WITH the new school year inching around the corner, it's never too early to be prepared – so we've tracked down the best girl's school coats for little ones and teens.

Whether they're primary or secondary school age, one thing's for sure: a smart and stylish coat that can be worn for school is an absolute essential.

Not only will it protect them from whatever the weather throws at them at break-time (plus on the school run, of course), but the best girl's school coats are a chance to show off their personality and style.

From traditional toggle coats that will never go out of fashion to brightly coloured puffa designs that will make a statement in the playground, there are so many directions to take when it comes to shopping school coats.

Admittedly, some schools can be strict on colours, so make sure you're aware of uniform policy before splashing out on say, a day-glo coat. You might also want to avoid trends and keep it more classic with black and navy styles that look will smart and put together – perfect for making a good first impression.

Take a look at our selection of the best girl's school coats available to shop now for all weathers and all budgets.

If your girl loves unicorns, then we have a feeling this padded coat by Tu will be a hit.

Presented in a lilac iridescent finish that's shimmery and totally magical, it's shower resistant – plus the body and hood are lined with soft fleece, perfect for wearing to school on cold winter mornings.

The little frills on the pockets are an adorable touch, too, while the popper studs will make getting ready easier than ever.

Material: Polyamide & recycled fibres, Size range: 1-7 Years, Special features: Internal name tag + shower resistant.

Having a school coat on hand for those rainy days is a must – and it doesn't get much cuter than this polka dot rubber mac.

Decorated in baby blue and white spots, it's perfect for splashing around in on the weekend too: just don't forget the wellies.

It's suitably finished with a shower-resistant coating, while the double-layered fastening should make things extra watertight and keep them dry.

This hooded design is also lined with teddy fleece, so it'll be super cosy on the playground.

Material: Polyurethane and Polyester, Size range: 1-7 Years, Special features: Internal name tag + easy zip fastening with popper overlay.

This longline coat by M&S is ideal for school and is presented in plain black for a smart appearance – although it'll also work great with jeans at the weekend.

Although long, it's lightweight which is handy for avoiding the bulk of heavy coats.

And if it rains, your girl will be kept dry, thanks to M&S's water-repellent Stormwear™ technology which even protects from the wind too.

Material: Polyamide and polyester, Size range: 6-16 Years, Special features: Stormwear™ water-repellent technology + concealed front two pockets + internal name tag .

Classic navy: check. Simple longline cut: check. Water repellent: check.

This coat will keep you happy if smart and functional is what you're after. However, there's a little twist that will keep your little girl happy too: kitten ears!

Yep, with a feline feature on the hood (plus glam rose gold hardware), this coat strikes the perfect balance between practical and fun.

It's padded, faux fur lined and has a longer length for warmth – plus it's also available in pink and khaki if she wants to go for something more colourful.

Material: Polyester, Size range: 2-8 Years, Special features: Kitten ear hood, Stormwear™ water-repellent technology + internal name tag.

When you've got kids, 2-in-1 clothing is never a bad thing: not only will it save precious storage space, but it's lighter on the purse strings too. Win-win.

We're therefore really impressed with this reversible showerproof padded jacket from Joules. Worn on the navy side, it's perfect for school, with a pop of floral on the hood that adds a splash of fun.

Meanwhile, turn it inside out and your girl has a whole new coat, decked out in a ditsy hand-drawn floral that'll look cute after school.

With a hood and quilted padding, it's great for staying warm too.

Material: 100% recycled polyester, Size range: 2-12 Years, Special features: Reversible.

Traditional wool coats never go out of style, and we just adore the peter pan collar style of this design by British woodland-themed brand, Little Hootons.

Available in blue, burgundy, green and pale pink, we're coveting the burgundy colourway for school wear: it's classic, without being too formal.

Featuring a herringbone weave and soft velvet trim, the sleeves and lining are made from 100% brushed organic cotton – so you'll have no worries about it feeling itchy like some wool coats.

Material: 100% pure wool, Size range: 1-8 Years, Special features: Lining printed with woodland animals.

Remember those awkward teenage years, when shopping for a school coat was your worst nightmare?

Well even the sulkiest of adolescents will be pleased to get their hands on this stylish grey coat by River Island.

With a longline cut and buckled belt that adds shape to the padded design, it's shower resistant – making it practical as well as stylish.

The faux fur-lined hood is removable, too, so you can protect it on wet days.

Material: 100% Polyester, Size range: 5-16 Years, Special features: Shower resistant + detachable hood trim.

Pink is a colour that never fails to look bright and fun – especially when it's finished in a luminous high shine fabric like this coat by River Island.

Padded for cosiness with recycled wadding and lining, the waistline can be drawn in with the toggles – so it's ideal for fashion-conscious teens who know their silhouettes.

Plus its as practical as it is pretty in pink, with a removable faux fur hood trim and shower-resistant finish.

Material: 100% polyamide, Size range: 5-16 Years, Special features: Inner name label + detachable hood trim + shower resistant.

Ah, who doesn't remember their old faithful school duffle coat?

A design that's filled with nostalgia, the duffle coat is still going strong today – over 150 years since it first emerged.

Made from a wool mix, this unisex style features a classic double-breasted cut, and comes complete with a hood and toggle fastening. And as one reviewer notes, it's ideal for autumn, thanks to the lightweight design.

Material: Wool mix, Size range: Ages 5-16 (chest 23-46"), Special features: Toggle fastening + sold by chest size.

Parka jackets are an excellent choice for school: they're warm, timeless and incredibly durable.

Not everyone loves bog-standard khaki though, which is where this cheery John Lewis design comes in.

Like sunshine on a stick, it's finished in bright yellow and has all the trimmings you'd expect, including plenty of pockets and the cosiest faux fur-lined hood.

Material: 100% nylon, Size range: 2-14 Years, Special features: Zip up front + faux fur hood.

You can't go wrong with a black school coat – and this one by Matalan proves they're anything but boring.

Featuring a faux fur hood, elasticated waist and glam gold zipper, the coat comes padded so you'll be glad you invested in it, come autumn and winter.

Shoppers are really happy with it too, commenting on everything from the price ("looks more expensive than it was!") to the quality ("it will be perfect for winter. The lining is fab, super soft."

Material: Polyester, Size range: 4-13 Years, Special features: Two snap close pockets.

It's all down to the season, your budget – and of course your girl's taste.

Many parents need their kids' coats to work extra hard in their wardrobe, providing a layer not only for school but outside of it too. If that sounds like you – whether due to budget or personal preference – then you may want to choose a coat that's more simple in style as it'll work well for a number of outfits and occasions.

It's also worth looking out for features like waterproofing and wind protection, which will be super practical for dealing with unpredictable bouts of bad weather.

Once again, it's all down to personal taste: some love bright coats and themed printed designs, while others prefer traditional styles like duffle coats that will always stay timeless.

We think you can't go wrong with a puffa coat, as not only are they warm, but they usually have a waterproof finish that makes them ideal whatever the weather throws at you on the school run.

And of course, it can't hurt to speak to your child and find out what coat they'd like: they just might surprise you!

For schools with a more traditional uniform policy, sticking to black and navy girl's coats is often a safe choice – plus they go with everything.

Saying that; these days, children are encouraged to express themselves more than ever, so school coats can be embraced as a chance to show off their personality – whether they love colour and sparkle or statement prints.

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