There are two kinds of coats this season. The plain one usually in triple gaberdine or whipcord (which to the uninitiated means two layers of twill fabric with a sandwich of firm wool etamine in between) or in plain, firm reversible. And the boldly patterned one worn over a plain suit or dress.

Woman modelling a Philippe Vent coat, 1965. Photograph: The Guardian, 22 October 1965.

Our two illustrations from the Paris couture are typical of the two styles. Above is a Philippe Vent model with its characteristic double breasting, slit pockets worked into the front seams, and standing collar in a Moreau reversible woollen. Below, by Jacques Heim, a strongly patterned “tapestry” tweed in maize and black wool worn over a plain maize dress.