Military garb—the ultimate statement of strength and functionality—has influenced menswear for decades. For Fall 2012, designers returned to this theme, but this time around they kept the lines sleek and sophisticated (check out the Dries Van Noten, Dior Homme, and Tommy Hilfiger collections) instead of overly detailed and casual. For a cool way to urbanize your winter wardrobe—reserve that ski parka for the mountain!—check out these military-inspired coats:

Double-breasted suits and outerwear are a big trend for men this season, which is why I like this trench coat by Topman (pictured, above). Its fitted style and charcoal wool fabric make it an elegant but not too formal take on the cotton classic.

Find It: $198, fancytiger.com

Camel is always a chic option for winter outerwear and this utility jacket by Banana Republic (pictured, left), made from Italian treated wool, has the added bonus of being water-repellent, making it both good-looking and practical.

Find It: $250, bananarepublic.com

Another men’s wardrobe staple gets a fashion-forward twist: French label IRO reimagines the pea coat in charcoal wool with a trim silhouette and a wide, notched lapel (pictured, right).

Find It: $612, shopgoldyn.com

 Follow fashion editor Georgia Benjou on Twitter at @gabenjou or on Pinterest at gabenjou.