3. GET ENOUGH WARMTH AND PROTECTION There’s no crystal ball that predicts the weather. Whether you hang on every word from your TV news meteorologist, check your iPhone each morning for the

forecast or just use your own gut feeling, having a coat that keeps you warm and your clothes dry is essential. The degree of protection you need will vary. Some women are “always cold” or

want maximum weatherproofing for icy temperatures and snow; others live in mild climates or live up north, can’t stand a heavy coat but still want a dependable chill-chaser. Coat fabrics

make a difference. WOOL AND WOOL BLENDS are dense and retain body heat and are also naturally water-resistant. SHERPA is an A-list type of fleece that’s made from a blend of synthetics. The

usually have a tightly woven outer shell of tough nylon or polyester. Down is now responsibly sourced from ducks or geese while man-made insulators work efficiently to reflect your own body

heat.  (Left to right) Gap Big Puff Coat in Plymouth Rock Brown; Rokka&Rolla Women’s Heavy Long Winter Parka with Fleece Hood in Metallic Gray; Old Navy Women Double-Breasted Pea Coat in

Sierra Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Gap; Target; Old Navy) 4. ALWAYS LOOK FOR FASHION PLUS FUNCTION No woman over 50 wants a boring or blah coat now. We’ve come too far in our clothes

evolution. That’s why my advice is to avoid repeating past coat buys too closely by always looking for the update factor. Let’s say you’ve always worn a classic navy peacoat. If you’re

buying a new one try an oversized style like the OLD NAVY WOMEN DOUBLE-BREASTED PEA COAT IN CHOCOLATE MALTED OR SIERRA ($65, oldnavy.gap.com) with dropped shoulders and a new-for-you warm

neutral. Or if you prefer tailored coats for work, try a funnel neck style like the ANN TAYLOR FUNNEL NECK TAILORED COAT IN LIGHT CHARCOAL HEATHER ($228, anntaylor.com) instead of your usual

notch collar. And instead of a puffer with wide horizontal channels you might choose one with angled channels for the optical illusion of more shape like the ROKKA&ROLLA WOMEN’S HEAVY

LONG WINTER PARKA WITH FLEECE HOOD IN FIG OR METALLIC GRAY ($62, walmart.com). And remember: a coat is often the first (and sometimes only) thing people see you wearing in winter. If you

wear dresses and skirts even in freezing temperatures, a midi length coat with volume like the GAP BIG PUFF COAT IN PLYMOUTH ROCK BROWN ($114, gap.com) is a good idea. If you work in an

office situation or see clients, a coat should reflect that situation and be polished enough. If you travel, commute or drive a lot your coat needs to “sit” easily. Make your own list. (Left

to right) H&M Brushed-Finish Twill Trench Coat in Beige; Jessica London Women’s Plus Size Faux Fur Trim Wool Cape in Cognac; Donna Karan New York Women’s Belted Wing-Collar Teddy Coat

in Mushroom; Mango Double- Breasted Coat with Buttons in Light/ Pastel Grey Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: H&M; Target; Macy's; Mango) 5. MAKE SURE YOUR COAT FITS AND FLATTERS Try on

any new coat over your biggest, thickest sweater, your longest skirt or dress, and your widest pants. Also slip it over a long-sleeve tee and an indoor jacket like a blazer or knit jacket.

You should not look “stuffed”! Your clothes should be in sync with your coat at the neckline, sleeves and hem. Say no to any coat or jacket that pulls across the bust, hips or rear, feels

too tight, or causes buttons to pull, pockets and vents to gape. The coat of your dreams should allow you to raise your arms, reach for something, sit comfortably and cross your legs without

a problem. Here are solutions to the three top fit problems women ask about most: YOU HAVE AN ALLOVER CURVY SHAPE. Those with a full bust, wide hips and thighs might have a hard time

getting a flattering fit. Going too loose or shapeless contributes to a bigger boxy look. Relaxed belted coats and trench coat styles like the H&M BRUSHED-FINISH TWILL TRENCH COAT IN

BEIGE ($90, hm.com/en_us) and ANNE KLEIN WOMEN’S BIBBED BELTED TRENCH PUFFER COAT IN KHAKI ($131, macys.com) add structure and definition. YOU HAVE A WIDER BOTTOM HALF AND A SMALLER/NARROWER

TOP (WHAT WE USED TO CALL A “PEAR” SHAPE). Look for easy-fitting coats and jackets that strengthen the upper body and have eye-catching details like statement collars, such as the DONNA

KARAN NEW YORK WOMEN’S BELTED WING-COLLAR TEDDY COAT IN MUSHROOM ($259, macys.com) or attached scarves (a new coat style detail!) like the QUINCE DOUBLE-FACED MERINO WOOL SCARF COAT IN OAT

OR HEATHER GREY ($190, quince.com). YOU HAVE A PROMINENT BELLY. Choose belt-free coat styles with volume that flow right over your middle, A-line capes like the JESSICA LONDON WOMEN’S PLUS

SIZE FAUX FUR TRIM WOOL CAPE IN COGNAC ($186, target.com). Toggle coats such as the CATHERINES WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE WOOL BLEND TOGGLE PEACOAT IN SOFT CAMEL ($140, walmart.com)with diversionary

hardware feel comfy and cozy. YOU HAVE A LARGE BUST. Your new cold-weather friends are coats with a notch-collar, V neckline, full sleeves and dropped shoulders like the notch-collared MANGO

DOUBLE-BREASTED COAT WITH BUTTONS IN LIGHT/PASTEL GREY ($160, shop.mango.com) and fit-and-flare styles like the LANDS’ END WOMEN’S INSULATED COZY FLEECE-LINED WINTER COAT IN GOLDEN SAND OR

DARK ROSE CLAY ($240, landsend.com) to balance fullness on top. (Left to right) Big Chill Women’s Down Blend Oversized Hood Jacket in Soft Sage; Gap Women’s Belted Double-Faced Wool Scarf

Coat in Medium Cool Brown; Athleta Aire Puffer Parka in Feather Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Gap; Athleta) 6. BREAK OUT OF THE BLACK COAT RUT … FOR NOW A black coat is dependable,

chic in tailored styles, edgy in leather and extreme silhouettes, and can top off any outfit with fashionable assurance. It also hides stains. But black coats can also be draining to mature

skin tones in winter, when complexions seem ashy, sallow, ruddy or fatigued. We’re not always in the mood for makeup — the blush, concealer or vibrant red lipstick — that’ll compensate for

all the above. And when coats have interesting detailing and texture it all disappears if you buy it in black. Do yourself a favor and try another neutral like camel, olive, gray, brown,

off-white or beige, or lighter pastels that have a subtle brightening effect. Warm up in the BIG CHILL WOMEN’S DOWN BLEND OVERSIZED HOOD JACKET IN SOFT SAGE, STONE OR FADED DENIM ($85,

target.com), the GAP WOMEN’S BELTED DOUBLE-FACED WOOL SCARF COAT IN MEDIUM COOL BROWN($238, gap.com) or the ATHLETA AIRE PUFFER PARKA IN FEATHER ($179, athleta.gap.com).