By By Kaitlin Andorfer

The rapidly approaching cold weather is a time when most people feel they must be a slave to Mother Nature by covering up their cute outfits with layers of not-so-trendy warm clothing.

This season, however, designers have been working overtime to bring fashion followers the most versatile winter wear that will keep one toasty and chic at the same time.

If the idea of looking fashionable in frigid temperatures seems baffling, it doesn’t have to be that hard. Start by thinking of your clothing in layers, with your outfit as a series of building blocks. A great winter coat alone can be cute, but a true fashionista thinks beyond one piece. Believe it or not, the secret to looking hot even when it’s cold outside is to accessorize your outer layers.

First, let’s start out with the coat. This season coats have taken on a whole new meaning of trendy. One type that is making an appearance on runways, streets and campuses is a ’60s-inspired doubled-breasted trenchcoat and pea coat-type jacket with a wide, square collar. These coats have extra metal hardware like belts, straps, grommets and collars that zip way up under the chin to give them a long, warm necks.

The sleeves on many of the coats this season are the bell sleeve, which is making a comeback on coats and sweaters alike, giving them a more romantic, casual look. Short, military style cropped jackets are also a must have for this season. If you’re not in the mood to be bulked up by a coat, a long sweater poncho is another trendy thread option.

When looking for the perfect coat there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, choose one with a pattern that you will be able to wear with many different outfits. Also, pick a style that is versatile and can be worn both dressed-up or dressed-down. Color choice must also have some influence on your decision, because if this coat is going to be worn day after day, it had better be a color that flatters your features and doesn’t wash you out and make you look paler than the cold months indoors will. H&M has a wide range of cutting-edge and flawlessly elegant styles to choose from in the $60-$130 range.

“This season, you could go naked and just wear all of the new coats that are out there,” Linda Wells, editor of Allure Magazine, said

The next step is to think in terms of covering extremities that emit heat. Wearing a great hat is just one way to keep warm while accessorizing your outdoorsy get-up.

There are a variety of hats this season that have already stirred up quite a buzz. The newsboy or Ivy League cap is an easy fix to that bad hair day (or lack of a shower.) These hats come in a variety of plaids, checkers and hounds tooth patterns. The cutest ones can be snagged at a street vendor stand in the city for less than $10.

Another fun hat this season is the beret, which creates a polished Euro look when paired with a pea coat or baggy sweater. A knit cap with a demi-bill or no bill looks casual and keeps you warm when worn with a large sweater or casual coat. Also plaid, striped or patterned ball caps look tres chic when paired with a pea coat or a more formal-lined coat.

A scarf or pashmina are other accessories that provide style and warmth and look good when worn with a hat.

Now for the icing on the outfit; the gloves. To finish off a warm, yet hip look of winter chic, top off your ensemble with a pair of beautiful gloves. Of course, the kind with the most character are those that have been previously loved. Find a great duo of colorful leather or soft suede ones at an antique or vintage store for just a few dollars.

Now that you have determined your outerwear wardrobe ideas, the time has come to welcome the cold weather in true style. Break out the most fashionable of winter wear and welcome the idea that just because the weather isn’t hot, doesn’t mean that you can’t be.