Coat weather is descending upon us, it's hard to admit we know this, but at least it's an excuse to pick up a stylish piece.
Cara Delevingne leads the pack at Burberry Prorsum AW14
For autumn/winter 14 practicality, wear-ability and warmth are all factors in this season's must-have looks, and they're all incredibly stylish as well.
There are six stand-out trends in terms of coats this year, and we have a feeling you're going to want them all.
Blanket Coat
The Burberry Prorsum fashion show usually creates an IT look for the season, and for Autumn/Winter 14, that looks to be the Blanket Coat.
It crept up in Chloe's Pre-Fall 2014 collection, but when Cara Delevingne led a storm of models down the runway each with their own initialed ponchos, the look was dictated to us.
It was inevitable: this is the coat shape of the season.
Not only are these pieces super cosy, but they're ultra-chic too. They turn your most basic looks into something more statement, plus they look just as good thrown over your favourite jeans and boots combo, as they do over a dress or body-skimming skirt.
The key to getting this look right is balance, you need to contrast the oversize top with something more fitted on the bottom, and if you're a little on the short side chunky heels are a must, you don't want this look to drown you.
Cape
The Cape is back for AW14 and we couldn't be more excited. It's stylish and chic. Karlie Kloss walked the Carolina Herrera AW14 show wearing a simple black look, that was a little more fitted than the looks we saw at Rick Owens, Commes des Garcons and Marios Schwab to name a few. Simon Gao belted his cape's for autumn/ winter, but if you're worried about looking too bulky then it all comes down to the styling. You need to balance out the look with a tight fitting bottom half and wear your hair up and back to keep the look fuss-free. There are some beautiful capes hitting the high street, and we particularly love this look for an evening out, it works perfectly over your party dress and the loose-fitting style will ensure that you won't crease your party look.
Aviator
The Aviator jacket is certainly a statement piece, taking to the runway at Alexander Wang, Burberry and Acne it's something you'll find yourself reaching for time and time again.
Pair it 90's style dresses for a grunge look or channel model style and wear it with skinny jeans and combat boots.
They can be quite bulky in shape and size, so make sure you try before you buy to ensure you get the right shape and size for your body.
Parka
Parka coats are a must have for any wardrobe, and something of a staple piece you'll wear for years to come. Stella McCartney, Lacoste and Topshop Unique all featured them in their Autumn/Winter 2014 collections and the high street has embraced the trend too. If you want a luxurious update though choose fabrics like wool and silk.
Tailored
Tailored coats are perfect for evenings out to throw over a party dress and Christopher Kane and Gérard Darel have the luxe options we can dream about for AW14.
Cashmere, silk and mohair are the coats that you will want to invest in, but don't shun away from the high street options either.
Style it during the day with cropped trousers and trainers for a daytime chic look.
Military
Celine's military coat certainly inspired our interest in this trend and Joseph and Zadig & Voltaire helped enable it too.
Add a belt to the coat to help define the shape, and you could change the buttons if you're not feeling inspired by the ones that come on the coat.