How to wear this season's hottest coats

We may live in a country where our version of a ‘cold’ winter is usually warmer than springtime in Paris, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need (or want) a great coat to rug up in while we (mildly) freeze on nights out, or on the way to work in the morning.

The three key pieces worth investing in this winter are the ubiquitous trench coat, a classic long-line coat and the cape.

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The cape

For something with a little bit of drama and a lot of convenience, this season’s ultimate throw-on-and-go update is the cape.

Practicality (they’re easy, cosy and comfy) meets theatricality (see the sexy caped crusader above at Dior), bringing a touch of theatrical swagger to the everyday.

Whether your style is ladylike, a bit bohemian, classic or even preppy, the cold-weather cape can cater to a multitude of different personalities.

Wear it with short sleeves underneath and elbow length gloves for a sleek finish, with a faux-fur stole around the collar instead of a scarf, or with jeans and a blazer as a statement piece to throw on for the weekend.

The trench

Next to the cape, you may think of a trench coat as basic and boring, but I prefer to think of it as perennially classic — an item of clothing so simple, but so effortlessly chic it has the power to make you feel like Audrey Hepburn when you’re actually feeling, well, anything but.

This season, trenches come in all lengths and with or without sleeves, perfect for the warmer (and wetter) parts of Australia.

Wear yours tied at the waist — either with a contrasting belt, or the belt it comes with, and make sure your outfit can peek through by belting it with the buttons undone.

Because of its simplicity, use the classic trench to experiment with shape. Wear it with a billowing maxi skirt or wide-leg pants. A chunky shoe or platform heel will also help to anchor the fuller silhouette.

The long line

For those of us who prefer a heavier, more solid winter-warmer, the eternally chic and ever-classic long-line coat (think 1920s glamorous knee-length versions) gets modern with lush colours and luxe fabrics.

Cashmere, fur and satin up the glamour quotient for an evening option, and metallic finishes have an easy uptown polish.

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For day, options with concealed fastenings and structured necklines have a graphic elegance, creating a clean, unfussy line. Or opt for easy, refined style in classic camel — just like jeans, a camel long-line coat will go with everything.

To see Olivia’s favourite stylish coats on a budget, buy the July issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.