Rain or shine: preparing for spring showers doesn't have to leave you high and dry. Choose a trench that defines your waistline, slims a silhouette or adds curves

Shape, April, 2005 by Kristina Ferrante Coleman

the belted trench

best for: defining a waistline

* Top: Kenneth Cole New York nylon-blend belted trench ($189; kennethcole.com)

* Middle: H Hilfiger nylon belted trench ($250; at select Tommy Hilfiger stores)

* Bottom: Mossimo at Target cotton-blend, floral-print belted trench ($40; target.com)

the single-breasted trench

best for: slimming a silhouette

* Top: MaxMara safari-print cotton single-breasted trench ($1,030; at MaxMara, New York City, 212-879-6100)

* Middle: Ann Taylor Loft cotton print single-breasted trench ($119; 800-DIALANN for store locations)

* Bottom: Gap cotton single-breasted trench ($88; gap.com)

the double-breasted trench

best for: creating curves

* Top: Burberry Prorsum raw-linen double-breasted trench ($1,805; at select Burberry stores)

* Middle: French Connection cotton double-breasted trench ($198; fcuk.com)

* Bottom: Paul & Joe cotton-blend double-breasted trench ($623; at American Rag, Los Angeles, 323-935-3154)