An alternative to the trench coat but still oh so chic, duster coats are your nonchalant feminine must have. Master that cross season quandary in style and take your cue from the catwalk with one of this year's hottest picks in outerwear.

Elegant layering with duster coats

With their characteristic draping and loose fit style, duster coats are your answer to effortlessly chic layering. Look to muted tones of nude, grey and cream to wear over everyday staples such as cuffed jeans and block heels, and throw on a statement sweatshirt to bring some personality to the outfit. Go for draping all over and hang your duster coat over your shoulders while you rock a slip dress and slider sandals, perfect for those sultry days when the sun is shining but the weather is cool. Bring the look into winter and layer your coat with soft knits; continue the muted palette with knitted pastels, this season's hottest winter warmer trend.

Duster coats for this season

With a softer silhouette than the classic trench coat, duster coats in camel and cream will give you effortless elegance in an instant. Wear yours with everything from skinny jeans and shirts, to leather leggings and oversized jumpers. Give the look an update for this season by pairing it with velvet. Look to velvet leggings, velvet boots or a velvet pleated skirt for a sumptuous textured finish. A duster coat is a great layering piece for special occasions, tie yours up over a figure-hugging bodycon with ankle strap sandals for a sultry feel, or drape yours over a sequin dress for an elegant evening look.