The great coat guide

It’s the most important piece you’ll buy this winter, so invest wisely and you’ll wear it for years to come. From houndstooth to shearling, this season’s coats have a 1960s twist

The new-season coats have landed – here’s the lowdown

THE HOUNDSTOOTH MAXI

A houndstooth-check coat makes a smart statement and goes perfectly with winter’s must-have knee-high boots.

Coat, £69.99, 6-18, New Look. Jumper, £130, xs-l, Celtic & Co. Skirt (just seen), £39.99, 6-18, River Island. Earrings, £29.99, & Other Stories. Bag, £28, Next. Boots, £169.99, 3-8, H&M Studio

THE GREEN QUILTER

Think of this coat as your winter parka. The padded design promises warmth and style all in one. Layer it over your favourite day dress and knit for a lovely daytime look.

Coat, £249, 6-16, Hush. Jumper, £25, 8-18, M&S Collection. Dress, £114, 6-18, Anthropologie. Ring, £25, Orelia. Boots, £190, 3-8, Dune London

THE UPDATED TRENCH

Consider upgrading to this faux leather version to instantly elevate your favourite jeans.

Trench, £79, 4-18; jeans, £39.99, 6-18, both Topshop. Knit, £35, 8-16, River Island. Blouse, £24.90, xs-xl, Uniqlo x Ines

De La Fressange. Boots, £130, 3-8, Dune London

THE MILITARY WRAP

This smart and sharp maxi style will instantly make a statement. Pair with fun tights and colour-pop pointy flats.

Coat, £149, xs-xl, H&M Studio Collection. Jumper, £59.99, 6-18, Hush. Skirt, £149, 8-18, Boden.

Earrings, £39.95, Seol + Gold.

Tights, £14.99, xs-xl, Calzedonia.

Pumps, £129, 3-9, Hobbs

THE BELTED CHECK COAT

A voluminous checked number is the perfect everyday style to transform your whole wardrobe.

Coat, £80, 6-16, Monki. Jumper,

£89, 6-18, H&M. Trousers (just seen), £88, 6-18, Cordings

THE VERSATILE SHEARLING

Rethink the shearling coat in a feminine light. Wear with leopard print and add a bow to your hair for a French touch.

Coat, £99.90, 6-16, Uniqlo x Ines De La Fressange. Jumper, £89;

skirt, £69, both 8-18, Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis & Partners. Bow, £6, Claire’s.

Earrings, £39.95, Seol + Gold.

Boots, £79.99, 3-9, Clarks

THE BRIGHT TEDDY COAT

Be bold and try out a colourful version of the classic teddy coat to bring some fun to your day and into the evening, too.

Coat, £35, 8-20, Matalan. Top, £79, 8-18, Hobbs. Trousers, £59.99, 6-16, H&M Studio. Shoes, £85, 3-9, Dune London

THE PLAID TAILORED COAT

A tailored checked coat will be your workwear hero. Pair with sheer tights and a buttery faux leather bag to soften this style.

Coat, £35, 6-22, Primark.

Jumper, £69, 8-18, Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis & Partners. Bag, £39.99, Mango.

Tights, £8.99, s-l, Calzedonia.

Shoes, £85, 3-8, Dune London

THE BLUSH BEAUTY

This classic shape with wide lapels is given a refreshing twist in this blush shade with tortoiseshell buttons. Wear with soft greens and feminine checks to keep things modern.

Coat, £35, 8-22, F&F. Cardigan, £40, s-l, Monki. Skirt, £15, 6-22, Primark

THE FAUX FAVOURITE

You can’t go wrong with a trusty faux-fur coat – it’s the perfect accompaniment for your printed day dresses.

Coat, £65, 6-20, Next. Dress, £39.95, 8-18, M&S Autograph.

Earrings, £39.95, Seol + Gold.

Bracelet, £27.99, Pilgrim.

Loafers, £85, 3-9, Dune London