Life

Fashion:These are the five biggest coat trends of the autumn/winter

Katie Wright sets out the styles to be seen in this season

Principles Multicoloured Checked City Coat, £52 (was £65); Principles Black Check Print Wide Leg Trousers, £28 (were £35); Principles Navy Check Downbrim Hat, £22; Faith Natural Leather Trim Kicks Chunky Trainers, reduced to £23.20 from £29, all from Debenhams (jumper, stylist's own)
Principles Multicoloured Checked City Coat, £52 (was £65); Principles Black Check Print Wide Leg Trousers, £28 (were £35); Principles Navy Check Downbrim Hat, £22; Faith Natural Leather Trim Kicks Chunky Trainers, reduced to £23.20 from £29, all from Debenhams (jumper, stylist's own)

WHEN it comes to stocking up on new season essentials, a coat is one of – if not the most important item you'll buy. It's got to look good, keep you warm, and mesh well with the rest of your wardrobe, so this isn't a purchase that should be taken lightly.

That's why we've assembled a guide to the catwalk-inspired coats and jackets that will help you look cool and stay warm this winter. Whether you want an affordable wardrobe update or an investment piece, here are the trends you need to know about and where to shop them...

CHECK COATS

This season's coolest check coats are longline and straight cut, perfect for layering over swishy skirts or wide leg trousers.

Palones Kimmi Duffel Coat, £185; Batwing Shirt, £59; Kimmi Deconstructed Wide Leg Trousers, £130, all from Palones (shoes, stylist's own)
Palones Kimmi Duffel Coat, £185; Batwing Shirt, £59; Kimmi Deconstructed Wide Leg Trousers, £130, all from Palones (shoes, stylist's own)
Matalan Check Double Breasted Coat, £40
Matalan Check Double Breasted Coat, £40

FAUX FUR COATS

Whether it's a short and sweet jacket or a colossal coat, pick a primary colour and wear it with pride.

Luisa Cerano Cropped Faux Fur Jacket, £312; Jumper, £205; Trousers, £205
Luisa Cerano Cropped Faux Fur Jacket, £312; Jumper, £205; Trousers, £205
Nasty Gal Surfin' Bird Faux Fur Coat, currently reduced to £60 from £120
Nasty Gal Surfin' Bird Faux Fur Coat, currently reduced to £60 from £120
Glamorous Red Faux Fur Coat, £64, available in November
Glamorous Red Faux Fur Coat, £64, available in November
Dorothy Perkins Teal Faux Fur Jacket, £50
Dorothy Perkins Teal Faux Fur Jacket, £50

TEDDY COATS

Be it in traditional teddy bear hues or mood-boosting brights, these fuzzy feel-good coats will keep you cosy all winter long.

New Look Cream Double Breasted Longline Teddy Coat, £37.49 (was £49.99)
New Look Cream Double Breasted Longline Teddy Coat, £37.49 (was £49.99)

SHEARLING JACKETS

You know that black shearling jacket that's been ubiquitous for the last couple of winters? Well it's back, but this time with a difference. This season's aviators are pale and interesting – so make sure yours is cream, ivory, pastel pink or baby blue.

Oasis Off-White Shearling Jacket, £85; Funnel Knit, £46 (trousers, stylist's own)
Oasis Off-White Shearling Jacket, £85; Funnel Knit, £46 (trousers, stylist's own)
Matalan Shearling Coat, £40, available November 1
Matalan Shearling Coat, £40, available November 1

WRAP COATS

An outerwear essential that will never go out of style. Camel is the classic colour choice for a minimalist belted style, but soft pinks or ivory tones have a cool, modern feel.

Monsoon Rita Wrap Collar Long Coat, £150
Monsoon Rita Wrap Collar Long Coat, £150
Miss Selfridge Pink Funnel Neck Wrap Coat, £79
Miss Selfridge Pink Funnel Neck Wrap Coat, £79