Coat Envy – the best way to update your spring wardrobe

I think I put the cart before the horse so to speak, with my January post on trenches given that it is probably only now that you are likely to be thinking about casting aside your puffa and thinking about a more ‘spring-like’ option. That said, trenches are still most definitely the thing as evidenced by the enormous amount of them seen at the front rows of all the AW17 catwalks last month. I have a disproportionate amount of coats and jackets, mainly because popping on a different piece of outerwear keeps outfits fresh – I may be wearing the same old jeans and jumper underneath but with a different outer layer (and footwear) it looks like a whole new ball game. So my advice to you, if you only buy one thing now, make it a spring coat. It’ll make you feel like a whole new woman.

The Trench

Yep it’s back and here to stay. I like this Khaki Hooded Zip Trench £169 from Mint Velvet because of the colour (practical and on-trend) and because it also has a hood. It is a nice unstructured style, that will work well with jeans or over tailored trousers for the office. It also comes in ink.

Another flowy option is this Pure Cotton Trench with Stormwear £79 from M&S’s Limited collection. The cinnamon colour looks perfect with navy denim and is also a very sophisticated option worn with black and navy.

For the classic colour go for & Other Stories Trench Coat £95 in either beige or black.

If it is something more structured that you are after, then Marks and Spencer also has for this great value Belted Trench with Stormwear £45. This comes in lots of colours from the classic pebble to black, navy, pale blue and even green. There is also a Petite version in black and pebble.

There is also this Pure Cotton Trench Coat with Stormwear £79 which comes in this lovely blush colour as well as navy.

The Spring Coat – and all for under £100

Ideally steer clear of black and navy and go for something lighter in colour and more springy in feel. A grey or a cream are perfect neutrals for this time or alternatively go for a fashion colour.

Zara has this most gorgeously coloured nude pink Double Breasted Coat £69.99 which is the perfect way to lighten an outfit. This will do the job with denim or with more formal office wear. It’s not a wool coat as that is probably not what you want but instead has a lovely textured grosgrain appearance. If you dare, combine with red or brighter pink for an on-trend look.

For the brave, there is this Eyelet City Long Coat from M&S £79 which would look amazing if you have dark hair and skin tone. Another one that will work hard across your smart and casual wardrobes.

I have a lovely unlined cream boucle coat that I got from Zara a couple of seasons ago and as impractical as it may sound, it has been amazing. Mango has a lovely style this season with this Unstructured Wool Coat £99. Cream looks sophisticated and expensive but white is a no, no for me.

Having said avoid dark colours, Zara does have a couple of lightweight options if colour is too much: Gathered Shoulder Frock Coat £59.99 in navy.

And this Frill Sleeved Coat £79.99. It looks a bit dreary with all the black underneath, but add a blue and white striped shirt and some denim or trousers and spring would feel much more in the air. A classic edge to edge coat, with a great sleeve that makes it feel modern.

The Fisherman’s Jacket

No longer just for kids and well fisherman, this is a great option if it is something casual that you are after and something to actually keep you dry. Topshop’s Hooded Rain Mac £49.99 is a very spring-like yellow which looks amazing with blue denim.

Joules’ Waterproof Jacket £84.95 comes in a whole array of colours from bright pink, to yellow, red, and calmer navy and black.

Rains has this Parka £69.99 on Zalando in the ever fashionable pink.

Or for an easy win in navy M&S has this Anorak Coat with Stormwear £79.00 but it does also come in yellow.

Warehouse has a very similar option with its Contrast Trim Anorak £55 in navy and yellow.

But my best buy has to be this Matte Anorak from New Look because it is only £34.99 and comes in yellow, blue, purple, two shades of pink – light and bright  and red.

The Military Jacket

With utility still very much on the fashion agenda, I still very much like the more polished look of the Florence Jacket £90 from Boden.

And this Utility Jacket £119 from Mint Velvet.

For under £100 there is this Utility Jacket £59.95 from Gap which is also in colours other than khaki.

And another one from Holister (yes I know it is for teenagers really – the fact that their website says Girls and Guys says it all – but this is still a good jacket) Twill Shirt Jacket £49.

Now this is really for another time and blog – but I found this great biker at M&S last week: Faux Leather Stitch Detail Biker £55 – looks expensive, has great waist shaping so you don’t look like Meatloaf, and slimming side panels in a heavy ribbed jersey. So if you aren’t sold on these, sit tight for your prayers will be answered in the form of all things jacket…