Winter fashion: Sugar coat it

I'm not trying to hasten the end of this somewhat indecisive summer, but there is something about the approach of winter that always signals a good shopping trip.

Unlike flimsy summer tops and floaty spring skirts, winter means chunky, solid pieces. Big woollen coats and nicely tailored trousers or cute pencil skirts and long-sleeved blouses.

The first real dose of winter fashion has arrived in the shops so now is a great time to think about making that essential purchase of a great winter jacket or coat. Get the right one and it will take you through the years.

I always like a trench because the ability to cinch in the waist means there's no risk of looking swamped.

However, the options are varied: Military, cropped, casual and tailored styles are all making an appearance this season. Most are bold and strong enough that they can handle almost any accessory - bright, chunky necklaces are perfect.

The key consideration is where on your frame the jacket sits. For example, the bottom hem will draw a line across your body and could make you look wider than you are.

A trench that falls to the knee is slimming, as is a tailored jacket that sits on your hips. Steer well clear of puffy numbers that bunch and fall right on your waistline.

Fuller figures should look for straight cuts and avoid anything double-breasted. If you're short, steer clear of anything long and think about what you might wear under it.

Whether you want a bright print such as some of these or stick with a tried-and-true neutral, pick up some other pieces that work well with your coat while you're shopping.

A bright pencil skirt looks amazing under a long, dark jacket, or look for a cute blouse to soften a military-style coat. For the real depths of winter, a pastel scarf is a nice way to soften what could otherwise be a severe look.

Buy the best coat you can afford - in a fabric you love - and you'll be wishing away next summer so that you can get it out of the wardrobe again.