It’s December and winter is finally here! Though it’s still about 70 degrees here in Los Angeles as I write this, it’s bound to get chilly soon so it’s time to stock up on some winter clothes. This season, wear a coat to keep you warm through the cold days. There’s a ton of coats out there and that makes it difficult to choose which one to buy. Here, I breakdown the things you have to consider when choosing a coat.

Length: If you’re looking for something more mature to go with your formal looks, go for something longer, like one that’s down to your knees. Avoid going any longer if you’re not especially tall; you don’t want your coat to wear you. Coats that are too long for your figure make you look even shorter. For more casual outings, keep your coat at hip-length or above. Being only 5’1″ myself, I went for a coat that goes down to my hips, which is a very versatile length to dress up or down.

Color/Pattern: Normally, people go for black or dark gray because they go with virtually every outfit. This is a wise decision, but make sure you have your lint roller ready! If you’re feeling bold, try a sharper color, like red, teal or purple. Looking for something in between? Camel tone is a popular choice. There is also the option of going for a pattern, like houndstooth, tweed or plaid.

Buttons: Buttons are one of the main features of a coat. Double-breasted peacoats are the most common, but there are also single-breasted coats. There can be buttons down the whole front or just the top half. The types of buttons defer as well, such as plain, military or toggle. Buttons are really just a personal preference, so just choose what you like.

Detailing: The different styles of coats are expanding. If you like ruffles, some coats have ruffled bottoms or collars. This also applies to faux fur. Personally, I don’t prefer either because they make coats seem even chunkier, but do take into account that I am petite in size. But if you like them, I say go for it!

The military trend has been around for a while, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going away any time soon. It’s one of those trends that can be incorporated in our wardrobe no matter what season it is. From vests to shoes to coats, the fashion world has put out a wide variety of military pieces. Here, I showcase three of my own and recommend ways to wear them.

Military Outerwear

If you plan on layering on military outerwear, the key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple.  Military outerwear are standout pieces, with all the decorated buttons that fill the front, the sleeves and possibly even the shoulders.

Left: Bold Color. Military coat by Ben Sherman from ASOS, little black dress from Guess, clutch and shoes from Aldo. Right: Just the Basics. Military vest from bebe, tank top and pants from Bershka, boots by Colin Stuart from Victoria’s Secret.

Bold Colors: You never want to look like you’re trying too hard by mixing too many eye-catching pieces, but you still want to stand out somehow. Keep your outfit simple and stray away from crazy prints and textures, but add some bold colors, such as royal purple, electric blue or red. I am simply wearing a little black dress beneath my military coat, but spicing it up with matching purple shoes and clutch. I’m also wearing a gold ring and gold earrings to tie in the gold handle on my clutch.

Basics: If you feel your military piece is enough of a statement, feel free to just keep the rest of your look clean and simple. I am wearing a plain tank top beneath my vest, paired with black skinny jeans and knee-high boots. Because of the detailing on my collar, I added a similarly textured snake bracelet.

Here are some military coats available right now that will keep you looking chic through the winter.

Military Shoes

Military or combat boots (whatever you want to call them) are everywhere. They are super easy to find, and I see them in all the shoe shops I walk into or all the online shopping websites that carry shoes.

T-shirt by Pink Rose from Macy’s, shorts from boutique in Hong Kong, gloves from ASOS, boots by Oasis from ASOS.

Since military boots have a very worn-out, vintage look, I decided mine would go really well with my distressed gray denim shorts. This look is meant to be more laid-back and rough, so I wore a slightly loose white t-shirt and fingerless half leather gloves.

Military boots are easy to find, but I’ve compiled a list here to make shopping easier for you.