Believe it or not, April is considered a spring month. So why is it so cold? How are you supposed to break out your trendy new spring wardrobe when the temperature rarely rises above 40 degrees? Despite the less than warm weather, it’s a little late in the season to be wrapping yourself up in that Andrew Marc parka. You can, however, slip into one of this season’s smart and sophisticated spring coats! Trenches and 60’s- inspired styles are the biggest coat trends this spring that will keep you warm and looking hot.

The trench. It’s classic, simple and sophisticated; and it’s the perfect preppy spring coat for the Colgate student. Every brand, from J. Crew to Ralph Lauren, is showing traditional trenches this season. You can’t go wrong with one of this spring’s many tan or taupe trenches, but white is the cutting-edge color for ’06. Trenches are always classy, but wear one in a crisp white and you’ll look sharp!

Some may think that there’s not much that can separate one designer’s trench from another’s, but leave it to John Galliano to come up with something completely different. Trimmed in satin, Dior’s short tan trench is subtly sprinkled with sparkles. The coat’s shimmer, combined with big satin buckled cuffs and a matching belt, helps this trench to stand far out from the rest.

Roberto Cavalli is known for his unusual, controversial designs and his wild giraffe-print trench is sure to help him hold on to his reputation. This safari chic coat has a collar that’s about as big as an elephant’s ear, and a matching giraffe-print belt. Two silver rings and a gold clasp bring the belt together, and the color and texture of the metal pops out from the printed fabric. The trench’s roaring print isn’t something you’ll see everyday, but the coat’s sleek and feminine cut makes this coat both edgy and elegant.

This spring’s 60’s-style coats are a groovy way to stay warm. You’ll be hotter than a Fembot if you slip into Chlo?e’s retro coat. This green A-line coat hits just above the knee and has two rows of big buttons that stop at the bust. The coat’s high neck closes in the front with a white strap and a green button. The clean-cut lines and the bold color contrast between the white and green make this a super stylish 60’s spring coat.

Antonio Marras’s red-and-white coat for the spring Kenzo collection screams 60’s. Kenzo’s tailored A-line flower print coat is as loud and lively as a Beatles concert, especially with red and white polka dot bows that tie around either cuff. If you really wanted to keep people talking, you could wear this coat with the matching printed cap, sunglasses and handbag. It may be quite flashy, but this coat is unquestionably 60’s chic!

Burberry is also showing some 60’s style in their spring collection, but their pieces are a little more subdued. For a dressier design, take a peek at the brand’s cream-and- gold-checked duster coat. Fitted on the top, this double-breasted coat has a full, almost bubble-shaped bottom that stops right above the knee. Classy enough for Jackie O and trendy enough for Twiggy, Burberry’s duster coat is a 60’s spring sensation.

Thanks to this season’s coat’s you won’t have to compromise your spring style to stop from shivering!