One of winter’s burning questions is whether a woman can look fashionable in the cold. If five layers adds 10lbs, a woolly hat gives you helmet hair and chunky boots encase the only feminine part of the body left to show, the odds aren’t favourable. But covering up does not preclude being stylish. Layering is a key trend. Partly owing to environmental requirements (global warming equals an inability to predict the weather), partly for the sake of convenience (frost and central heating in one sitting demand several clothing options), layering has become the modern approach to the seasonal conundrum. And when you can merge so many styles in one outfit, who’s complaining?

— Now is the time to look for a winter coat. It will be the main focus of your look and therefore worth the investment. Despite the prospect of a freezing January and February, the British high street puts all its coats into the sales to make way for spring stock. This means that you can buy one at a great discount and get immediate wear out of it. At Pringle of Scotland, their silk parka and hand-knitted waffle coat are both half price, down from £1,295 and £1,750 respectively to under £900 each. Coats often have the added joy of being fairly immune to trends; a smart black knee-length version should last for years.

— You can still look elegant in winter warmers if you maintain a streamline silhouette. Donna Karan’s “cozy” (a bit more sophisticated than the tea variety) is a multifunctioning garment somewhere between a sweater and a shawl. It has long strips of fabric at the front which can be tied in many different ways, allowing several looks. Adjust the style to suit your location: a shawl to tie around your neck when outside, a jumper with the straps tied around the waist for inside.

— Accessories are important for two reasons: one they will keep you warm, two they add gloss. Beanies and berets are the most fashionable hats, and many come with sequins or a lurex weave to add a bit of sparkle. Boots are really the only practical footwear. Ugg do not only produce those furry sand-coloured boots with which we have all become so familiar, but they also do more hardwearing leather versions, still warmly lined with sheepskin.

— If there is one part of the body that can be shown off during the cold winter months, it is the legs. Short skating skirts are one of the quiet hits of the season and look good teamed with boots and thick (and warm) opaque tights. If there’s one garment used to airing itself in the cold then it’s this one.

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