Looking for a coat that will last you through the spring-summer season? These top styles will keep you warm and trendy, whatever the weather throws at you. The classic trench: Every girl should have one of these in her wardrobe. Perhaps the most versatile coat of all time, the trench works with jeans and flats or with a short skirts and heels – choose the right style, and you can even get away with wearing it over a suit ensemble. The 2012 take on the trench is mid-length and double breasted. Add a front ‘bow-tie’ and piping around the hem line for extra fashion kudos.

The leather jacket: If you live in the capital then you’ve probably already seen this one modelled on the streets by a succession of stylish fashionistas – and as always the London luvvies are right on trend. Leather biker-style jackets are set to be the dominating force in outerwear for summer 2012 – thrown over a sheer dress, worn with killer heels and skinny jeans or smartened up with a snappy cocktail dress, they lend themselves to almost any occasion.

The parka: Another classic, the parka is a fantastic throw-over if you’re caught out in the park in the rain or forced to mission it home in the cold after a night out on the tiles. Sitting just above the knee, with the optional addition of a hood and a cinched-in waist, this is the epitome of casual chic. You’ll find a great range of options on the high street that won’t break the bank, with Next leading the style pack when it comes to summer parka coats.

Neutral hooded parka from Next, £55

Bold and bright: Whatever style of coat you choose this season, there’s one rule: make sure it stands out from the crowd. Smouldering Latin American red, feminine sorbets and highlighter brights are all great choices, and will reflect the trend for bright and bold that’s currently dominating the catwalk. Choose a block colour or a stylish print and team with muted shoes and tights for best effect. You’ll find inspiration online at the Vogue outerwear fashion gallery.