The purchase of the winter coat is perhaps the biggest of the shopping year. This is the one to spend as much as you can on, with regards to cash and time. The chances are it will be worn every day from now until mid-February. The Observer's fashion desk's favourite runway coats were at Burberry, Christopher Bailey's designs touched on the sixties trend in a modern way, with everything from primary brights to checks and classic camel. We were spoilt for choice. This week we have two trend galleries with the pick of outerwear for men and women this winter
Both Burberry Prorsum from burberry.com
Photograph: Kevin Foord
You have to hand it to the Swedish, they know good design when they see it. This overcoat from Our Legacy is elegant, stylish and grown-up. What's not to like?
By Our legacy from my-wardrobe.com Photograph: PR
Every season Topman issue a capsule collection dubbed the "classics collection'. This season it's the turn of the pea coat. Six designers have put their stamp on this fashion favourite. This one by Timo Weiland is a subtle check in soft Italian wool
From topman.com Photograph: PR
You can rely on Ted Baker to deliver a smart coat with a twist. This trench is good working week coat
From tedbaker.com Photograph: PR
We've got a soft spot for the geekiness of the duffle coat. This Gap one is hard wearing with substantial toggles
From gap.eu Photograph: PR
There were quite a few contenders in the camel coat camp, Paul Smith have a very fine one but this Acne number just trumped it on price and the addition of the knitted collar insert. You may or may not agree...
From mrporter.com Photograph: PR
French label A.P.C never let us down when it comes to minimalist chic. This navy wool coat will see you through many winters to come
From mrporter.com Photograph: PR
This coat is a great all-rounder, it's looks great with casual trousers or over a suit
From riverisland.com Photograph: PR
This a more outdoorsy number. We like the colours, it's more of a weekend coat than a working in an office coat but then not everyone works in an office, do they?
From lyleandscott.com Photograph: PR
A gentlemanly overcoat in a flattering shade that makes a nice change from black or navy
From bananarepublic.eu Photograph: PR
Not strictly a winter coat in the formal sense but there's no point denying the enduring popularity of the Mod parka. We like this one
From asos.com Photograph: PR
