For years (decades in fact), I've tended to favor military inspired, or actual military issue (when possible or practicable) outerwear, especially here in out Michigan Winters. My reasons are that they tend to provide good value and great design. They've typically been designed at great expense to be practical and perform as needed, and to be robust. In the past, I've owned M65 field jackets in black and cammo (never OD Green, maybe that's next?) with the liner, very versatile.

And flight jackets, I have CWU 45 and 36 in Nomex, though those don't fit anymore (put on too much weight, need to lose it!). Also have worn out many MA1 flight jackets over the years (both green and black). These were genuine issue products too, and were perhaps the most susceptible to wearing out of any USGI jackets I've owned. The collars tended to roll, pill and wear. Somewhat true with sleeves as well.

In high school, I wore a knock off of the "snorkel parka" N-3B (parents didn't want to spring x 2 $ for the real deal, and it was a decent knock off). My current season (the last several, these things last quite some time) has me in a USAF issue A2 goatskin flight jacket in moderate temps and a USN issue (same manuf. though not sure if they are even issuing them anymore) wool pea coat for harsher conditions. I also currently have 3 MA1 jackets I wear (black, green and tan). But these are not USGI, they were a special run, all embroidered with Operation Iraqi Freedom tributes on the back. Purchased these at the PX in Baghdad when I was there as a civilian contractor working on the US Embassy.

These military styled garments are not meant by me to be a fashion statement (not like they and my hairstyle- a pony tail or unbound long hair naturally "go together"), but simply a function over form thing. Have to admit still, that I do like the look, just a side benefit of their utilitarian nature IMO.

So, what do you go for? Camel hair over coat? Trench coat (love those, lost one recently.... another story!). A Columbia, North Face or other modern civilian utilitarian jacket or coat? Or??? What'chya got?