These are the 5 trendiest coat styles for winter – and AMY KESTER has scoured the high street to find an investment buy and a budget lookalike for each one

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Autumn is finally upon us, which means our wardrobes are shifting with the temperature. 

It’s time to dig out the transitional knits and, more importantly, invest in the outerwear that will see us through till spring. Whatever your budget, a hardworking coat is a wardrobe essential. 

But you don’t need to spend a fortune on an all-singing, all-dancing style. Yes, 100 per cent wool is wonderfully practical, but there are plenty of clever blends that won’t break the bank while still looking the part. I’ve identified the five trendiest coat styles for this season, and then I’ve found two versions of each… with very different price points. So can you spot the pricey piece from its cheaper lookalike?

THE CLASSIC

Created 12 years ago, Jigsaw’s iconic maxi coat is back again this season. It’s easy to see why the brand continues to return to this silhouette – it’s sleek, simple and oh-so wearable. For me, even at £389, it’s worth every penny. This is the kind of outerwear you can throw over a pair of jeans just as easily as you can a silky evening look. Made from 100 per cent wool, it has the quality to last and is far more effective than synthetic fibres at keeping a winter chill at bay. If you’re looking to save, F&F’s double-breasted coat is only £59.50 and delivers a similar polished, tailored look. 

Left: coat, £59.50, tesco.com. Right: coat, £389, jigsaw-online.com. Grey jumper, £170 and jeans, £150, withnothingunderneath.com; red jumper, £199, kiltane.com; mules, £40, marksandspencer.com; bag, £650, aspinaloflondon.com

More classic coats you can shop on the high street  

THE LEOPARD

Leopard has firmly established itself as a wardrobe staple. It’s no longer a statement print – even on a coat. The trick with leopard print outerwear is to stick to a darker palette and choose smaller spots; larger patterns tend to look cheap. Material matters, too. Wyse’s coat is a polyester-wool blend and, while the difference isn’t immediately apparent in these photos, the fabric feels notably more luxurious in person than Peacock’s £55 design. 

Left: Coat, £55, peacocks.co.uk Right: Coat £350, wyselondon.com, jumper, £250, wyselondon.com; skirt, £40, marksandspencer.com; boots, £65, next.co.uk

More leopard coats you can shop on the high street

THE FAUX FUR

Faux fur is everywhere this season. It may still be a slightly divisive choice, but if you love that glamorous, cocooning look, it’s perfect for the colder months. Deer print is having a moment in the spotlight, too, and is a playful alternative to leopard. Next’s funnel-neck jacket is a steal at only £75 and is wonderfully easy to wear thanks to its zip fastening. Prefer buttons? Try Karen Millen’s mock shearling jacket. It’s pricier at £199, but it’s reversible, so you’re effectively getting two coats for the price of one. 

Left:Jacket, £75, next.co.uk, Right: Jacket, £199, karenmillen.com, cords, £285, Mother Denim at trilogy.co.uk; bag, £465, demellierlondon.com; heels, £109, johnlewis.com

More faux fur you can shop on the high street 

THE FUNNEL NECK

When the cold snap hits, a funnel neck will be your saviour. Chocolate brown continues to dominate; it’s softer than black, and if you err towards a darker palette in winter, it’s a great way to add some rich colour to your wardrobe. Arket’s oversized wool design is made of sturdy stuff, but after seeing Primark’s version for £55, I was sold. It has great structure and holds its shape beautifully. The result is the perfect statement coat for anyone who isn’t drawn to bold prints or bright colours. 

Left: coat, £55, primark.com, Right: coat £269, arket.com, boots, £65, next.co.uk

More funnel necks you can shop on the high street 

THE CHECK

Whether you’ve been inspired by the current series of celebrity Traitors or simply love a classic check, this is the print to be seen in. Love & Roses’ coat may not be wool, but it’s wonderfully soft to the touch and finished with hammered gold buttons for an elevated feel. Holland & Cooper is known for its classic British tailoring. The coats come with a hefty price tag, like this £599 style, but look closely at the craftsmanship and you’ll understand why. Plus, you’ll be in excellent company: fans of the brand include Jodie Kidd and the Princess of Wales. 

Left: Coat, £89, Love&Roses at next.co.uk, Right: coat, £599, hollandcooper.com, jumper, £335, Allude and jeans, £340, Citizens of Humanity at Trilogy.co.uk; flats, £45, marksandspencer.com

More check coats you can shop on the high street