Most trenches fall straight. The Velvet Vogue belted trench does not — it draws in at the waist and then releases into a soft A-line skirt that flares to the knee, which is what makes it a coat that finishes an outfit rather than hiding it. The wide lapel collar sits open across the shoulders, and epaulettes give the shoulder line some structure without any padding underneath.

It fastens double breasted through the chest and pulls in with a self-tie belt and buckle at the waist, so you can set the shape sharply or let the belt hang loose and wear the coat open. Two flap pockets sit at the hip, each cuff closes with a buttoned tab, and a centre back vent lets the flared hem move when you walk instead of wrapping around your legs.

It works over a dress, and it works over jeans and boots, which is more than most tailored coats manage. Black and Khaki, sizes S to 2XL, regular fit and true to size — take your usual size and let the belt do the shaping. Our model is 5'7" and wears a size M. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or dry clean to keep the lapel crisp.

• Fit: Regular, true to size, shaped at the waist with a flared skirt
• Neckline: Wide lapel collar with epaulettes at the shoulder
• Closure: Double breasted button front with a self-tie belt and buckle
• Pockets: Two flap pockets at the hip
• Sleeve: Long sleeve with a buttoned cuff tab
• Length: Knee-length with a centre back vent
• Sizes and colours: S to 2XL in Black and Khaki
• Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or professional dry clean