It's sad, but true: when the temperatures start to drop before you've had a chance to shop your new autumn wardrobe, pulled-together looks are quickly covered up by whatever keeps you warm. Fluffy hoodies, holey jumpers and extra-thick tights fill up wardrobes while any sense of style suffers at the hands of the October chill.

But it doesn't have to be this way. It's easy to keep your chic in this transitional weather, pairing one of Max Mara's iconic coats with the right styling for every situation, from a family brunch to a romantic break.

1. Girls night out

What you need is a simple look that still tells everyone that you're ready to have fun with your crew. Let your iconic Max Mara coat do the talking: the Teddy Bear mixes class with a casual edge, and the outcome is a clear-cut fashion statement. Pair the look with a white turtleneck, black trousers and open-toed shoes, adding a hint of playfulness to your outfit.

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Max Mara

Teddy Bear coat, £1,740; Jacquard jersey jacket, £640; Wool jersey trousers, £360; Silk and wool turtleneck, £150; Leather sandals, £410; Leather handbag, £770, all Max Mara

2. Office life

Midi lengths have become synonymous with chic style, and nobody knows this better than Angelina: her signature look is formal, fashionable yet simple in its elegance. A camel midi-skirt is a piece that blends well with everything in your autumn wardrobe, perfect paired with your favourite silk or cotton shirt. The right shoes will help you walk into a meeting with your head held high; try a pair of smooth leather court shoes in nude matched with a classic bag.

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Max Mara

Camel skirt, £385; Cotton poplin shirt, £160; Leather heels, £345; Monopolis bag, £965, all Max Mara

3. Family reunion

You know the drill: smartening up for family reunions isn't a bad idea if you want to avoid the constant questioning about whether you're taking care of yourself. Echo Jessica Biel in a floral skirt, a youthful print in a grown-up shape. Last but not least, the iconic Max Mara Manuela coat is the cherry on top of this understated outfit.

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Max Mara

Manuela coat, £1,305; Wool and cashmere jumper, £270; Cabat bag, £580; Floral skirt, £635; Metallic heels, £355, all Max Mara

4. Weekend getaway

If summer was all about long weekends far, far away from your front door, winter is for wandering around Christmas markets and sipping hot chocolate in makeshift chalets. Your outfit should be practical and chic, making Max Mara's classic 101801 wool and cashmere coat a perfect pick. With this coat and a pair of jeans, you won't need to pack hundreds of outfit changes in your suitcase. Just remember to add sunglasses if the Christmas lights are too bright.

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Max Mara

101801 coat, £1,605; Whitney bag, £950; Butterfly sunglasses, £205; Suede belt, £210; Leather heels, £345, all Max Mara

5. Romantic rendez-vous

Winter might be cold, but that doesn't mean your love life has to be. Don't fall for the lure of your pyjamas and instead dress up for a night in pursuit of your seductive side. How? Surrender to the most charming of tonal colours - red. Go for a total look by matching a jumpsuit and jacket, but don't forget to add a dash of black to balance the outfit.

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Max Mara

Cady jumpsuit, £660; Red coat, £1,195; Wool and cashmere hat, £115; Leather ankle boots, £410; Leather messenger bag, £880, all Max Mara

Whatever your winter look, shop Max Mara's iconic coats for a style that suits every occasion