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Fashion: Wrap up your winter with a stylish cover up

Splashing out on a new coat this winter? Lisa Haynes has this season's standout picks all wrapped up

Biba at House of Fraser Carved Faux Fur Coat, available from houseoffraser.co.uk
Biba at House of Fraser Carved Faux Fur Coat, available from houseoffraser.co.uk Biba at House of Fraser Carved Faux Fur Coat, available from houseoffraser.co.uk

WITH heatwave season a distant memory, the search for that dream winter cover-up is well and truly on.

If you haven't already found the ultimate staple that'll see you through to next spring, you'd best be quick – the fashion pack cherry-pick their cold-weather coat of arms back in balmy July.

Luckily, there are still plenty of on-trend styles and cuts to go around, whether you want to experiment with a post-modern puffer (yes, really), or play it safe with super-sleek minimalism. Time to select your top coat...

MINIMALIST MARY

This season's wave of sleek midi-length coats are all about the lack of detail. Fastenings are minimal and fussy finishes are out, in favour of a clean, streamlined shape with zero interruptions.

Because the silhouette is ultra-minimal, you can make more of a mark with colour, whether opting for neutrals, bold brights or playing around with unexpected panels of contrasting hues.

TOP STYLING TIP: Experiment with bright or print accessories. A stark, minimalist coat gives you licence to be way more adventurous.

:: Jigsaw Magdalena Double Wrap Coat, £350 (jigsaw-online.com)

:: Jaeger Boiled Wool Patch Pocket Coat, £399 (jaeger.co.uk)

:: V by Very Premium Colourblock Boyfriend Coat, £90 (very.co.uk)

FURRY MONSTER

Forecasters must have predicted a frosty winter... this season, faux furs have gone super-sized. For the most flattering fit, go for longer length styles in shaggy fur or teddy-like textures.

Play it safe with neutrals for the wearability factor. Yes, coloured fur is on-trend (YSL's red heart-shaped furry jacket anyone?), but you do run the risk of looking like a character from Sesame Street.

TOP STYLING TIP: Play around with contrasting textures. A fuzzy bear-like coat will look incredible teamed with matte leather or sheeny silk.

:: Biba at House of Fraser Carved Faux Fur Coat, £199 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Karen Millen Teddy Fur Coat, £350 (karenmillen.com)

:: Hobbs Bethany Coat, £199 (hobbs.co.uk)

ECCLECTIC LADY

If your idea of the perfect look is a cacophony of clashing textures, prints and colours, this season's print coats have got you covered.

Expect the unexpected, like traditional plaid teamed with bright fur accents, or classic leopard print with a twist of stripes. These coats are made with anti-wallflowers in mind.

TOP STYLING TIP: Let your statement coat do all the talking by going tonal (keeping your outfit in similar shades throughout), or wearing neutrals like black, navy or grey.

:: Primark Check Faux Fur Collar Coat, £40 (in stores only; www.primark.com)

:: Preen Edition Brown Animal Print Coat, £160 (debenhams.com)

:: Topshop Colourblock Boyfriend Coat, £125 (available mid-October; topshop.com)

QUILT QUEEN

Take your duvet day to the extreme with this winter's surprise coat hero; the puffer jacket. The key to pulling off these uber-quilted 80s coats is to ensure the rest of your outfit is put-together. High-tops and snapback caps? Out of bounds.

Maxi-length padded coats will double up as a sleeping bag when your legs get cold, while shorter styles mean you can get away with more 'padding', for the ultimate cosy coat.

TOP STYLING TIP: Keep the rest of your outfit streamlined to balance out the exaggerated padded proportions of your coat.

:: Long Tall Sally Lightweight Padded Maxi Coat, £200 (longtallsally.com)

:: River Island Pink Padded Coat With Faux Fur Trim, £90 (riverisland.com)

:: Per Una at M&S Pink Duvet Coat, £99, available mid-October (marksandspencer.com)

GET THE LOOK

Not a dress person? No matter; copy Alesha Dixon with a flared black jumpsuit instead. Dixon's been spotted out and about sporting the Buckle Culottes Jumpsuit, £129 (littleblackdress.co.uk), from her own range from the brand – looking more than a little marvellous.

BUY IT NOW

Boo! What better treat than a bespoke clutch bag for Fright Night? Add some ghoulish sparkle to your Halloween costume with a Glitter Handmade Clutch Bag With Pom-poms, by Saundra O'Shea. Choose from a 'Boo', pumpkin, skull or kitty design, from £55. Bags can be custom designed, but allow two to three working days after placing your Halloween order (www.sos15.co.uk).

FASHION FLASH

:: HEELS FALLING FLAT

It's music to chiropodists' ears: sales of heels have been eclipsed by trainers. Over the past year, for the first time ever, more women have bought trainers than high heels, according to research by Mintel. While 37 per cent splurged on a new pair of kicks, just 33 per cent bought footwear with a heel, with women aged 35-44 taking the biggest strides in the trainer-buying stakes. "Athletic footwear is increasingly being used for everyday activities, showing that trainers are now more likely to be worn for non-sports use," says Mintel's senior fashion analyst, Tamara Sender.

STYLE STEAL

Get personal with an oversized initial pendant. Snap up Topshop's Initial Necklace, currently half price at £5 while stocks last (topshop.com).