Help me find an overcoat/topcoat

[ms244]

I'm in need of a coat that I can wear with a suit.
I wear a 38R, everything I seem to encounter is significantly larger. I would like to spend less then $250 on this. What should I look for?

Is 3/4 length acceptable? Single or Double breasted? Any tips on measurements?

I currently only own one suit, a black one

, will it be ok to wear a non-black/grey coat on top, say brown or houndstooth?

I need a quick education

 

[Jared]

You should have no problems finding 38R at retail. They're not as common as bigger sizes on discount, but if you're not picky it should still be easy. The archives answer all the rest of your questions. Start with this thread: http://styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=21122