There’s a lot of talk about ‘investment pieces’ in menswear. You know, put an almighty dent in your bank account to bag something that’ll last a lifetime. That kind of stuff. But the reality is, ‘investing’ in something like a sheer white T-shirt probably isn’t the most sensible way of stocking your wardrobe.

Winter coats, however, are an entirely different matter. Your first line of defence against the elements, a reliably crafted piece of outerwear not only keeps winter’s bite at bay, it also has the power to become your signature piece for the season. Skimp on this, and you’ll be left cold in more ways than one. Enter Reiss. Known for its dedication to quality, the British brand has once again delivered on its promise of excellence made affordable. Coats – precisely cut and rendered in premium fabrics – predictably take centre stage in its autumn/winter 2015 collection. And to put them to the test, we took some of the key styles for a spin, building five cold-weather looks for an exclusive video.

Look One

Let’s get one thing straight: ‘classic’ isn’t a synonym for ‘boring’. Which means there’s no reason why a bolder overcoat won’t serve you as steadfastly as a plainer alternative. Reiss‘ aptly named Pow combines a 1960s-flavoured cut with a contemporary black and white houndstooth pattern that packs a serious punch. Wallflowers won’t naturally flock to this style but if you’re worried it’s not wearable, think again – all a show pony like this needs is a little sensible support. That means styling it with comparatively sober pieces like this charcoal merino roll neck, chocolate brown slim-fit chinos, black Chelsea boots (another shaggy-haired nod to the 1960s) and a sleek black leather folio – it’ll look smart but not staid.

Look Two

Your coat is your main means of keeping out the winter cold. So you’d better make sure it’s built for purpose. Reiss‘ Cormier double-breasted camel coat is exactly that. Part of the brand’s recently debuted Premium collection (a top-level take on the label’s tried-and-trusted pieces), Cormier is made from 100 per cent wool to really make use of the fibre’s natural warmth-retention. Taking its design cues from a military greatcoat, it nods to past comrades but keeps marching forward with its contemporary hidden button placket detail to the reverse. For an autumnal look that’s as cool as the air, team this coat with smart-casual staples in similar hues: an icy white textured crew neck jumper and a pair of smart slim-fit stone-coloured jeans. Finally, all this off-white will need some punctuation, so opt for black Italian calf leather shoes and a cashmere blend scarf in charcoal to give your look some depth.

Look Three

Even if you’ve spent the last year living under a brown and orange shag carpet, you’ll know that the 1970s is a thing in menswear right now. Especially shearling. Snug and ruggedly masculine, a shearling coat beats the chill while giving you a slightly more alpha air. No bad thing. Keep the 1970s vibes going with an indigo denim shirt, a pair of raw denim jeans in a slim fit and brown suede Chelsea boots so smooth you’ll take to calling them your ‘Barry Whites’.

Look Four

Mastering texture is what really separates the men from the boys. Too many textures, and you’re a walking arts and crafts project; too few, and you look like the kind of schmuck who thinks cut and colour is all there is to clothes. Thankfully, Reiss has your get-out-of-jail-free card in the shape of its Miles bouclé coat in navy. Part wool, part mohair, this double-breasted design puts an unconventional spin on the time-honoured navy overcoat with its belted waist and richly textured finish. Level up on luxury with a wool-cashmere cable knit roll neck underneath, and round out the rest of your look with textures that are plainer to the eye – slim-cut stretch cotton chinos and suede Chelsea boots should do the trick.

Look Five

Sartorial purists, this one’s for you. If your style’s characterised by its clean lines more than its bells and whistles, then steer towards a simpler outerwear option like Reiss‘ Gabriel Epsom coat. This style’s cotton-rich fabrication and slightly shorter length makes it a lightweight alternative to bulkier coats, while its camel colour, well – we don’t need to tell you how easily that’ll combine with everything else in your wardrobe. Take a minimalist approach by teaming yours with a white crew neck jumper (layered over a white shirt), a pair of nattily tailored wool-blend trousers, and sleek leather low-tops.

Final Word

Winter has spoken, gentlemen. And word is you’re nothing without a quality coat. Add one of these timeless designs to your cold-weather arsenal and you’ll stay stylishly warm for many winters to come. Shop the full collection, including Reiss‘ new Premium range, in-store and online now.