Men's Overcoat Styles

• A classic pea coat complements both formal and informal outfits. Thomas Barwick/Lifesize/Getty Images

  When the weather gets chilly, layering your clothes will keep you comfortable indoors and out. An overcoat may refer to any kind of coat worn as the outermost garment, usually made of a thick material and covering much of the body. Historically, overcoats marked a departure from more rudimentary cloaks by using full closures and sleeves. Whatever your outfit, whether jeans and a sweater or a sleek three-piece suit, topping things off with a basic overcoat will keep you warm every day of the week.

The Classic Overcoat

• The traditional overcoat is long enough to cover a suit jacket, falling anywhere from just above the kneecap to further down the leg. Pick a wool overcoat to keep yourself warm when temperatures drop, regardless of what you're wearing underneath. As for fit, a sleek cut with give you a modern silhouette; however, be sure to try on the coat with your bulkiest sweater or suit jacket underneath for a neat fit that doesn't put stress on the coat's buttons. Choose a classic overcoat style in a dark color, such as navy, charcoal or black, so that you can rely on its warmth throughout the winter, coordinating it with all your outfits.

The Pea Coat

• The pea coat makes a tailored and neat alternative to the more classic overcoat style. The pea coat has a slightly boxier shape and may be single or double-breasted, often with decorative, nautically-inspired buttons. Depending on the coat, it may even have details like toggle fasteners or epaulets. Keep in mind that pea coats are not as long as most overcoats, sometimes hitting just below the waist. You'll need to make sure that your pea coat comes down at least as low as the bottom edge of your suit jacket for a polished look.

The Car Coat

• A variation on the classic overcoat, a car coat has an A-line silhouette, gently draping outward and ending mid-thigh. As its name suggests, the style is excellent for commuters, not as bulky as some other styles, providing warmth and comfort while driving or seated anywhere else. It has a flat, single-breasted front design that doesn't buckle or restrict movement as a double-breasted closure might. The relatively short length also permits free leg movement when driving. The car coat style is adaptable to either formal or casual outfits; for a sleek and simple effect, select a coat with concealed buttons. For a dressier overall look, opt for more detailed accents.

The Trench

• For lighter outerwear, opt for a classic trench coat. First used as military wear in the early 20th century, clothiers such as Burberry have since popularized the coat for widespread use. Trench coats may be single or double-breasted. They come in a range of fabrics, including wool, cotton, poplin or gabardine. Lengths vary from mid-thigh to nearly ankle-length. Trench coats make excellent overcoats for transitioning from fall to winter or winter to spring, and are especially useful on days that are temperate, but rainy.