There have been many contenders vying for the outerwear top spot in the style charts. Chunky cardigans, mannish blazers and super-sized scarves have all tried to oust the trusty winter coat.

But all of these pieces pale in comparison when the temperature drops.

Clothes should give you goosebumps of excitement, not the early onset of frostbite.

If there's one item you blow the budget on this season, make it your winter coat. With Britain's typically cold and wet weather forecasts, it's a style essential rather than a luxury.

"A great coat makes serious style impact," says Paula Reed, Grazia style director and author of Style Clinic.

"Like a fabulous handbag or chic shoe, it can pull your look together in a moment. It can express your mode or style like nothing else. And, even if everything underneath is less than perfect, that coat will add polish in an instant."

Now temperatures have dropped it's the ideal time to give your undivided attention to finding the coat that complements your wardrobe and lifestyle.

So get your arms into gear and hit the shops in search of this year's winter warmer wonder.

Rain or shine

If versatility is key when you're buying your coat, head for neutral colours.

A snug black or grey coat will really switch your wardrobe into winter mode. But if you want to steer clear of dark colours, the camel coat is this season's come-back investment buy.

Worn belted, double-breasted or crisply tailored with concealed buttons, the camel coat was all over the catwalks at Tommy Hilfiger, MaxMara, Chloe and Jil Sander. Think classic and you can't go wrong.

Try: Louche at Joy camel coat, £120; Monsoon black Alicia coat, £135; Marks and Spencer grey belted coat, £99; Matalan funnel neck military coat, £40.

Print downpour

Every winter season there's a print that rules the coat school of style.

Last year's tartan has been ousted by two very different chic monochrome prints - choose from country style tweed or city slicker graphic houndstooth.

Tweed troops should look for flecked black and white styles in simple shapes like cocoon or pea coats, and houndstooth fans can go a little wilder with oversized checks for more of a statement seasonal buy.

Break the monochrome rule book and check out the dogtooth coats in varying colour schemes like black and grey, or red and white, as seen at Aquascutum.

Try: Coast Eileen oversized check dogtooth coat, £180; F&F at Tesco tweed cocoon coat, £45; Phase Eight check wool coat, £130; Marks and Spencer gingham check coat, £69.

Bright spells

A pop of colour will be a wardrobe tonic through the gloomy winter months.

Pick a coat in a bright block shade - think shocking pink, ravishing red, citrus yellow or azure bright blue.

Stick to primary colours if you want a safe option or turn to neon-like shades if you intend to cause a stir.

Feeling really brave on the bright front? Take inspiration from the look-at-me coloured furs on the catwalks at Marios Schwab and Dolce & Gabbana.

Try: GIVe Jane red cocoon coat, £249; River Island turquoise duffel coat, £79.99; French Connection Bright Lights yellow coat, £185; Dorothy Perkins purple wool cape, £70.

Snow leopard storm

From shaggy crimped Mongolian to oversized 70s style furs - faux of course - this trend was swinging all over the catwalks.

Go pale and interesting as seen at Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, or dark and mysterious like Derek Lam and Burberry's furry offerings. Shiny black goat hair coats as seen at Alexander Wang are a modern twist on the fur trend.

Be aware fur can add volume to your frame. Don't be afraid to add a belt to re-define your waist.

Try: Warehouse black Mongolian fur coat, £200; Fearne Cotton for Very faux fur leopard print coat, £85; Topshop shaggy goat hair coat, £225; Miss Selfridge Dalmatian print faux fur coat, £80.

Choosing your winter coat

With so many shapes, colours and prints to choose from, buying a coat can turn into a needle in haystack scenario. Choose carefully and it will be a permanent fixture in your winter wardrobe season after season.

Paula Reed has these coat buying tips:-

- Do not compromise on quality. Coats are one of the best investments you can make in your own style.

- The simpler the coat, the more versatile and the longer it will last looking good. Extra-wide lapels, shiny buttons, wide shoulders, and crazy colours make statements, but they also limit the life of your coat.

- Think about your daily routine: how much of your day is spent sitting in a car? How much time do you spend outside and exposed to the elements?

- If you wear neutrals, then a coat in a bright colour like red or orange is a better buy than you think. It will complement, not clash, with your outfits and add a whole new dimension to your look.

- Think about what you'll be wearing under your coat. If you wear a lot of jackets, try the coat on with a jacket underneath.