OCTOBER 2007: LOSE THE MINK. As election time draws near, Richard Nixon's famous 1952 speech about his wife's "respectable Republican cloth coat" seems to be having fashion resonance 55 years later. This season, proper wool or cashmere coats are in abundance, edging out leather and down-filled toppers as cold-weather favorites. With stylish details like bodice pleats, cowl collars and balloon sleeves, these coats also have surprisingly accessible prices—making the 2008 cloth coat respectably democratic.

Picture Caption: Zigzag coat by Tibi, $828 at Henri Bendel in New York, (212) 247-1100. Skirt and top by Alice + Olivia; leather gloves by Carolina Amato for eLuxury; boots by Jill Stuart.