I have two things that I would like to talk to you about this week. The first being winter coats and the second, winter hoods. Let’s start with winter coats.

When it comes to investing in a coat, I would recommend spending as much as you can afford, as generally speaking the more you spend the better the quality of the coat. I often wait for the sales but I don’t look to save money, I just look to get a better quality coat for my budget. For a winter coat to be warm and age well, you want to seek out as much natural fibre as possible. A polyester coat will look good for a season, maybe a bit more, but you probably won’t be wearing it in 10 years time. Treat an excellent quality coat with care and it could be your friend for life.

In terms of style, I don’t think that trends prevail in the same way that they used to. If you find a cut that suits your proportions it will always look good, regardless of trends. I guess the ‘safest’ colours to go for are navy, black, charcoal grey and beige. Chocolate brown is the only colour that seems to come and go - at the moment it is very much de rigueur!

I love a herringbone or tweed coat for their versatility. I have said this so many time here before but the fabric tends to go with most other colours and textures - and looks so chic! Particularly a black and white herringbone.

I know that many of you like a TOAST coat and this one is a gem. Look at the long vent at the back - so elegant! I wore mine into London this week and two people stopped me to ask where it was from. The navy and green is a great combination while the a-line shape is both flattering and practical - you can fit so many layers underneath! With an a-line coat, just make sure that it fits nicely over the shoulders.

I should also mention that the second hand platforms are fantastic for tracking down beautiful quality coats - particularly if you search for well known brands like Joseph and Maxmara.

As an aside. this Siskin pointelle cardigan is so perfect for layering. The poinetlle design adds a subtle interest which elevates the whole look.

And to my second point - the hood. You may have seen a few of these around. Many brands are producing them this season. I am a fan! Since turning 40 (I'm now 44) my ears get cold and sore in the wind - is that a thing that happens?! Well, it has happened to me, so a knitted or boiled wool hood is a perfect solution. I also think that they look super stylish. When it’s not particularly cold outside you can wear your hood as a neck warmer/scarf too. With the hood up, the trick to not looking like Kenny from South Park, is making sure that you have some hair pulled out around your face. Then they look very chic!