Fall 2011 Outerwear Trend Guide

Outerwear long ago stopped being merely about function. People want function and style when it comes to cold-weather garments. This fall is no exception and the outerwear trends for both men and women are more stylish than ever. Check out the five hottest outerwear trends of fall 2011.

The Cape

Capes are any sleeveless garment draped over the body, like the poncho. Capes are a very stylish outerwear trend for women this fall. Many styles of cape have made an appearance this season, including attractive ponchos, belted capes and hooded capes. Popular fall fabrics for capes are boiled wool, fleece, velvet and tweed. For added flair try an asymmetrical cape, like the Via Spiga Asymmetrical Cape.

The Trench

The trench is typically a huge trend for women. However, it is big in men's outerwear for fall 2011. Trench coats are the most stylish of all raincoats (yes, a trench coat is a type of raincoat). The commuter style of trench is the popular trend for men's outerwear this season. So ladies, this would make a great gift for the guy in your life.

The Parka

The parka is hot for both men's and women's outwear this season. Parkas are the perfect cold-weather garment, especially down parkas. Men's parkas tend to be more relaxed where most modern women's parkas are more fitted. If you plan on wearing bulky clothing under your parka, try for a size or two larger to accommodate your bulky clothing. If you don't believe a parka can be both stylish and functional, then check out the MontBell America Alpine Light Down Parka for men and the Women's Patagonia Down With It Parka.

The Pea Coat

Military-style coats are typically very popular in men's outerwear. They are stylish, masculine and are appropriate for most situations. The pea coat, in short and long lengths, is the most popular of the military-style options this fall. An attractive pea coat is the Nautica Men's Melton Pea Coat.

The Shearling Coat

Shearling coats are very hot for women's outerwear this season. Shearling is actually a pelt of sheepskin or lambskin, and like most pelts, can be costly. Both faux and real shearling are popular. However, a real shearling-trimmed coat -- especially attached to a leather body -- can be very expensive--costing a $1,000 or more.

These five outerwear trends for fall 2011 are very stylish and wearable. Each style is available in average and larger sizes, so don't worry if you have a fuller figure or are big and tall. Any of these styles will make a great holiday gift as well, so now may be the time to drop a few hints to your favorite gift-giver this year.

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own shopping guides.