There’s plenty to look forward to when autumn rolls around – the leaves turning, the return of true sweater weather, the annual rewatch – but even a Meg Ryan romcom can’t beat the joy of a new winter coat. It might seem a little early for anything heavy, but think ahead now and you’ll thank yourself when you’ve got the sold-out coat on everyone else’s wishlists.

And it’s prudent to think beyond this season alone. A winter coat is an investment piece that should last many years, so look for something timeless in a versatile colour that puts construction and fabrics first, be it a sharp black overcoat, oversized leather jacket, a practical puffer or a does-it-all trench. Our advice? Try multiple silhouettes before making a decision and consider how they would pair with existing pieces in your wardrobe to guarantee maximum outfit mileage. Think quality over quantity – it’s better to have reliable styles on rotation rather than several that you rarely wear.

The best winter coats available now, at a glance:

The brown overcoatRead more

The bomber

COS Funnel-Neck Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket

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And if you want your choice to last, it’s important to look after it well. In the market for something woolen? Consider purchasing a lint roller to tackle any stray fibres. Before storing outerwear for the summer, it’s wise to take your coats to the dry cleaners – you’ll thank yourself when you pull it out fresh and ready to wear at the first sign of frost. And with the famously unpredictable weather, always endeavour to have an umbrella on hand to protect delicate fabrics from sudden downpours.

Below, highlights the best winter coat trends and our favourite styles available now, organised by category.

The structured brown coat