Which is the coat for you?

Traditionally, it’s the major wardrobe investment of the year. The Winter Coat is a weather-battling stalwart of a garment, selected with care and consideration in the hope that it will see us through the next little chapter of our lives, come rain or wind, come snow or icy chill, whatever the occasion.

Outerwear, it should be pointed out, is a far more varied concept now than it was in days gone by, with fleeces, padded waistcoats and jackets, and even long knitted cardigans bringing effective and fashion-friendly options for winter wear.

But this simply means that, for many of us, the winter coat is an even more important fashion buy in the modern world, not least as an opportunity to reflect our lifestyle and personality. A coat, after all, is a garment for which we become recognised across the street. It can become our style signature, so it needs to project something that we are happy about.

Practicality does have to be the prime consideration, however. There is no point in having a coat that fits like a glove if you have a lifestyle that involves the frequent wearing of suit jackets or long, chunky cardigans that will not fit comfortably beneath it. Your coat will remain in your wardrobe until one fine and enthusiastic clearout day, when you realise that you have never worn it and so you pop it in the black bag to take to the charity shop.

Fortunately, this season, the oversize coat is one of the most striking new trends – that is, a coat that looks slightly as if you have borrowed it from someone bigger, although not necessarily a boyfriend or husband, as many of these great coats are in pinks, purples, plums and vibrant checks.

Contrary to popular opinion, they can work if you are on the shorter side, as long as they are in proportion with your size, so try one that does not fall much below the knee.

Thanks to the volume, oversize coats allow for jackets and knits beneath, and they look especially good on dress-down days in skinny jeans and flat brogues or sneakers, for a sharp, masculine edge.

If volume is not for you, this season’s minimalist looks offer pared-down, contemporary sleekness of cut, which is flattering and perfect if you favour body-conscious shift dresses, slim-fit separates and fine knits for winter, and you flit from car to office to home without much need for heavy-duty outdoor wear. This season, look for a vibrant blue, a classic navy or charcoal, or a glamorous cream wool version.

The parka is a style-credible option for those who prefer a more street-wise take, but don’t save it for weekends because it also works well over your smart workwear, especially if you choose a fur-trimmed hooded style, for edgy, cosy luxe.

The cocoon is, for many, THE most stylish coat of the new season, combining easy-to-wear volume with sleek, tailored lines, soft shoulders and minimalism. For pure glamour, look out for cream and camel wool versions with luxurious collars and concealed fastening. Worth splashing out on and it won’t really date, thanks to its sophisticated, timeless elegance.

Finally, androgynous looks are a major influence this autumn and a theme we can all play with. Key in directly by choosing a short, tailored coat to wear with skinny trousers and flats or heels, for cool girl-meets-boy in the city style.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ