I mark the unofficial start of autumn by measuring the amount of coats that pile up on the coat racks at work. It starts slow, but as temperatures drop they soon get heavier and heavier, deeper and deeper (the most Wellington photo I ever took was at the entrance of an event where the piles of hung coats were three or four deep).

We are well into coat season now, with this year’s tailored offerings from local designers encompassing everything from the classics (trench coats, plaids, heavy wools) to true craftsmanship (like Liz Mitchell’s wool felted coat).

As I wrote alongside our earlier selection of blazers, retail is struggling – so if you’re in the market for a new, well-made coat, try to get it from a local business or brand. These options are extremely expensive (some more than others), but if you choose well, it will be in your wardrobe for years to come.

Kate Sylvester denim coat, $899

Who knew when I brought this coat home, it would become a collectors item one day, in light of the news the designer is closing her doors next year. Although to be fair, I have Kate Sylvester garments dating as far back as 1999 that I still wear, so the fact it's from one of her final collections makes no difference to its desirability in my eyes.

I fucking love this coat. It was gifted to me by the designer; Kate asked me to interview her at the launch event for this collection and offered me a garment in return. I knew exactly what I wanted. I love that it’s like a dress and I can wear it completely buttoned up and belted, shedding layers as needed (very important for a woman of my age lol).

I also hate carrying bags so a coat with pockets deep enough to hold my life is one of the best things about a season I’m not especially fond of. Here I’m wearing it with Gucci glasses (probably about four or five years old), Dr. Martens thatI got secondhand at Tatty’s last year, and if you look REALLY closely, I am wearing my favourite socks that have bows on them. - Rebecca Wadey, co-founder

R.M.Williams coat, $649 (available May)

Lara outside Search and Destroy. Photo / Abigail Dell'avo

This is my idea of a perfect coat: warm and cocooning but not too weighty, just the right knee-grazing length, with deep pockets to keep your hands (and snacks) warm. I'm particularly into this toasty tan colour, it's neutral enough to wear with just about everything, including black, denim and prints. - Lara Daly, publishing coordinator

James Bush coat, $1600

I had a rare ‘I must have that’ moment when I first saw this on the runway at NZ Fashion Week last year. A red satin coat is not exactly… practical heading into an Auckland winter, but it is such a beautiful and impeccably made garment – a luxe heavy fabric, panel detailing, silky lining, fabric covered buttons. It’s giving Prada, and real fashion nerds will know that I’m attempting the 'Prada gesture' here – chicly clasping your coat, or "an old-fashioned gesture in the age of clutched iPhones". Designer James Bush is so clever and a real asset to our local industry. - Zoe Walker Ahwa, editor and co-founder

Twenty-seven Names coat, $860

One of my favourite things about coat weather is the ease. A good coat is an outfit in and of itself. A belted long coat is the ultimate embodiment of this, but proportionally short swing style coats work better on my 5ft4 frame and Twenty-seven names always have great options in shorty-friendly silhouettes. I personally favour a busy print, like this check, because I'm clumsy and they hide stains well. - Tyson Beckett, reporter

Karen Walker suede leather coat, $3750

I really felt like a rich, off-duty British rockstar in this coat. But alas, I am a peasant. I could never afford, but if you are in the position, this is one snazzy (not to mention cosy) investment. It's one of those pieces that would be passed down to your future generations, and you would be the cool great-grandmother getting all the credit. - LD

Juliette Hogan trench coat, $1399

The problem with long-line coats is that they are always way too long for a 5′2″ shortie like me, as you can see with this trench. But once it was taken up a little, this double-breasted classic in a heavy Italian check fabric would be a go-tos – chuck on and go and look instantly pulled together. I have a few plain trench coats in my wardrobe (from Uniqlo and Karen Walker), but I like that this is a printed version. I’ve paired it with two contrasting accessories: a winter must-have Blunt umbrella, and very winter-inappropriate flatforms. - Zoe Walker Ahwa, editor and co-founder