The layers, the bulkiness, the feeling of frump. Bundling up in cold weather is the norm, and most winter wear is practical, not fashionable.

Finding the right coat can help, not hinder style. Here are five situations in which the right coat can do wonders:

WEATHER - Frigid

SCENE - Casual

COAT - Annabel jacket from London Fog ($99) at LondonFog.com

Simple wool coats work great in casual situations, worn with jeans or knee-high boots paired with skirts. The Annabel jacket is a single breasted wool coat with a scarf welt pocket. It has princess seam detail and faux leather buttons. The approximate center back length is 31 inches. Made with 80 percent wool, 200 percent nylon. Available in sizes small to XL, color options include black, camel or red.

WEATHER - Frigid

SCENE - Formal

COAT - Wool Long Sleeve Double Breasted Coat by DKNY in Flame ($695) at DKNY.com

Wearing a puffy coat to a fancy restaurant or theater ruins the look. An alternative to expensive fur or faux-fur coats are high-fashion wool coats. This DKNY design is made with 100 percent wool and has flap pockets. It is 40 inches in length and available only in small or medium.

WEATHER - Cool

SCENE - Casual

COAT - Eddie Bauer Corduroy Jacket ($69-$79) at EddieBauer.com.

A lightweight coat is ideal when meeting friends for lunch or running errands. This corduroy coat is made with ultra-soft 17-wale corduroy. The fabric is woven with stretch and the jacket has shank buttons and three pockets. Four color options available.

WEATHER - Cool

SCENE - Formal

COAT - Double Cloth Topper Coat by Ann Taylor ($395) at Ann Taylor stores and AnnTaylor.com

An extra layer without the extra bulk. This medium-weight wool knit coat looks like a dress. It has a crew neckline, elbow sleeves and an A-line silhouette. The front snaps are hidden, and the pockets are placed at the seams. Dark Navy, available in sizes XXS to XXL.

WEATHER - Freezing

SCENE - Casual or formal

COAT - The Chelsea coat from Marmot ($325) at marmot.com.

Subzero weather requires an insulated coat even if you're headed somewhere fancy. This waterproof, insulated coat has a zip-off hood with removable fur ruff. Add the fur for more formal situations or pull it off to keep the look casual. This full length coat is designed for women to be less bulky. It is stuffed with 650+ goose down and has zip hand warmers. Available in wine, off-white, blue and black.