Toward the end of September, New York City’s hot and sticky summer days suddenly turn chilly and windy — the first sign that fall is upon us. Staying up to date with trends, however, can be as easy as buying a single new piece. Coats, from oversized to leather, are not only a necessity, but an opportunity to make a strong sartorial statement.

Fall trends usually come in colors from the darker end of the spectrum — blacks, deep purples and grays. Though these colors have made their yearly appearance on the runways, statement coats in lighter hues, from pinks to jewel tones, have also made their mark on this fall’s trends. For a true stand-out piece, opt for a bright blue wool structured coat, like Urban Outfitters’ “Numph Nova Coat” ($250).

Alternatively, Zara sells a red coat with a simple yet chic fit, which adds a French twist to any look ($159).

If you prefer to maintain the classic fall color palette, however, navy is a prominent color this season. Navy is the perfect bridge between a stand-out color and a subdued neutral, and works best on classic cuts, such as a double-breasted coat from H&M ($69.95).

Although it’s tempting to stick with classic cuts for fall, playing with shape is a major trend in outerwear this season. Oversized coats are the most common new shape. While maintaining a minimalist but structured look, try using menswear trends. A simple gray, oversized blazer-style coat from Urban Outfitters ($149), or a grayscale checked coat from Topshop ($170), can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe as an everyday item.

Other loose shapes, such as the cape or the open-style coat, are also making an ap