Deep breath, here we go again. The first newspaper headlines have appeared predicting the coldest winter since the Ice Age.

News editors are already wringing their hands over the brutal snowstorms to come. Woe! Stockpile canned goods whilst you can.

Or maybe just chill out and update the winter wardrobe.

Regardless of whether the papers get it right this year or not (the odds are they've botched it), it's time to invest in outerwear. From oversized knits to long-line fluffy vests and the ultimate purchase, the coat.

All the time and money in the world can be spent putting together a 'look' only to cover it up with the same old coat day in, day out for the next four six months of the year.

But it's your outerwear that's the first thing anyone will notice about you. That carefully chosen ruffled dress might look great but there aren't many people who'll be getting a glimpse.

And if you live in a house where it's more effective to huddle round a candle for warmth than turn on the central heating, hurry.

Best practice is to have knitwear that goes with everything. Buy a selection of your favourite coats and have them on rotation or pick one all-rounder that you'll love for life.

Elle together with Very have picked out the coats to suit different styles and make winter that little bit more enjoyable.

All images styled using the new Very collection shop all the looks now and have fashion delivered to you free the next day.

Outerwear, Happy, Mammal, People in nature, Fashion accessory, Beauty, Jacket, Fur, Long hair, Tights, pinterest

Coat, £80, jumper, £32 and jeans, £32. Parka, £80, jumper, £32 and jeans, £28"


Terrestrial plant, Model, Long hair, Costume, Fashion model, Photo shoot, Tights, Jungle, Ferns and horsetails, Shawl, pinterest

Cape, £25 and jeans, £28

Human, Dog breed, Mammal, Dog, Carnivore, Boot, Street fashion, Knee, Companion dog, Fur, pinterest

Cardigan, £35,tunic, £30 and ankle boots, £50

Textile, Winter, Fur clothing, Fur, Animal product, Ringlet, Natural material, Jheri curl, Hood, Brown hair, pinterest

Coat, £70 and jumper, £30

Motor vehicle, Human, Automotive exterior, Vehicle registration plate, Travel, Commercial vehicle, Bumper, Truck, Automotive tail & brake light, Light commercial vehicle, pinterest

Faux fur collar coat, £70, Multi faux fur coat, £80, Patchwork faux fur coat, £80 and jeans, £32