Look hot in winter with wool coats

Wool coats are one of the basic elements of your winter clothing. These pieces can represent a serious investment; buy good quality and you'll be able to come back to them every year. For that reason, it's better to look for a classic cut, as well as a colour that you're completely in love with. You can have trendy, seasonal items elsewhere in your winter wardrobe, but go for a coat with staying power. Pure wool coats for women can be expensive; blends, which mix wool with acrylic, offer a cheaper alternative. Look after your coat carefully. It will probably need to be dry-cleaned, so don't try throwing it into the washing machine – it'll shrink!

Formal wool coats for smart days

Choosing formal wool coats to wear to the office means understanding your figure. Double-breasted coats are a classic option but tend to look better on rectangular-shaped women. If you are busty, it can be emphasised in an unflattering way. Hourglass shapes or pears should look for jackets or coats that highlight their waist. Choose a wool coat with a belt, and which flares out over the hips. For the office, you might prefer neutral-coloured between-seasons coats – but don't be afraid to choose something a bit bolder if you wish. If your office wardrobe tends to be black, grey and white, then brightly coloured wool coats for women inject a touch of liveliness.

How to dress down women's wool coats

There are also some great options out there for a more casual look. At the less formal end of the market, duffel coats reign supreme. This style looks great on rectangular or apple-shaped women. It should sit at the mid-thigh or higher, so it will be fabulous paired with skinny jeans or dresses that show off your legs. Grey duffels are a classic, but these popular women's wool coats can be found in plenty of other colours, as well as prints like bright tartan. Long, belted overcoats can also be dressed up or down. This style will have similar lines as classic trenchcoats and usually come with their own belt. Wear wool coats buttoned up for formal days; to instantly transform your look into something more casual, leave the buttons open but do up the belt.