Winter style all wrapped up

Mimi longline trench coat, £150, Monsoon. www.monsoon.co.uk

The star piece in your style arsenal, your winter coat is
a true wardrobe staple which is worth a little investment, says
Amy Norbury.

T

HE temperature outside has noticeably dropped, the nights are drawing in – and this is your sign, should you need it, to up your outerwear game for the season ahead.

A winter coat is the cornerstone of any wardrobe, a hero piece which will pay for itself time and again throughout the chillier months. Combining style and practicality, your winter coat is the one item you’ll reach for on a daily basis; after all, the right coat will see you bracing the sub-zero temperatures with confidence as the focal point of your outfit. Choose wisely and your pick will see you right through to spring and beyond for years to come.

As such, think about your winter coat as an investment piece – with so much usage potential, it’s often something worth splurging a little more. But if you’re going to splash the cash on a single item, it’s got to fit the bill; a coat which will pair with the majority of outfits in your wardrobe, while striking the right balance between dressed-up and casual cool. And, let’s face it, for much of the winter your outfits are buried beneath your coat so it’s essential you choose one you truly love.

While it isn’t necessary to replace your winter coat annually, if your outdoor threads are looking a little, well, threadbare this year, there are some great pieces out there to help you freshen things up.

Happily, this winter timeless silhouettes and classic styles reign supreme. Elegant wool coats in neutral hues, retro bomber jackets, practical puffer coats and the classic black coat are eternally popular picks – and there’s plenty of choice on the catwalks and high streets.

Leather bombers dominated the runway at Balenciaga, while Ferragamo offered up some showstopping wool coats – but if your budget is on the more affordable side, there are some great high street brands offering beautiful quality at a fraction of those designer prices.

From heritage check wool to winter-proof padded styles in elegant hues of olive green, camel and cream, luscious leathers to cosy shearling, it’s a veritable feast of classic style. Try a selection of silhouettes to see what works best for your wardrobe, styling your picks with a range of your existing pieces.

And if all else fails, a black longline wool coat is the ultimate outerwear pick – a chic companion for every winter outing which will look great every time