In the trenches
“There is nothing more elegant in winter than dark tights worn with matching knee-length boots and a belted trench coat.”
Joan Collins
You’re right Joan, you’re so right. And look at you staying true to your style even now!
Joan isn’t alone in her commitment to the classic coat of the ages. Recognizable faces since the early 1920’s have donned this iconic piece and taken advantage of the opportunity to style it in more ways than even its rival for first place iconicity, the denim jacket. Trench coats have taken men and women alike from rain-soaked muddy battle fields to rolled out red carpets and everywhere in between. Check out some inspirational female advocates of the trench coat spanning the last 100 years. Which one is your fave?
OK, enough about those celebrity faces, let’s talk about someone more important, YOU! Trench coats aren’t reserved for the Burberry customers only, those of us grabbing online deals and filling our carts at TJ Maxx have just as many options for stylish options. Let’s take a look at a few on my list and how to style them for your everyday life this winter!
#1 The Lightweight Must Have
Everlane $148
Every t-shirt, jean, and sneaker option you can come up with is a perfect canvas for adding this updated trench option. It’s lightweight and versatile for every season in every city, state, and country! No regrets possible!
#2 The Affordable Starter
Old Navy $57
This little trench is worth every small dollar you pay for it and will last you long enough to fully embrace the trench coat style and save up for something pricier your next time around. Think of it as the “starter trench” and pair it with skinny jeans or wide legged flat front slacks. You can’t go wrong!
#3 The Modern Classic
J.Crew $228
This classic trench from J.Crew is the budget-friendly and fashionable woman’s best investment. It bares most all the iconic attributes like a lined under collar, tortoise buckle, epaulets at the shoulder, and a double breasted 8-button front closure. Get this in your cart asap!
#4 The Foxiest of Faux Leathers
Asos $174
Leather is back and majorly in action this fall! You can find it everywhere in every shade. This toffee colored number from Asos is beautiful! Wear it over a fitted ribbed turtleneck and your fave pair of light to medium wash straight leg jeans. Then send me a picture because I HAVE to applaud your utter commitment to style!
#5 The OG Investment
Burberry $1,999
OK, just in case you ARE a Burberry customer or (like me) you’re dreaming of becoming one when you grow-up, the Kensington classic is as versatile as any other. But, I think I’d reserve it for my sleek classy looks (like Joan) just out of sheer respect for the OG.
If none of these fit the bill for you there’s likely an option at one of your favorite stores too! The best thing about this coat is that it never goes out of style, therefore design houses will never stop making them. So, the only next step is YOU choosing one (or two).
If you’re a total geek for the history of fashion like me, check out this page for details on the classy rise of the trench coat from Smithsonian Magazine. Note, I feel super validated in my appreciation and deep desire to know more about a jacket’s start since even The Smithsonian thinks it’s worthy of discussion! AND, if you’re interested in the Burberry history in particular, they have a really great visual journey for you right here.
Alright, now get out there…in the trenches!