Time for a new coat???

A new winter coat is the most exciting buy for winter (along with new boots) and the High Street is exploding with new colour palettes, textures and styles. Whether you are looking for something versatile or something that makes more of a statement, here's our pick of this season's coats followed by some tips on how to narrow down the choice and find one that is just right for you. The Season's Styles Every winter we see the same styles reappear with a bit of an update, whether it be new colours and textures or twists in the detail. Favourites are the trench, pea coat, Crombie and parka. These are all great staples because they never really date. Whilst it's easy to go for the safe options, try to get out of your comfort zone and experiment with new shapes. You just need to make sure the style suits you and works with a variety of outfits. You also want to enjoy wearing it. The big coat stories this season are oversized/boyfriend, pared back tailoring, wraps and capes. The New ColoursYes it is practical to have a coat in a neutral shade (grey, navy, camel or black) that goes with everything, but your coat is not just serving a purpose, it is part of YOUR style. If you choose carefully and get the right colour for you, a colour can be just as versatile. If you like something a bit different you might want to try some colour block pieces. The colour stories for coats this season are cobalt blue, pale pink, hot pink, orange, red and yellow. Pattern and Fabric Stories Tartan is THE pattern to go for and we're not looking at traditional weaves here. There are varying colours and big checks. Following closely behind tartan are Aztec-like patterns mostly in rich colours and fabrics in wrap and cape styles. Both themes make your winter coat more of a statement. Shearling is back along with faux fur and we are seeing these textures mixed with other fabrics too. The furs are fun but not in the least bit practical, but go for it if you dare! Tips to consider when choosing your coat What do you like? Long, short, classic, on trend, creative, neutral shade, colourful, smart, casual? You want something that reflects your style and fits with your lifestyle. There is no point buying a long coat if you are in and out of a car all day, or a short one if you walk miles to the train station. What do you need? First and foremost it needs to keep you warm. Check what it is made of. It must fit well and make sure when you try on your coats that you wear a jumper or jacket underneath. Decide if you need it to be versatile or something different for particular occasions, perhaps a super smart or statement look. Do you have a coat wardrobe? You may consider having a few coats in your wardrobe depending on the occasion: one for every day, another for shopping (you don't want to overheat), one waterproof, and so on. You don't need to buy them all at once, but over two or three years you can build a coat wardrobe. Don't be afraid to try new styles and colours! Happy coat shopping!