The sleeveless jacket: conquer power dressing with no sleeves attached

If, like most women in London, you are contemplating the complexities of buying a new coat, I would like to take this opportunity to make a case for sleeveless.

I’ll wager that one isn’t already at the top of your wish list. After all, when it comes to fulfilling the winter coat’s primary function - to keep you warm - one that’s sans-sleeves is by no means the most practical option. But when it comes to versatility the sleeveless coat is head and shoulders above the rest.

In a city in which it isn’t unusual to spend an average of 26 minutes outside during the working day - that’s 17 minutes hurrying back and forth from the Tube plus nine minutes to run to Pret on your lunch break - how well your choice of outerwear can cope with the elements is of little consequence.

What’s far more important is how it deals with erratic micro climates - think a sweaty Central line carriage during rush hour and over zealous office air con.

The beauty of a sleeveless coat is its split personality: it acts as a suit jacket when you are at your desk and a coverup during those fleeting occasions on which you do actually manage to escape the office. The fact that it also looks ace layered over a fine roll-neck or crisp white shirt only serves to further heighten its status in the hierarchy of your workwear wardrobe.

For proof of this item’s popularity among the capital’s working women, take a look at the wealth of options which are available this season. The low-key and luxurious sleeveless jackets from the likes of Carven and Nicole Farhi will find favour with power dressers, while the high street has something to suit all tastes and budgets.