Fashion

A few years ago, winter coats were not a force in fashion. But recently the woman's winter coat, like the dress, has returned as a very stylish winter fashion option. The trends for coats this winter are towards sixties A-line, empire line, or a combination of these elements.

They can have swing with volume, or be wrapped and belted. From bulky, thick and heavy versions, coat styles have become sleeker without compromising on insulation. Synthetic material now rules the roost and jackets and coats hug the body - no longer do you have to become a mummy to be warm!

Trench-style coats are trendy and can be worn over pants, dresses, jeans, - anything at all really. Trench Style coats also go well with the popular style of tights or leggings and knee high boots. Three-quarter length coats are more versatile than the longer and shorter versions. And if you can get a centre front area which is double breasted, will then have an extra layer of fabric over your torso and a better chance of staying warm all over. Red is a strong colour for this winter.

Checks, monochrome black and white, charcoal and grey make mixing and matching easy. Checks are actually a strong look this winter - Look out for every variety of check from puppy, dog's-tooth, hound's-tooth and shepherd's check. Black is still the tried and tested and is always a good choice when the coat needs to double for evening wear. There are so many options around at the moment in the Chch shops that whatever your shape there is a coat to suit your figure & budget.

 Try and look for the following things:

• Is it double breasted?
• Is it high collared?
• Is this colour going to match a lot already in my wardrobe?
• Does it have full length sleeves?
• Is it close fitting at the wrist or have cuffed sleeves?
• Is it buttoned to at least mid thigh?
• And bear in mind that thigh length is best if you do a lot of driving

Also when trying on a coat, make sure that underneth you are wearing the type of clothes you wear on a typical winter day. You don't want to find that it is too tight once you have all your layers on!

Always fully button up the coat when trying it on. Even if you think you'ill never wear it buttoned up - you will regret it on a day when the wind is freezing and you need to be totally rugged up!