Coat of Merlot

Black and camel coats are safe. A burgundy coat feels just as easy to wear but has much more personality. It looks rich with denim, grey, cream and even brown.

Deep wine shades also flatter most skin tones, so they are easier to wear near your face than bright red.

I split the edit into two groups: tailored burgundy coats first, then belted burgundy coats and trenches.

These are clean, structured coats with no belt. The single breasted and double breasted longline coats look sharp with straight jeans and loafers, the stand collar coat is the most minimal, and the double breasted midi coat with a nipped waist is the most polished.

For an easier fit, the boyfriend coat and the relaxed coat with big patch pockets feel casual, and the short lined coat looks neat over trousers.

My fitting room test: wear a chunky sweater underneath. You should be able to button it and lift your arms. What I would skip: thin coats with no wool in them that will not keep you warm.

A belt makes a long coat feel shaped and a little dramatic. The wrap coats with stand collars, the A line coat and the long maxi coat all tie neatly at the waist.

The burgundy belted trench and the faux suede double breasted trench are lighter and feel more like a jacket on milder days.

What I check: the belt loops. They should sit at your real waist, not too low. What I would skip: coats where the belt is the only thing holding it closed.

Wear a burgundy coat with a cream sweater, dark jeans and brown boots. For the office, try a belted burgundy coat over grey trousers and black loafers.

Burgundy and chocolate brown together look especially good.