When looking for outerwear this cold-weather season, think coats of many colours.

Brand names like Dominic Bellissimo, Simon Chang, Hilary Radley and even private labels are offering up a smorgasbord of shades, with brilliant pumpkin, red and orange lighting up stores. And customers are biting.

"We're finding that our customer is adventurous enough to go beyond classic blacks and greys," says Christine Deakin, a coat buyer for J. Michaels womenswear stores. "This season's strong shades are particularly appealing to women who have the confidence to follow fashion trends and to express their own sense of style and flair."

Other important features in outerwear this season are wrap coats, longer lengths, shearling that is dyed in various colours such as green, olive, orange and blue, and the belted trench coat. On the luxurious side, there are cashmere blended fabrications.

Wool, wool blends and boiled wool remain staples, while faux fur is popular along with real fur trims which include Spanish lamb, rabbit, fox and chinchilla, says Deakin. Coats made of technologically advanced fabrics have shiny and other textures and are easy to clean.

Talbots, another womensear chain, gives this lowdown on the most-wanted styles:

Belted balmacaan: Made of lambswool and cashmere, this three-quarter-length coat wraps the waist with luxurious style. Raglan sleeves make it a comfortable choice over tailored pantsuits and chunky knit sweater.

Camel hair polo coat: A classic, the long double-breasted coat in rich camel hair is an investment with high returns.

Duffel: Storybook toggles and a detachable hood make this car coat a time-tested favourite.

Peacoat: Originally designed for sailors, this sports jacket has enduring style.

Three-in-one anorak: Versatile, practical and chic, the anorak's outer shell can be worn alone or over its button-out liner for extra warmth. The liner is reversible, quilted on one side and with fleece on the other.

Double-faced wool jacket: Double-faced wool turns unstructured jackets into blankets of luxury.

Ruana: Inspired by the ponchos worn by bullfighters, ruanas add drama to sleek suits and dresses, with lambswool and merino wool offering a smart-looking alternative to fitted coats.