The Trench Coat: 7 Picks, 3 Ways to Wear

The trench coat.  Versions of this wardrobe staple have likely been around since the late 1800’s, but the coat got its name when WWI British officers in the trenches replaced their existing bulky raincoats with these lighter weight, more breathable designs.  Burberry designed its first soon-to-be “trench coat” in the early 1900’s, but didn’t begin to line them with the iconic Burberry check until the 1920’s.

As with Burberry’s designs, the classic trench hasn’t changed all that much in the last century.  It continues to be a closet essential of women, men, actors, street style stars… why?  Because of its combination of light weight, classic look and versatility. The first collage below shows my favorite picks this season, with the classic Burberry Sandringham front and center.  I’ve included both traditional and contemporary designs at a variety of price points and functionalities.  I’ve also included three very different ways to wear a trench, giving you a visual of just how versatile this wardrobe staple really is.

1. Badgley Mischka (at Nordstrom) Faux Leather Trim Long Trench
2. Mackage Estela Asymmetric Belted Trench Coat
3. London Fog (Macy’s) Hooded Double Breasted Belted Trench
4. Burberry London “Sandringham” Long Trench
5. MANGO Linen Trench
6. Missguided (ASOS) Camo Belted Coat
7. Banana Republic Water Resistant Modern Trench

You can throw a classic trench over just about anything and look instantly cool (and you don’t have to wait for the rain).  Below, I’ve created three very different looks, built from basic pieces you may already have in your closet.

FRENCH CHIC

1.  Burberry London “Sandringham” Long Trench Coat in Stone
2. JCrew High-Rise Cameron Pant in Four-Season Stretch
3. AJMorgan (ASOS) Round Oversized Sunglasses
4. GAP Long Sleeve Striped Boatneck Tee
5. Mark & Graham Monogrammed Daily East/West Tote
6. French Sole “Certain” Ballet Flat

LAZY SUNDAY BRUNCH

1.  Same Burberry Trench as above : Sandringham in Stone
2. Coach Saddle 23 Crossbody Bag
3. GAP Super High Rise True Skinny Jeans in Dark Indigo
4. Women’s Core Classic Yankee Cap by LadyFanatics
5. H&M Denim Shirt
6. Keds (shoes.com) Triple Kick Sneakers 

CLASSIC EDGE

1.  Same Burberry Trench as above : Sandringham in Stone
2. Banana Republic Skinny Stay Black Ankle Jean
3. Rebecca Minkoff Chevron Quilted Small Love Crossbody Bag
4. Square Frame Sunglasses by Quay X Design (Topshop)
5. BP (Nordstrom) Slub Knit Black Tee
6. Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Black Classic Pump

The result?  A super easy, instant transition to street style star.