A Coat in an Enduring Style & Color

Like all lasting investments, you want to avoid choosing an overcoat that’s too trendy or au courant. You want something that's fashionable, but don't want to be stuck with a dated coat that people will look at in a couple years time and say, "That was the style/color that was all the rage two years ago. Too bad it's not popular anymore."

Instead, choose a coat with a simple, timeless cut in a neutral color that goes with most of the clothes in your wardrobe. If you wear a lot of black and rarely wear navy, then for heaven's sake, don't buy a navy overcoat. Choose black. Likewise, choose navy if that's a common theme in your wardrobe. If you've got a preference for earth tones, choose a shade of gray, chocolate brown, olive green or camel color.

Join in on trends by accessorizing your coat with the new scarves, hats, brooches and gloves of the season.

Get the Right Overcoat for Your Body Type

To get a coat that makes you look long and lean, make sure that you choose the style based on the shape and proportions of your body:

Coats for Short Women

A shorter woman (i.e. 5 feet tall) looks best in a coat that stops at the knee; this accentuates her legs from the knee down, and makes her appear taller. She will look like she's swimming in a full-length or 7/8 length coat, and it will actually make her look shorter than she is.

Coats for Tall Women

A woman who is taller than average should seek an overcoat with proportions that are appropriate for her height. She may need to seek specialty cuts, since even a maxi coat will look too short on her and a 7/8 coat on most people will probably look like a ¾ coat on her.

Coats for Plus-sized Women

Women with fuller figures needn't wear A-line coats, which tend to make the wearer look like she's wearing a tent. Instead of throwing a tarp-like jacket over their clothes, more voluptuous women can create the appearance of a leaner silhouette with a long, body-skimming coat. Not hiding their bodies is one of the best fashion practices plus-size women can adopt.

Coats to Fit Your Bust Line

Women with large breasts look best in single-breasted overcoats, and double-breasted styles are best for women with a smaller chest who wish to create the illusion of a fuller bosom.

Buy a Coat that Fits Your Lifestyle

Aside from choosing a coat based on your height, you should also consider the climate in which you live and your lifestyle:

• If you're frequently getting in and out of a car, you should choose the shorter car coat length for ease of movement.
• If you're always getting in and out of cabs, trains or buses, you'll need a ¾ or 7/8 length coat that you don't need to worry about constantly stepping on.
• If you walk a lot or live in extreme cold you'll want a full length coat to shield you from the elements.