Coated in glamour!

The purchase annually of the "Winter Coat" was a big event on the shopping diary of the most stylish ladies in times gone by: and there's much to be said for it, even if these days, we are all that bit more casual in our approach to the "formal" wardrobe.However, a good coat is a hallmark of style; a mark of class. Accessoried with the right shoes, scarf and handbags, it gives a very finished appearance, and one of elegance and taste. If you leave the house, dressed in your coat and scarf, it doesn't matter what you are wearing underneath: it's the coat that catches the eye.But style apart, there's nothing like a big warm cosy coat for those cold days of Autumn, and those wet days of Winter. And while we could all opt for the practicality of a waterproof jacket, or an anorak, they just don't bring out that coveted quality: glamour.For this season, there is a huge range of styles out there. Military-style coats are very in; colours making an impact are red, fuchsia, lavender. But as ever, blacks and neutrals are huge.Other things to watch out for are oversized collars, strong shoulders, fur detailing, and a return to vogue of tweed. Belted coats are really in.