The new dressing rules prescribe a seriously hard-working coat that will guide you from desk to dinner, lunch to late-night outings with ease. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who isn’t in the market for a cosy cover-up that’s won’t drain your budget and speaks nicely to the current fashion mood. Finding the perfect winter coat isn’t easy but we have some fail-safe guidelines we always follow: does it fit? Is it toasty? Will we still want to pull it out in winters to come? If the answer is yes to all of the above it’s a good starting point.

When it comes to trends this season’s hottest looks are a delightful mixed bag. Duvet jackets offer comfort and an of-the-moment buzz, floor-sweeping coats nail the maxi trend with aplomb, while colour pops reign supreme (see the gorgeous magenta jacket, below). We’ve scoured the new-in section at M&S to find the best coats and jackets of the season that will not disappoint: nab one while you can. 

Faux shearling textured long-line coat, Per Una, €120, at M&S. 

Feather and down drawstring waist puffer coat, M&S Collection, €125, at M&S. 

Relaxed long-line animal print jacket, M&S Collection, €110, at M&S. 

Check coat, M&S Collection, €125, at M&S.

Plaid shacket, M&S Collection, €95, at M&S. 

Hooded relaxed car coat, M&S Collection, €110, at M&S. 

Wool long-line coat with cashmere, Autograph, €210, at M&S. 

Faux fur teddy coat, Per Una, €120, at M&S.