With a new season nearly upon us (hello spring) comes a new season coat style. You didn't think you could just keep wearing your old winter one, did you?
With that in mind, we have your new spring cover-up sorted. Eye-catchingly elegant or dressed down cool - whatever the look, these key coat styles will give your wardrobe an instant update.
The Perfect Pairing...
Leather and laser-cut is our favourite duo of the moment. They just work so well together. We first noticed this trend at the SS14 shows back in September, so we're glad to see it trickling down to the stores. This Escada number is chic enough for the office but would work equally well with ripped blue denim and trainers at the weekend. Find other laser-cut leather styles at Just Cavalli, Fendi and Karen Millen.
When You Don't Want To Be A Wallflower...
Because let's be honest, basics are boring sometimes. Jazz up your look with a printed playful style. After all, who cares what's going on underneath when you are rocking a statement coat like this.We love the monochrome styles at Zara and Jaeger, floral prints at Oasis, brocade styles at New Look or stripes aplenty, like this Boden one (pic below).
Keep the rest of your outfit understated and let the coat do the talking.
Yes, You Can Go Sleeveless...
Our new favourite wardrobe staple is minimal, stylish and, yes, sleeve-free. We heart this All Saints black leather version. But don't let the lack of sleeves scare you off, it's the perfect cover up to throw on in those annoying inbetween months of winter going and spring not quite coming. We like wearing ours with an oversized cashmere sweater underneath (think borrowed from your boyfriend), teamed with a slim-fitting skirt, bare legs and ankle boots.
This isn't just for those tricky transeasonal months, though, the sleeveless style works in high summer too. Play with your proportions and team with skimpy denim shorts and a logo sweater. Zara, Karen Millen and Stills all have great versions out now. Look out for styles that finish on the knee for the most flattering shape and pocket detail.
The Summer Parka...
Not just for trainspotters, these sporty cover-ups can cope with any spring shower. Tommy Hilfiger has done a tomato red shade for spring or go pretty in pastels with Hunter Original's icy blue shade. Do make sure you go for a style with a drawstring waist - it's the most flattering shape. Plus, don't just think they are only for long weekend walks, layer up under a single breasted coat for a more office-friendly look.
Derek Lam at Shopbop, Selected Femme, River Island, Eileen Fisher and Christopher Raeburn are all ones to check out. Failing that, we love this printed pink number from the Philli Wood collection at Warehouse, a partnership between the British Fashion Council and Warehouse to find the next fashion design talent. Job done, we say, Warehouse.
The Only Way Is Belted...
The classic trench style never really goes away, you probably already have a version of this and you're wondering how it's new for summer 2014? Look for barely-there nude shades and shorter lengths for SS14 - anything that hits your calf can look a bit mumsy, so steer well clear. Wear it unbuttoned and belted as sometimes buttoning right up to the top can be too matronly. If you want to cosy it up, add the good old faithful Uniqlo heat tech layers underneath to keep you warm before spring actually arrives. We like the look of the Collection by John Lewis, Boden, Zara and Ted Baker versions. But our favourite is this French Connection zip detail style.
Pastel Power...
Pastel shades aren't going anywhere, so if you bought a pink coat last summer, fear not, the sugary sweet moment isn't over just yet. For 2014, it's updated with a masculine shape and minimal fastenings. This Cos yellow version ticks both boxes.Teamit with black chunky ankle boots, or high heel sandals with a sporty rubber sole,to offset the pretty colour and edge up your look. M&S, Zara, Miss Selfridge, Phase Eight, River Island, Wallis,Ted Baker and Fashion Union all have the pastel coat covered in all the colours of the pastel rainbow.
The Minimal One...
Fashion isn't just favouring the bold this season. If you are a simple soul at heart then this is the coat shape for you.
Hankering after a Celine coat (er, aren't we all), but don't have the bank balance? Then get familiar with this style from British brand Studio Nicholson. The three-quarter sleeves, lack of fastenings and the monochrome palette scream summer but in an understated kind of way that we're totally into.
Here are 50 more spring jackets for you to lust over...