Kate Middleton Hot

At this time of year every devoted fashionista is looking for the best way to stay warm without compromising their look, but making decisions on how to cover up in style during the colder months can feel like a challenge. The great news is that even if the temperature continues to plummet, there is absolutely no reason why your wardrobe choices should follow suit. The ultimate defense against winter blues is a warming wool coat and January is a great time to pick up this investment buy - an item that can be worn with confidence year after year.

Whatever your look there is a wool coat to suit you and no winter wardrobe is complete without one. So, read on for more on this look of the day and how to choose the right one for you.

Androgynous tailoring is a huge fashion story for 2012 and there are lots of statement coats out there that tick the right boxes under this header. Ever-popular military styles - like the pea coat - offer what has become a winter wardrobe essential, and re-discovered, traditional car coats provide yet more classic options. Many of these come in double-breasted designs that are a super-flattering - particularly for those with narrow shoulders.

If you prefer a softer, more feminine look, think 1960s glamour and go for the timeless and elegant option of a mid or full length waist-belted wrap wool coat. Coats in this popular style - with over-sized collars and cinched in waists - create beautiful hourglass silhouettes and are real investment pieces that will serve you well.

Cocoon silhouetted wool coats provide another on trend option and they have many virtues besides their luxury feel. They are wearable for any shape or size, work with almost any wardrobe and - because they are loose fitting - you can brave the cold with your favourite knit hidden easily underneath if required.

Trends like these have been worn with effortless style by practically every female fashion icon you can think of, including the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Jackie Kennedy, Kate Moss, Kate and Pippa Middleton and Sarah Jessica-Parker.

You need not be limited in terms of colour when choosing your ideal coat either. While the traditional neutrals offer a classic look, brights are big news this year and there are many wool coats available in head turning hues, from modern hot pink to quintessentially British pillar box red. Eye-catching orange and mood-lifting yellow tones are also bang on trend as we head into 2012 and provide an ideal way to brighten up your wardrobe, and your day.