Autumn is defined by transition: leaves turning, dying and crunching under your boots on the sidewalk, the sun setting way too early and an unmistakeable crispness in the air. I hate it all. But until I move to my tropical island, I’ll have to deal with the changing seasons, including the dead of winter. And I think some people take the dead of winter literally, dressing in dreary gray [which I love, btw!] and black. That’s fine, but there’s got be some contrast. Some life! Who says you can’t be stylish or colorful in the cold??

I kinda hate puffer coats. They just seem so bulky and unflattering, like walking down the street with a comforter wrapped around you. But this orange Cole Haan is so chic and fun and the belt gives the wearer some shape. It’s available at Loehmann’s.

Sure it’s just a long wool coat, but it’s in yellow and collarless which equals “happy and unique.” Find it at Lands’ End in a rainbow of colors and stay warm without breaking the bank.

The bright pink of this coat puts a little twist on the simple, classic cut of a double-breasted pea coat. It’s so feminine too and works well for many body types. Try it on at Macy’s.

Rock a fur without feeling guilty or gaudy! This pelted faux fur coat by Asos looks so snuggly and comfy and the color is beautiful! To avoid looking like you’re still celebrating Halloween, tone down the rest of your look and you’re golden. It also comes in black if you wanna play it safe.

Since cat prints are pretty much neutral, you can wear a trench like this with almost everything in your cold weather wardrobe. It’s on clearance at qvc.com. Raaaawwwrrrrr!

Dang I love this coat! It’s so feminine and clean and sophisticated. I’d buy if it were half the price. The color, the shape and the seam detail do it for me.

I love this print! And the price is right! This a-line, belted coat will keep you toasty and tasteful throughout the season. And even though it’s black and gray [the two no-no colors aforementioned], the big, graphic print gives it interest. Shop “Emilia Charley Stripe Coat” at karmaloop.

This double breasted boucle coat is ready for your purchase at Asos! The emerald color is so rich and earthy while the shape flatters an array of body types.

I love a good, chunky plaid. I would have loved this coat even more if the plaid was a little bigger. She happens to be named “Lumber Janet” and is available at backcountry.com. I can see this working well with some black skinnies and cognac knee-high boots. City meets county!

More of an everyday, all-occasion coat, the trench has a timeless style and comes in an array of colors and can top any ensemble. And the belt helps to emphasize the natural waistline = insta chic!

This royal blue is just so yummy you don’t have to wear anything else. This coat says it all. I love the bold color, the double shawl collar and the length. And it’s kinda sexy. Find it exclusively online at Nordstrom.

Red is so vibrant and powerful that it’ll definitely stand out amongst the drab that snow and cold weather can bring. It’s such a feminine shape and can easily be dressed up or down. Shop it on asos.com.

For that really really crisp, needles in your skin chilly, this beige puffer does double duty keeping you warm and looking super chic. Plus it has a hood and perfectly placed pockets for extra protection from the elements. Find it in black and dark green too at Lord & Taylor.

So if you’re one of those freaks who enjoys frolicking about in the cold, keep warm in style this winter.