Heritage-inspired coats are the sort of sensible winter investment that even your mum approves of. But they’re sometimes just a bit… boring. Once the just-bought glossiness fades, and you’re half-buried by bulky jumpers and scarves, you might be feeling less than inspired, style-wise.

That’s why we’re just about ready to lay down our lives (or maybe just £100) for one particular coat that keeps popping up on fashion bloggers’ Instagram feeds.

This is the River Island tie-cuff coat: it’s seriously classy, but the fact it’s slightly over-sized gives it a grungy edge. Why choose between function and fashion when you can have both?

And at £100, it’s not too painful an investment for outerwear to see you through autumn and winter.

It’s easy to see why fashion bloggers love this versatile coat. Combine it with a shirt and skirt for instant business chic, or with a white T-shirt and boyfriend jeans for an effortlessly cool weekend look.

Check coats been a key feature on this year’s catwalks: at Balenciaga and Stella McCartney they came small and office-like, while at Chloé and Gucci they imbued more of a relaxed Nineties appeal.

Even the supermarkets have got in on the act – George at Asda had one of its biggest hits of the autumn with a £25 take on the formal coat.

Will you be investing?

Images: River Island / Instagram