For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a rather mixed relationship with coats. When I was a child, for example, they seemed little more than an unnecessary accessory; children don’t feel the cold, they brazenly embrace it and then go and jump in a puddle. Back then, life for a tween (if we’re going to use the modern, post-High School Musical lingo) was all about action figures, computer games and picking your nose in public, not boring ubiquitous macs or double-breasted full-length overcoats.

But, as I made the transition from carefree adolescent into an overwhelmed and self-conscious adult, my stance changed. I started posing rhetorical climate-based questions to friends like, “There’s a chill in the air this evening, isn’t there?” and would reach for an insulated gilet if there was any hint of a slight gust of wind. Worse of all, a puddle was no longer a plaything but a whopping big obstacle designed to cause either maximum damage or maximum humiliation – or, in my case, both. Suddenly, wearing a coat seemed mandatory and, if I’m honest, at times rather enjoyable.

You can imagine my delight, therefore, when designers forecast this winter as the winter of the coat. And I don’t mean your boring, “I had to wear this because Mum told me I wouldn’t be able to come out and play otherwise, coat.” No, the winter from which we’re now emerging has been all about dynamic, vibrant and altogether stylish coats – from military-inspired pea coats to classic 60s’ trenches and just about every other previously forgotten design in between. One coat, however, has stood out above all of the others this season: the duffle. Originally worn by the Royal Navy in World War One (the walrus teeth toggles were easy to fasten in cold seas), the duffle coat’s versatility and practicality has made it this winter’s must-have.

Fortunately, because this is Britain and February where it’s still very much winter, it’s not too late to jump on board either. Those in search of traditional thigh-length designs should head to Tommy Hilfiger, while both ASOS and Margaret Howell offer modish cropped duffels. As for colour, shun conventional navy blue in favour of royal greens and cream – or, if you’re feeling particularly experimental, try a country tweed finish. You never know, like me, you might also warm to the idea of coats.