A plum-colored trench from MNG Mango mixes military styling with strong detailing – which lends the coat its versatility. It’s great as shown here, worn alone as a dress. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

A copper-colored cropped jacket by Saltaire is a great way to dress up a pair of jeans. A swingy shape adds flair to a sporty ensemble. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

This leather blazer from Max Mara is given a tailored presentation with a feminine thin black belt. Paired with a sheer pleated skirt, it’s a strong and stylish daywear statement. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Here’s a touch of spy girl glamour from Dana Buchman. A black patent leather trench offering a luxurious take on two seasonal trends in outerwear: trench coats and patent leather. This is a style destined to have a long life in your wardrobe. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

A look from Max Mara that is both sporty and stylish is this shiny nylon sand-colored anorak with a cinched waist and stand-up collar. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Marc Jacobs’ short green trench coat from his 2008 resort collection is a great piece to pull out early for the holidays. The shiny color and satin-like fabric make a perfect accent for any type of attire, be it dressy or about town. It would also make a nice contrast to the holiday season’s ever-present red. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Lauren by Ralph Lauren offers a longer-than-usual black peacoat that gives the piece a dressier feel and a classic look that won't go out of style. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Some cropped biker chic from Billy Reid: A shiny black leather jacket that is at once tough and tony. Soften the look with girlie accessories -- silk blouses with flamboyant bows and gloves. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

A sporty gold puff metallic jacket from Lauren by Ralph Lauren is an updated take on the parka. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

From Bebe comes a black coat combining the best of this season's outerwear trends. With its peacoat-inspired military styling, the belt anchors the look firmly in the here and now. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Shots of plaid popped up all over the runways such as this Dana Buchman red plaid coat. This one offers vintage styling with its rounded collar and full, cuffed sleeves – and it’s tempered here with a black shirt and skinny black jeans. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Another fitted black trench, from MNG by Mango, has shiny sophisticated styling and a fitted silhouette that gives it a formal feel, both classic and timeless. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Max Mara is known for outerwear, and this suede sand-color jacket is a simple, modern example of the design house’s look. Again, the belted waist is part of the picture, this time made of the same suede, cinched with a metallic buckle. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Antonio Melani’s red peacoat gets some contrast with its big black buttons. Belt detailing adds some flattering definition to the waist. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

The masterful designs of Valentino are well-illustrated in this form-fitting deep navy jacket of lightweight butter-soft leather. A wide belt at the waist adds to the definition of tiny pleats from bodice to below the waist, ending with a peplum-style flare just below the hips. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Chic and classic, this Billy Reid black double-breasted peacoat gets some flair from two rows of gold buttons and some modern styling with an ivory cowl sweater dress emerging from the collar. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

CH by Carolina Herrera offers a taupe knee-length zippered lightweight coat-style dress. The black cinched bow waist, black tights and long leather gloves transform the piece from casual to statement-making. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Get a James Bond vibe – and a shiny look – with a Lauren by Ralph Lauren lightweight gold metallic trench that falls just below the hips. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

The cropped plaid peacoat is another good example of several trends combined into one look. Shades of olive and brick in this jacket by Static give it a young, fresh feel. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

MNG Mango does an updated take on this year’s peacoat trend, but the styling never looked better, down to the cinched waist and bell-shaped sleeves. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Sheke Boutique shows off a very cropped black peacoat just made for layering. It’s a sporty, flirty style that’s good for the young, and young at heart. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

PII by Poleci’s black patent cropped jacket with elbow-length sleeves looks good paired with a long-sleeved shirt. Add a pair of long gloves for a dressier style. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo

Billy Reid’s belted plaid coat is beautifully styled but subdued with a gray, brown and creme plaid pattern. Although Reid gets his inspiration from his studio in the Deep South, his designs are very city chic. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photo