By Robin Dutt

Decades ago, when global warming or whatever else detracted from the four distinct seasons in a year our wardrobes were stuffed accordingly.  Now, it is difficult to find an ankle-sweeping winter coat because everyone is in a taxi or sipping Champagne at The Rivoli.  But I am delighted to see the return of the tailored and rather minimal spring coat – knee length and simple, it does provide protection against the unexpected spring chilly blast and most are showerproof, which should be a given.

Over a suit and in a contrasting colour, or an example that has pattern, weave or even texture, the spring coat becomes for a short time, a trend indispensible and one which won’t disturb the line of what lies beneath.  Not a raincoat as such, it is its own distinct affair.

Mine, I discovered recently, an unworn, light pure wool German example hailing from the late 1960s in an aqua ground with a subtle check in black and seal grey.  It goes with everything. Even leather…