Who put the funk in functionality?

No time like the present to think about Fall jackets especially as one sits in the 45 C Saudi heat. Serious funtionality works here. A good solid jacket is a thing of beauty and in purchasing one, when done right, can stay indefinitely in your closet.

Just as edgy green is the color of the season and reflective of our chaotic economic times, classic items are what you should look for when considering a purchase.

I've brought you just a few staples to look for: trench coats, bomber and motorcycle jackets, and military styling are basics that will, I promise, never ever go out of style.

Here's a leather jacket with trench coat styling. Double breasted with great details - waist cinching belt, wrist straps and snaps around the neck to keep out the fog and damp. This beautifully done jacket is by Burberry so you'll have the great Burberry tartan lining worth showing off when draped over the back of your cafe chair. That is, if you ever want to take it off. Available at Burberry online and Net-a-Porter.

This Balmain jacket typifies the classic miliary styling. Smart, tailored and with perfect details - olive green, slash pockets, buttoned cuffs, double breasted which will always give you waist, whether you have one or not!

This Miu Miu jacket just slays me it's so amazing, or as we say here, "Mesh ma'oul!", arabic for "Unbelievable!" Again, classic, classic, classic. Picture this beautiful deep blue velvet worn with jeans and a favorite rocknroll t-shirt - tight, of course. Or, worn to the office with a crisp white blouse and smart skinny slacks.

On the weekend, it can be worn over a long dress or with a short skirt and a camisole. The rich color, nipped in waist and detail such as the piping in the front will make this an instant favorite. One word of advice if you have a teenage daughter who likes to "borrow" your clothes? Hide it. Hide it well.

Here is one of my favorite designers, Stella McCartney and her take on the tuxedo jacket. It's all there, statement-wise, but totally it's femininity cannot be denied. Done in velvet with the tux lapels in a constrating grain, buttonedcuffs and single breasted. Fin!

Can you sense I'm feelin' velvet? Luxurious, romantic and in the most gorgeous shade of teal with a beautiful turquoise lining. Etro does their varation of a hacking jacket here with a single breasted, slightly padded sleeve and three perfect buttons down the front.

Back to some more military might. Is this Alexander McQueen frock coat not enough to make you think there's no conquest that is insurmountable when you have it on? I mean, c'mon! Beautiful wool fabric, double breasted with gold button detailing is dramatic yet completely ulitarian. Plus, it begs to be worn with boots.

Nothing drives me crazy like a distressed bomber or motorcycle jacket and this one by Donna Karen has got me talking to myself. Don't be fooled by the fitted short design of the jacket. It can be worn layered with long sweaters underneath or just go for simplicity. Zippered sleeves and double breasted front has Steve McQueen cool all over it. Check out the zippered map pockets set high on the left sleeve. Style, baby, style. 

We going to end on functionality since Stella knows how to put the funk in functionality. This Stella McCartney for Adidas ski jacket has warmth and style embedded here. While in London last February, everyone was wearing shiny North Face jackets so I propose we step it up a notch.

Sleek insulation with a matte quilting finish done in black will have you warm and stylish whether you're braving the cold windy streets in London, or snowboarding down the slopes in Park City.