From military and trench, to fur-trimmed and tweed, now is the time to find your winter dreamcoat reports Francine Miller.

When venturing into the great outdoors during this seasonal chilly weather, a fabulous coat becomes all the more important in making a good impression on others.

After all, it's the first thing that people will notice about you. Find the right style and length and a coat will round off your outfit perfectly. So, if your winter coat has battled through rain, hailstones and snow, and is starting to look a little tatty around the edges, now is a great time to invest in a new one.

From lengthy military numbers to vintage tweed designs and cosy fake fur snugglers, the high street has something to offer all.

For those who are unsure where to begin, black coats offer a safe choice, as the colour is perpetually classic and will last from season to season.

River Island's drummer boy coat, £64.99, combines functionality with fashion, as it has plenty of buttons, along with Warehouse's embroidered Russian-inspired coat, £100.

For something offering more snug factor, check out Marks & Spencer's fur trim coat, £110.

Miss Selfridge's twill trench coat, £75 and Top Shop's funnel neck coat, £95, are timeless designs that will also keep you warm.

For those wanting to spend a bit more on a black coat, take a look at Next's luxury coat with angora, £120.

But if black seems a little too winter gloomy to you, why not branch out a little into other colours, including brown, camel and cream? This season offers a range of these colours and more in fake fur and sheepskin designs.

For full-length coats, check out Oasis' brown mock sheepskin coat, £120 or Warehouse's camel snaffle coat, £100.

But a coat doesn't have to be long to keep you warm. Short and sweet lovelies include Dorothy Perkins' brown faux fur bomber coat, £60 and Marks & Spencer's chocolate brown short fur coat, £99. White is always a winter winner as well. Check out Principles' cream coat, for £105.

Military coats continue through this season from autumn. Choose from Top Shop's black asymmetric melton coat, £75, or Oasis' black moleskin coat, £85, for great day wear.

Dress up an outfit with Wallis' black velvet coat, £110, or Jesire's black stand collar Russian military inspired coat, priced at £179.

Finally, if military or fur do not grab your interest, try classic tweed to add a touch of yesteryear. Pick one with a belt, or nipped-in waist to accentuate your silhouette. Choose from Gap's blue Princess coat, £108, Oasis' Carla green check trench coat, £95 (143 Euros), or Wallis' blue-tinged tassle tweed belted coat, £90.

Monochromatic must-sees include Dorothy Perkins' black and white tweed coat, £70, and Next's black and white herringbone coat, £79.99.