Look the business: Trenchcoats

For classy chic which can easily be thrown over a work suit you can't go wrong with a neutral trench. This one, from Next (£65), has been updated with a utility feel for extra fashion points
Photograph: PR

A trench doesn't always have to be neutral – brighten up the new season with a pop of sky blue. This one is £160 from French Connection
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OK, so by its technical definition this isn't really a trench. But if military-style lapels make you feel too, well, manly, try this more elegant draped version for a spring coat. Reiss, £245
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A cropped trenchcoat, like this one by Galliano at Christian Dior, looks super stylish and is a good choice for the more petite of us who are often drowned by the typical three-quarter length version …
Photograph: Giovanni Giannoni/Christian Dior/Corbis

… and here's one the high street made earlier: pick daffodil yellow to sing in spring. Cropped yellow trench: Oasis, £65
Photograph: PR

Guys can work the trench look too. Shrug one on and leave unbuttoned over a crisp shirt for a casual look as seen at Louis Vuitton …
Photograph: ANTOINE_de_PARSEVAL/PR

… or keep it neat with a fitted version, like this one from Topman (£70). Try knotting the belt for a touch of added nonchalance
Photograph: PR

On the Celine catwalk the trenchcoat was worn sans belt, as a dress, in a slightly silky fabric to add a certain luxe quality …
Photograph: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage/Getty Images

… a look you could mimic with Banana Republic's posh satin parka in midnight blue (£85). Teamed with stacked heels this could easily work as day wear in an informal office environment
Photograph: PR

If you want to update your existing trenchcoat, add a thin knotted leather belt, as seen on the Burberry catwalk. Head to Uniqlo for the belt and you'll have a trench that's as good as new
Photograph: Giovanni Giannoni/Burberry Prorsum/Corbis