As a rule, I tend to steer clear of doing this

Firstly, a lot of their stuff is shit. Secondly, nobody likes to see a 23 year old wearing the same item of clothing as a lad fresh out of school

However, can coats be an exception to this rule?

I just want a nice, plain black trench coat, with a belt thingy round the best. I don't want to spend too much money, so my options are somewhat limited

Last time I bought a coat, I got it from Zara. It's served me well. But the coats in there this year are shite