Audrey Hepburn’s Burberry trench look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is iconic, while Gwyneth Paltrow’s Royal Tenenbaums faux fur remains relevant

Julia McCarthy, founder and creative director of Australian label Friends with Frank, says another much-loved coat style is the shearling sherpa jacket.

Iconic coats have had a role in shaping history too, says Lauren Tapper, one half of New Zealand fashion brand Harris Tapper.

As for coat silhouettes that will live on forever, Tapper is another to point to Balenciaga’s cocoon coat: “Imaginative and sculptural, it’s like a piece of art before its time.”

Fabric is everything, advises Lauren Tapper. “Look for fabrics that suit your environment and lean less into trends. Wool and cashmere blends for cold climates, and lightweight, single layers for warmer temperatures. Consider longevity and how it fits into your existing wardrobe,” she says.