Your days of outdoor flimsy jackets and cropped cardigans are severely numbered, as it’s almost time for the switch.

The winter coat is so much more than your armour against the elements. This trusty staple has the ability to update an entire seasonal wardrobe and flatter your figure.

So get ready to focus on the serious fashion business of finding your wardrobe central heating system before the best ones sell out.

Fashion icon Dannii Minogue, who recently launched her My Style book (Simon and Schuster, £19.99) lists the coat in her top five wardrobe staples: “A coat is potentially one of the most expensive pieces you will ever purchase, so above all, it should be functional.

“That means warm, a cut and shape that suits you, and that goes with as many other pieces in your wardrobe as possible.”

With its transforming and warming qualities, this is one superhero item that’s worth investing time and money in. From garishly printed blanket styles to minimalist androgynous cuts, there are endless shapes, patterns and lengths to plump for.

Choose your coat of arms to battle the frosty winter season in style.

Colour crew

Brighten up dreary autumnal days with a coat that dazzles in this season’s colour blocking craze.

The perfect yin and yang solution in your wardrobe if you’re usually found in dark or neutral colours, a statement shade will add some instant outfit oomph.

A neat Crayola-bright coat is the easiest way to cover up in this trend. Just make sure you pick out a colour that flatters both your complexion and closet.

Flatter your figure: With a rainbow palette to choose from, this is all about finding the cut to flaunt your hue to the max. Belted styles are a great shape booster if you’re craving an hourglass figure.

Blanket brigade

Ignore its hippy connotations as the blanket coat is nothing but hip this season.

A cross between a coat and cardigan, this slouchy style will add a native touch to your look with a patchwork of colours and prints available.

Go safe with a monochrome colourway or slip on a coat with some bold attitude in geometric brights to make a statement.

Flatter your figure: Be wary of thick bulky fabrics if you’re aiming for a clean silhouette – but remember blanket coats can smooth over problem areas if you’re not a fan of your bottom or thighs.

Man gang

If you like your outerwear slimline and minimalist, try the no-fuss androgynous coat.

That doesn’t mean hunting out your man’s best overcoat; these masculine-inspired cuts and rigid lines need to look as though they’re bespoke to you.

Add a luxe spin via your pockets or lapels with contrast leather or satin trim for a fashionable nod to femininity.

Flatter your figure: Curvier shapes are best suited to sleek three-quarter length styles, so slim, tailored, mannish coats are ideal for those who are short-waisted or wide at the middle.

Cape collective

Free your limbs with a cape cover-up or poncho-style coat. While some have discreet wide arm holes in line with the cape, others leave arms airing with sleeveless designs, which means they’re an autumnal layering dream.

Make like Little Red Riding Hood in a bold bright or embrace the heritage trend with a rich tartan or tweed check.

Flatter your figure: Short boxy styles can make curves look bulky, so capes work well for petites or boyish shapes, especially those with pockets in areas where you want to accentuate curves, such as the hips or bust.

Sixties swing

There’s no hiding from the Sixties comeback this season, so cover up in a retro-inspired coat.

From sloping shoulders and cropped bracelet sleeves to sleek, collarless trim coats, there are various shapes to encapsulate the mod scene.

Enhance your Sixties vibe with a beehive hairdo, knee boots or miniskirt, to give the era your full top-to-toe attention.

Flatter your figure: Shorter styles will increase leg length if you’re lacking height. Avoid voluminous swinging shapes and opt for the more figure-hugging, tailored styles if you want a curve-friendly option.

Get the look

Avert your eyes from ‘that’ statement beehive to Cheryl Cole’s dazzling ruby dress. Get a similar draped red gem at Pilot for £17.99 (for stockists, visit www.pilotfashion.com).

Buy it now

Forget the garish logo tees and elegantly show your affiliation to Breast Cancer Awareness Month via lace. Warehouse supports Breakthrough Breast Cancer with this limited edition pink top, £30, with 10% of the price donated to the charity (for stockists, visit www.warehouse.co.uk).

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