So the new season is well and truly upon us, which means there's only one thing we're after: a winter coat. Ok, that's a lie, there's never only one thing we're after, but a winter coat is top of our list for sure. A real investment piece, it's the one item that come November everyone will see us wear, so we need to make sure it's damn stylish as well practical. Cue Whisper Mag. We've searched the streets, roamed the rails and viewed the virtual stores to bring your our edited selection of six key styles this season. We're bloody good, aren't we?

Faux Fur
Faux fur coats are fab for injecting a little luxe into our lives, not to mention keeping us warm and cosy. Seriously stylish, faux fur coats work equally well with jeans and a tee as they do an LBD on a big night out.  Our favourite is Warehouse's enchanted animal faux fur coat, £80 (left) – a sumptuous striped thigh-length number.

Tweed
Woolen tweed coats crop up every winter, but never have they been more stylish than now. A British country classic, tweed coats have had a tweak this season – they're smart, tailored and textured, not to mention trendy. We love this double breasted tweed coat from Urban Outfitters, £120. A current take on a classic trend, this borrowed from the boys coat is perfect for adding an androgynous edge to your outfit this season.

The Trench
A classic camel trench coat is a winter wardrobe must-have. Never out of fashion, its formal features allow it to be worn smart or casual – from its epaulette shoulders, button front fastening and belted waist, the traditional trench is oh so chic. Imagine our delight, then, when we just so happened to stumble upon Debenhams' version in the sale for £28.  Be still our beating hearts.

The Mac
Not too different from its trench pal, the mac is a lightweight staple piece that fronts the fashion circuit every year.  Plain, printed or hooded, its simple design means the mac can take on a multitude of styles. We love Miss Selfridge's mink quilted frill coat, £65. A playful take on a classic style in a gorgeous nude mink hue, this coat is simple, structured and stylish.

Coatigan
Is it a coat? Is it a cardigan? This is probably the best hybrid partnership since rom and com.  All the comfort of a coat in the style of your favourite cardi – genius. We've fallen head over heels for Topshop's hooded antler coatigan, £95 – a thigh-length woolen number featuring reindeer print and wooden toggles. There's something a so sweet and antique about this coatigan, but that huge oversized hood adds a little modern flair to boot.  Utterly adorable.

Duffle
When all else fails and you want a real winter warmer, look no further than a duffle. Paddington bear got it spot on when he wore his - it's a bit preppy, a bit old-school, and more than a bit cute. That doesn't mean to say it's not stylish though, oh no. The duffle is a serious competitor in the style stakes, just take a look at Urban Outfitters' fur hooded duffle coat, £120. We knew those Eskimos were on to something...

Mmm, we can't wait for the colder weather now.