Network: 
Buying a new winter coat usually isn't the most enjoyable shopping experience. For a start, they generally cost a small fortune, and then there's the tacit acknowledgment that you'll be spending the next few months in various stages of cold and miserable. Despite this, it's important to resist the urge to go for the purely functional option. After all, what's the point of dressing up in styling threads if they spend much of their time hiding under an ugly old ski jacket? Hopefully, the following sophisticated selections -- from dapper trenches to classic mod parkas -- will inspire you to feel a little more enthusiastic about your outerwear options this winter. And the smart thing about buying a new coat in January is you might get it at a nice, fuzzy, warm discount.
Top Ten Winter Coats
Make like Alain Delon in Jean-Pierre Melville's super cool 1960s hitman flick Le Samourai with this immaculate brown trench from hip French label April 77. Normally $571, now $286.
RevolveClothing.com
Stand out from the peacoat-clad crown with this steel grey take on the perennial military chic classic. $250
FiveFourClothing.com
From skinny-fit indie-boy suits to soccer hooligan-approved blousons, Ben Sherman have got working-class Brit-style nailed. For winter wear they offer this gangster-ific, Get Carter-esque knee-length wool overcoat. $299
Nordstrom.com
This effort from Etnies manages to look both more sophisticated than your average skater-style jacket, while still offering a fun but subtle splash of color via the red check hood lining. $84
Etnies.com
Scandinavians know plenty about cold weather wear and this chic, mod-style parka from Swedish apparel kings Cheap Monday will help you keep out the chills, on or off your moped. $158
UrbanOutfitters.com
If your local climate allows you to rock something a little more lightweight than a full overcoat, don't be afraid to add some color to your outerwear. (A full-length colored-check coat might be a little too brave). $176
Tobi.com
There many not be too many pleasures to gained from the winter weather, but peering out at a cold and grey world from inside a cozy, fur-lined hood is surely one of them. Was $189, now $95.
RevolveClothing.com
There is something comfortingly collegiate about the timeless British duffle coat. Imagine trudging across a snowy campus, wrapped up in this traditional-style Old Navy version. $70
OldNavy.com
Pitched somewhere between Victorian pick-pocket and longshoreman, this gorgeous double-breasted overcoat from Penguin is top of our winter wishlist. $450
UrbanOutfitters.com
If you live somewhere cold enough that fashion really does have to take a backseat to not dying of hypothermia, this sleek Lindeberg number will keep you snug and safe without sacrificing too much in the way of personal style. $476
Ssense.com
