By Laurie Montoya

We’re like kids at Christmas. With that first bit of chilly air, outerwear lovers run to their closets to get reacquainted with what for many of us are our favorite fashion pieces. Based on the latest offerings, most clothes ponies will always find a reason to expand their collection of coats, jackets, capes, ponchos and blazers. Here’s a rundown on the trends for this season’s outerwear as seen on the runway at a recent series of fashion shows in Dallas.

Trenches are everywhere. Whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn in Charade or Agent 99 in the upcoming remake of Get Smart, trench coats are always classic and generally flattering. Trenches are, if nothing else, versatile. They work well with just about anything from jeans and trousers to a pair of black leggings. Or you might try some tights and booties for a really updated look. Start with the basic colors - tan and black - and branch out from there. Take advantage of the variety available right now. There are dressy trenches, holiday trenches, trenches for work and trenches for play.

Slideshow: See the Season’s Hottest Cold-Weather Looks on the Runway

Metallics and patent continue to shine. If you love all things bright and shiny you are definitely in for a treat. This fall there is no shortage of glossy and metallic hued leather. In typical form, designers have combined trends, showing metallic and patent leather outerwear in silhouettes that are popular this year. Sporty parkas, fun cropped styles and - yes, trench coats - are among the many choices out there.

Belts abound. Fashion’s preoccupation with belts this season extends to outerwear. If you rely on coats to finish an outfit, you can now look at belts as a way to finish the coat. Like most accessories, belts can help anchor and update an outfit and coats are no exception. Wide or skinny, patent or matte, belts on coats are a sharp addition that won’t set you back much.

Plaids stand out. Spoilers alert: this look is not for everyone. Plaids are not for the shy and can be hard to pull off. The best plaids are subdued in neutral colors - browns, grays, steel blue. Softer patterns worn over a solid, generally dark pair of pants and turtleneck for example, work nicely. The key here is not to overdo it and ground your plaid coat with a subdued backdrop.

Peas are huge. Like the trench, peacoats never go out of style. Unlike the trench, which is always available in some form, peacoats are rarely available in such numbers. If you like this look you will want to go shopping. From the classic: think navy with gold buttons to the updated — think in terms of popular colors (red, gray), patterns (plaid) and textures (patent). You’re starting to get the picture.

Photo: A cropped plaid peacoat by Static combines two trends that are popular this season. Fashion at the Park/Evans Caglage photo

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