It's the one item you should never skimp on. It's the only item that you will wear most winter days and therefore needs to go with everything in the wardrobe, has to insulate you against chilly temps - and has to be something you will love all the way tospring.
Thankfully, the task of finding one that ticks all those boxes isn't too tricky as there are coats aplenty at the moment. It's choosing that's the hard part.
To make it easier, here are some coat trends you can rely on to hit the fashion jackpot all winter.
Just keep in mind, that when you're trying coats on, you'll be wearing layers underneath come July and popping buttons will undo even the best-looking of coats.
Capes Get your Little Red Riding Hood o, with this season's fashion coat of choice - the cape. Give red the flick to avoid looking like the storybook girl and instead pick Ruby's sherbet-pink version with big gold buttons or Juliette Hogan's grey big-bowed take on the trend. You'll also find capes in the collections of Karen Walker and twentysevennames.
Trench The trench coat never really goes out of fashion - understandably, given its belted waist, which emphasises shape. It can look workplace-appropriate and keep out the raindrops when you step outside.
The Camel Coat It's a wardrobe staple this winter, a little injection of luxe Hollywood glamour. The camel-coloured coat is as practical as black and grey in terms of matching with the rest of your wardrobe, but offers something different this season. Camel works well with most skin tones, with the exception of pale-skinned blondes, who will find the colour makes them look washed out.
The Mobamabelt On a side note, do like the Americans did over winter and copy Michelle Obama's belt-over-coat style. The cinched-in waist is flattering and ties together an outfit that could otherwise look like a coat thrown over the top of your day clothes.
