Dressed up or down, shearling is autumn’s most stylish way to stay warm .

The arrival of autumn can only mean one thing: it’s time to dust off your trusty outerwear. In storage are our summery shorts and polos, and in rotation now are coats and jackets and sweaters and scarves and… you get it, layering is key. But this season, there’s one piece in particular that feels particularly stylish. (And bonus: it will keep you extra-toasty, too.) Meet the shearling coat, a classic staple worn by icons such as Mr James Dean and Mr Jim Morrison that has, since then, evolved into many new iterations and modern finishes. Whether your style is polished and dressy, or more experimental and streetwear-focused, there’s a shearling coat for everyone. Below, see five takes on the coat that’s currently on our Wish List.

With its tan and off-white colour combo, Officine Generale’s long, double-breasted shearling coat is as timeless as they come. Made with 100 per cent sheep shearling, the generous lining will keep you extra-warm during autumn and winter – and the lined front welt pockets will take care of your hands, too. To offset its longer length, make sure to wear it with slim trousers, which will help keep the overall look streamlined. You can even wear it over a slimline suit to work, paired with polished brogues and a sleek leather briefcase.

For those who are unafraid of making a statement, Sies Marjan offers a bold, all-over take on the shearling trend. The slightly oversized, double-breasted coat is made from light brown shearling, and then lined in buttery leather for extra warmth. (It’s the little details that count.) Considering its high-impact nature, wear it with a simple round-neck sweater in cashmere, then add an earth-toned wool trouser and pebbled Chelsea boots for more texture and interest.

Acne Studios’ zip-up jacket is lined with cream shearling, and is actually inspired by the silhouettes of retro WWII flight jackets. Its dark brown leather exterior is subtly cracked and distressed, evoking a vintage-inspired feel. For a more streetwear-inspired take, try styling it with a solid-coloured hoodie and slim black denim jeans, and then top it off with a pair of crisp white low-top sneakers. Attitude sold separately.

Yes, shearling can be dressed up for nighttime, too. Giorgio Armani’s double-breasted number, made in the deepest midnight blue, is completely reversible and versatile – one side is more tactile, and the other has a smoother finish. No matter which side you end up choosing, the coat suits evening or more formal occasions, as it’s roomy enough to be easily thrown overtop a tuxedo or velvet dinner jacket. Wear it with patent Oxford shoes and similar dark hues (think lots of black, grey, navy).

Richard James’ take on the double-breasted shearling style conveys a slightly more rugged, outdoorsy feel. The cosy coat, in a deep grey-green shearling, offers a more relaxed fit. It’s perfectly suited for running errands or off-duty weekend wear. Wear it with a dark, chunky turtleneck sweater and your favourite pair of medium-to-dark-wash jeans, then add some lace-up leather boots to emphasise the coat’s roughened-up aesthetic.

Shop the shearling trend here