A trusty black coat is essential to have in your arsenal. Even when the weather is mild, you know it won't be long before it's cold and rainy (sorry, it's true) and a winter coat becomes an absolute necessity. Black coats always semaphore a cool kind of elegance, plus they'll go with everything in your wardrobe.
From shearling jackets to puffer coats, there are so many options when it comes to black coats, which means finding the one can be a long-winded task. With trends coming and going, sometimes we can spend hours on the internet or stalking out favourite celebs trying to find 'what's in'.
Sounding all too familiar? Scroll to see our edit of the best black coats available right now...And we've included pieces that will really go the distance in your wardrobe so that next year you're good to go.
SHOP: The Best Black Coats
www.weekday.com
If you want a sleek coat with subtle padding, Weekday has just the ticket - this dramatic yet super cosy coat, which comes with the addition of a waist belt.
shop.mango.com
With Mango coats, you can expect quality for a lesser price tag. This double-breasted trench hits that sweet spot on your mid-calf and won't show as many creases as the beige version.
www.arket.com
Arket's coated moleskin coat has a luxurious pile lining that will ensure you feel snug on your commute. Its drawstring hood will also be a lifesaver on days when you forget your brolly.
aligne.co
Aligne's coat selection is particularly strong this season. This trench coat also comes in stone, but there's something very polished and pulled-together about the black.
www.hush-uk.com
I've noticed lots of peacoats this season but none is quite as lovely (or as warm) as Hush's, which looks like it would protect you from pretty much all the elements with its weighty, wool-blend fabrication.
www.thereformation.com
Reformation's wrap coat looks pleasingly heavy-duty thanks to its hemline, which hits that spot between the mid-calf and ankle, and is made from deadstock fabrics.
www.net-a-porter.com
If you're looking for an 'evening coat' that can be worn on the town, look no further than Mother of Pearl's, which is rather ingeniously made of denim. Embellished with topstitching and its signature faux pearls, it's a statement while still being subtle enough for every day.
www.whistles.com
If you're looking for a shorter coat that's suitable for the office, I'd be tempted by this double-faced style from Whistles. Designed for a relaxed fit, it's crafted from responsibly sourced wool.
www2.hm.com
H&M's double-breasted coat fits like a blazer with built-in warmth, thanks to its wool fabrication, and looks brilliant with wide-legged trousers for work.
If there's one celebrity who swears by the power of black coats, it's Hailey Bieber. Last month at Paris Fashion Week, she appeared wearing an ankle-length leather style with nothing more than a bodysuit, a belt and sheer tights. Now, I'm not suggesting you should leave without your trousers but she's struck a nice balance with the length of her coat and her bare stretch of leg. Don't you think? You could pull a similar trick with slimline jeans or a miniskirt.
That's a more 'evening' approach to black coats. On the pavements of Milan, meanwhile, Kelela wore the chicest black coat we've seen for quite some time to Ferragamo. Double-breasted and nipped at the waist, it proved that if your outerwear game is strong enough, you really don't need to worry about what to wear underneath.
If you choose a similarly smart style, you can easily dress it up for work or down at the weekend. Ferragamo is the ultimate but there are lots of brilliant black coats on the high street this season, including the styles above from Whistles, H&M, Hush and Aligne.
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.