A trench coat should be a staple of any woman’s (and man’s) wardrobe. They get you through that tricky change of season period between summer and autumn and spring and summer. That time when a winter coat is too much but shirt sleeves just isn’t enough; when it’s sunny when you leave the house in the morning but it may rain later on in the day.

A good-quality trench coat or Mackintosh, if looked after well and dry cleaned properly, will last you a lifetime. A classic Burberry or Aquascutum never goes out of fashion. You know the ones; khaki-coloured gabardine, just above the knee, belted, double-breasted, epaulettes and check lining.

Vintage trench coats can still be picked up cheaply in charity shops. One of my best ever buys was a bright magenta Aquascutum trench with shiny brass buttons from a charity shop in Brighton almost 20 years ago. It cost me the princely sum of £9.00 – I’ve worn it every year without fail!

If you’re not into wearing second-hand – here’s a selection of great trench coats – all with a twist on the classic style.

1. French Connection Freeway cotton belted trench: £165, House of Fraser
2. Ted Baker A-line trench coat, bright blue: £299, John Lewis
3. Autumn trench: £129, Boden
4. Womens trench coat, marine navy: £139, Joules
5. The Angelina trench: £114, Hobbs