Winter Coat and Fashion Trends for Fall and Winter 2010 and 2011

Fashion trends in Fall 2010 and Winter 2010 look bleak, but not in a bad way. Look for fashion trends on the streets and at the mall in muted tones, with draping fabric and mismatch pieces perfect for an economic downturn in which the fashion-conscious often need to get creative with clothing trends to stay on the cutting edge with less cash. Bright-minded individuals who find this depressing can put on a colorful poncho. No, seriously.

Thigh-high boots

Look out for thigh-high boots storming the scene this coming winter. Thigh-high boots in shiny materials like vinyl and leather are surefire hits in high fashion for the gloom of the cold weather months of December through February 2011. Look for hot thigh high metallic suede boots by Versace to add a touch of expensive high class to the thigh high trend hitting the streets in 2010 and 2011.

If you can't afford the $1300 pair of Versace boots, nobody will tattle if you jump for a cheaper pair. Top budget versions of the thigh-high boot craze include the Bamboo Boot by Journee Women's, the "Gisel" thigh-high boot by REPORT, and the super-affordable thigh-high stretch boot sold at former gothpunk haven turned novelty/clothing store Hot Topic.

Neutral-toned shortsuits with matching legwarmers

Boot-haters need not fret, as Winter 2011 offers a host of trends for those who prefer smaller shoes for winter wear. Budget conscious fashionistas are ditching the new winter outfits and donning stylish warm modifications to their spring shorts to save a buck on their wardrobe budgets.

Add a matching pair of legwarmers and a sportcoat to a pair of quality, tailored dress shorts for a fun and boyish look that can be modified for the turbulent weather experienced during times of global warming duress.

Military-style garb

Looking vaguely tough and military is in, with military cut leather pieces a hot ticket for the fall 2010 and winter 2011 fashion seasons. Look for vests and coats with military style tailoring and buttons coupled with tattered lace and silk to give a modified Victorian, military, post-apocalyptic sense of dread to your fall and winter fashion wardrobe.

Delicate and light knit ponchos in bright tones

Fashion trends for fall and winter would not be complete without a full-on coat and jacket trend recommendation. What looks like the hot thing on the runways is, strangely enough, ponchos. Not the 90s throwback ponchos that came en masse from Mexico during the grunge craze, but lightly and loosely knit ponchos that flow in bright, bold colors. These bold fashion statements are generally worn over neutral or grey tones, giving a flash of color to an otherwise colorless winter ensemble.

Don't overdo it with the poncho; it should be a standout piece and not part of a ridiculous poncho-centric getup.