I just scored a foxy coat from The Row sample sale: the sleeves and shoulder are leather, the rest cashmere, and I love it to death. So much that I’m actually now wishing for cold weather because I need to wear it daily. It’s also made me realize that incorporating leather in small doses makes for a brilliant jacket design. You get the covetable leather look without getting too hardcore motorcycle-mama.

The Row isn’t the only brand that can effortlessly merge classic-prep and tough-luxe. Burberry’s bold twist on the classic trench is chic beyond words. I know their original cotton-gabardine trench coat was made with walking-in-the-rain functionality in mind – how far they’ve come! This lambskin-sleeved melding is more about making a statement than taking cover from wet weather.

Squared-off shoulders, complete with military-cool epaulets, give you more structure and shape than the traditional trench (which tends to have more movement and give). It’s the same idea, just way more flattering. Who could believe the trusty ol’ standby Burberry staple is suddenly so jaw-droppingly breathtaking? The good girl gone bad has never looked so, well, good! On Net-a-Porter for $1,995.

Pair with: Don’t risk mismatched black leathers when it comes to your boots. Keep your legs covered with Alexandre Birman‘s knee-high suede boots, with lace-effect python detailing up the front that puts them over the edge. Alexandre Birman Lace-Effect Suede Knee Boots, $825.