In Sydney, winter tends to sneak up on us. It’s mild and sunny one week, the next we’re in the depths of icy winds and freezing mornings. There’s no way to avoid the cold, but you can be prepared, and no garment is more essential for withstanding winter than a really good coat. You want to look for a style made with wool, either exclusively or blended with another fibre to guarantee warmth and durability, and a cut that’s versatile enough to wear season after season. A good coat should be an investment after all. When it comes to colour, neutrals are the safest bet — you can never go wrong with black or dark grey, but brown, camel and even khaki are great options too.  

When it comes to picking a coat for the impending seasons, who better to trust than the team at InStyle Australia? They’ve seen, tried and tested more coats than you can poke a stick at, so know exactly which ones are worth it, and which ones aren’t. Here, five members of the team pick the coats they’re buying from David Jones this season to inspire your next purchase.  

“I love an oversized silhouette, and this double breasted style from Ivy Oak is just roomy enough without being too big. The chocolate colour is also a nice departure from black but is equally as versatile.” — Laura Agnew, executive editor  

Ivy Oak Clara Coat, $869 from David Jones, Ground Level 

“I’m looking to add a grey coat to my winter wardrobe, and I think LouLou Studio’s version could be the winner. I like the wider sleeves — perfect for wearing over chunky knits.” — Noni Reginato, content writer 

LouLou Studio Borneo Double Breasted Long Coat, $1099 from David Jones, Ground Level 

“Dries Van Noten can do no wrong, as this coat proves. Perfectly cut with utilitarian detailing at the front and an ankle-grazing length, this coat is very (very) high up on my winter coat wishlist.” — Annie Doig, market editor  

Dries Van Noten Remi Longline Coat, $3615 from David Jones, Ground Level 

“From the front, this coat is unassumingly simple — single breasted, it’s all clean lines and minimal details. But from the back, it features really interesting pleating details that give the coat a surprising silhouette that I love.” — Rachel Wayman, fashion director  

Tove Yoonmi Coat, $2649 from David Jones, Ground Level 

“You can never have too many trenches. Well, I can’t at least. This charcoal version from Camilla & Marc is a more wintery take on the classic camel, and I like its longer, slightly oversized fit that you can adjust with the belt.” — Elle Glass, managing editor   

Camilla and Marc Reyes Trench Coat, $950 from David Jones, Ground Level