Coat of charms; Wrapping up for the winter has never looked as good.

Byline: Demelza de Burca

AU revoir boho babes; bonjour, femmes fatales. Tough luxe trends are shaping this season's outerwear with classical coats back en vogue.

The golden age of Hollywood plays dial-a-decade with retro glam coats paraded down the AW09 runways.

The classic coat has undergone a serious makeover this season with designers such as Maxmara, Jason Wu, Dries Van Noten, Chlo and Derek Lam opting for luxurious fabrics, chic draping and stylish cuts and camel hues that will certainly spice up your Autumn outerwear collection.

Louis Vuitton and Valentino went big on ruffles and tweed was seen at Miu Miu. Highlighted waist (Badgley Mischka), genuine leather (Jean Paul Gaultier) and reptile leather (Dries Van Noten) and collarless and cocoon styles all evoke 1940s glamour. Get the look for less on the high street with Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Reiss, Penney's stocked full of lady-like chic styles for this winter.

The lavish excess of the 80s have influenced AW09 coat trends with designers Louis Vuitton, BCBG Max Azria and Stella McCartney zoning in on power cuts with strong shoulders and military style taking centre stage.

Let your coat do the talking with leather, fabulous fur (we always opt for animal-friendly faux fur), black and day-glo hues setting the on-trend 80s tone. Splurging on a stunning winter coat is always worthwhile since it will be worn often and can make less expensive clothes look more elegant.

Rock chicks will love Elizabeth and James' charcoal moleskin drape-front coat that add a louche layer to a hard-edged urban look. Channel cool city style and wear it with a simple tank, shredded skinny jeans and statement ankle boots.

Recessionistas will be checking out Zara, Dorothy Perkins, Dunnes Stores, Warehouse and Topshop where shelves are packed full of affordable cool, classic coats with an 80s twist.

CAPTION(S):

--- Faux fur coat EUR180, WAREHOUSE --- Autogaph Coat EUR150, snood EUR20, Hat EUR20, Gloves EUR20 Marks and Spencer --- Savida military coat, EUR60, DUNNES STORES Preen AW09 Louis Vuitton AW09 Miu Miu AW09 Chloe AW09 Oscar de la Renta AW09 Stella McCartney AW09 Pollini AW09 Limited Collection jacket EUR230, MARKS AND SPENCER Brass button coat EUR35, PENNEYS Elizabeth and James Olivia Poncho drape-front coat EUR623.34 --- Fur coat from the runway - AW09 - PREEN, THAKOON, MICHAEL KORS JASPER CONRAN grey ruffle trench coat EUR155 --- Red military coat EUR150, Colour block dress EUR60, Blue multi strap shoes EUR95 DOROTHY PERKINS --- Limited Collection dress EUR230, Limited Collections coat EUR150 Shoes EUR40 --- Chartreuse pleated coat EUR120, Blue opaque tights EUR7, Frill back shoe boot, EUR105 both DOROTHY PERKINS