Coats to withstand the cold this winter

With the extreme weather conditions throughout Liverpool in previous weeks, maintaining the balance between keeping warm and staying stylish has been essential. Faux fur has been one of this season's main trends, but is hardly toasty in temperatures plunging below zero. Here are the coats we recommend to help you brave the cold.

Duffle coats have been massive this year - available in a wide variety of colours and styles to match every personality, they can brighten up the dullest of outfits. River Island has some fabulous coats on offer, particularly the pastel blue, hooded duffle coat that is pictured above. Although pricey at £59.99, you get the luxury of an ultra warm hood that will keep you dry as well as warm.

White coats are quickly gaining popularity this January, and several celebrities including Pixie Lott have been pictured sporting them. Topshop has a beautifully long white tux/military style coat that is very on-trend. Despite being a celebrity favourite, this coat is not particularly warm and can dirty extremely easily. It’s definitely not safe to wear this number when the roads are slippery especially given the £85 price tag.

If you are determined to stay as fashionable as possible but avoiding the mud, Dorothy Perkins might have the answer. They have a double-breasted wrap coat available for £60, which might not keep you as warm as the Topshop option, but is short enough to avoid getting marked on the back if you are unlucky enough to fall.

Studs have come in thick and fast this season with studded skirts, tops, jackets all given the treatment. Miss Selfridge has a stunning studded leather jacket, costing £120, that will suit anyone aiming for the biker-chick look. Though this jacket is not remotely warm, you could dress it up with a pretty jumper and scarf, toning down the gothic look.

Alternatively, hooded leather jackets can keep you both warm and dry and are available in almost every shop along Liverpool’s high street. They range from the cheapest faux-leather in Primark and New Look, to the Cobra leather bomber currently in All Saints. This jacket is ultra-stylish but is extremely pricey at £250 and definitely not worth the cost.

Finally, and mostly importantly, sales. Any fashion-conscious individual loves a sale, and this year Liverpool has had a host of gorgeous coats at reduced prices. One of the best jackets available is merely £19.99 in Urban Outfitters - a surprisingly warm, military style, open blazer with padded shoulders. Big shoulders have been everywhere this season, and this tweed jacket is understated yet fashionable.