Style clinic

Dear Style Clinic

I am on the lookout for a new winter coat but there do seem to be so many different styles in the shops. I need an all-rounder. What do you suggest?

Where have all these coats come from this season? And so many styles, from chunky puffas and furry teddies to lighter duster coats and trenches, country-boho sheepskins and shearlings, loose tailored wrap coats, and the more casual long fluffy check shackets I am seeing everywhere.

But let us concentrate on finding an all-rounder, by which I assume you mean one that you can wear day to night, with leisurewear, jeans and over party outfits.

The top choice for this at the moment has to be a roomy, padded puffa and this longline black style here from John Lewis’s wellpriced Anyday range is ideal, whether you pop it on post-exercise class, or wear it to see you home in cosy comfort after a night on the tiles.

Marks & Spencer also has a wide collection of fantastic autumn/ winter puffas and padded coats, but my favourite is its cream hooded belted wrap coat, which brings achicedgeof glamour, whether you wear it casually or for something more dressy.

Finally, if you are looking for a true goanywhere coat, you could do no better than the smart parka-style Barbour International Aragon Jacket (it’s long, like a coat), which has a hood with detachable fur trim, comes in cream and black and is waterproof. A classic.