Living in Britain, if there’s one item in your wardrobe guaranteed to be worn regularly, it’s your winter coat.
I’d argue it’s the most important fashion decision you’ll make, and the best single item to invest in.
A coat is vital to creating a good first impression (just ask anyone in politics or royalty). It can also cover a multitude of sins – with the perfect coat, you can wear jeans and a jumper every day and still look chic.
Well-made coats are built to last and not as influenced by trends. And this is the perfect time to buy a new one, when upmarket brands have their winter collections on sale.
My top tip? Always inspect zips and linings.
Here’s my guide to the five best styles to look for – and how to avoid the fashion pitfalls…
The posh puffer
The puffer comes back season after season but check the seams and stitching for quality.
A-listers including Katie Holmes adore US label Marfa Stance’s reversible quilted coats. Look for something collarless, with big pockets.
Reiss has a version in black, khaki or a reversible caramel colour for £138 (was £348, reiss.com). Just avoid a furry hood – a thing of the past.
The classic wrap
In the Netflix series Black Doves, Keira Knightley looks effortlessly stylish in a toffee-coloured wool wrap coat.
In her racy new film Babygirl, Nicole Kidman’s character opts for a chic camel version. It’s no surprise to see them in similar styles: with its flowing lines and cinched waist, it’s a classic.
Max Mara’s version will set you back £1,970 but I’d advise heading to Bicester Village where you can currently find the same cashmere and wool mix for £519.
Razor-sharp tailoring doesn’t have to cost the earth though – for a bargain, try Hobbs’s version at £199 (right, reduced from £299, hobbs.com).
A statement colour
The Princess of Wales knows the power of statement outerwear, and has proudly re-worn her vibrant red Alexander McQueen coat for years.
Choose a colour you love and wear often – your outfit underneath should be a mix of similar shades for a look that says considered elegance.
Keep the cut simple and make it a sweeping ankle length, which is flattering and will make you look tall.
Try Nobody’s Child’s scarlet style for a bold statement at £130 (was £229, nobodyschild.com).
Double-breasted
Whether you choose to button up or not, a double-breasted coat will always look smart. Just as in menswear, the double row of buttons is considered more formal – so adds instant polish to any look.
If you want your coat to go with everything, navy is the colour to choose as it’s kinder to tired skin than black. This £34 version from Anyday by John Lewis (was £69, johnlewis.com) is incredibly wearable.
Sumptuous teddy texture
Created by Italian label Max Mara in the 1980s, the teddy bear coat has been huge for the past ten years – a perfect combination of cosiness and style.
Actor Lily Collins favours Max Mara’s oversized caramel style, which will set you back £2,760. French label Tara Jarmon’s version feels equally Emily In Paris, and is now a fraction of the price, reduced from £515 to £216 (tarajarmon.co.uk).
Never deviate with fussy fits in this fabric – something simple and looser-fitting will always flatter.
This style has the benefit of not being too formal for a drink at a pub, but smart enough to wear to the theatre.
