SHINY BLACK RAIN COAT

If The Matrix taught us one thing is that shiny leather coats are cool, even in world's that don't really exist. For women, a three-quarter rain coat is recommended. Sleek and stylish. Anything longer and you might get cast in the next Rob Zombie flick, which, depending on your taste, might not be such a bad idea.

WHITE WITH BLACK TURTLE

Here's another example from the Basic Instinct Sharon Stone school of boldness and simplicity. A black turtle neck and a white coat of any kind are the easiest way to make Donna Karan happy and to look sleek on any occasion. Switching the Tim Horton's brew for something that is actually drinkable would be advisable, though.

RED TRENCH COAT

Nothing says intrigue and romance more than a red trench coat. We can almost hear the secret rendez-vous being planned. Mix it with black and become someone who just will not be denied.

GREEN SCOOP DRESS

Every stylish woman should own a green scoop neck dress like this one and a long coat an inch or two longer for maximum calf impact. It is the one piece of clothing to throw on when the darkness of fall starts to overwhelm the streets. Green is the other black: a color capable of making even a truck look desirable.

SOVIET COAT TURNS URBAN

While summer in Montreal is always about showing off as much flesh as possible to capture an epidermal reserve of those precious rays of sun to last throughout the winter, fall is all about staying cozy in style. The right coat can do that. This one is an inter-racial mix, between a Soviet army uniform and a trench. Sexiness comes courtesy of the cascading blond hair against dark blue, running wild all over the upturned collar. No scarf in this case. After all, there's no ice forming in the nostrils, yet.

ESSENTIAL TRENCH COAT

The trench coat, that dreamy garment worn by countless French movie sirens on as many romantic rainy days, should be part of every woman's wardrobe. Sadly, it isn't. If you intend on getting one, go for pale gray (cooler) or a light beige (warmer) and keep it as short (or long) as the picture above. Covering your knees and any portion of your calves with a coat is a crime against sensuality. Nothing much was needed here to add flair, other than matching dark gray heels, a bag and a lovely tan.

BURNING ORANGE

Simply outstanding from miles away. The leaf green oversized bag brought a nice contrast to this unusual trench coat. In an exhibitionistic homage, other pieces of clothing were barely perceptible under the coat, which length stopped just above the knees. With funky heels and tanned legs, the trick deserves applause.

YES, INSPECTOR

Great TV inspectors of days gone-by always tried to teach us that trench coats were groovy, but Clouseau never looked this good. The sexiness in this picture comes from the clean lines, the mandatory upturned collar, the sleeves designed to fold just below the elbow and the wide belt with the buckle sassily tucked away to the side. Lose flowing hair and great posture elevate the elegance. Worn with a shorter skirt underneath and a flash of calves in heels, this coat could make an entrance at Fort Knox without I.D.

NOTHING UNDERCOVER ABOUT THIS SPY

Every woman needs at least one dramatic coat. Something she would wear in a Bond film. Something that makes all other coats look utterly boring that day. This one was tight at the top and strangely voluminous below the waist. The black aviator glasses made me believe further that she was carrying an item crucial to national security in her oversized purse. Fun, mysterious and movie-star-like sexy.