En-Trenched Fashion
Trench coats. They’re the one thing that can protect you from wind chill and rain while somehow making your sultry cocktail dress even sexier.
Even if you’re caught in a sudden downpour, hair cemented to your forehead in thick clumps, that chic fitted trench holds the mystifying magic that keeps your overall look extravagantly pulled together.
We all have a dream trench coat waiting in our future. I found mine two years ago – khaki in color, with tortoise shelled buttons, cuff straps, epaulettes on the shoulders, slanted pockets and a leopard print lining. It was so beautiful I took pictures of it on the hanger when I got home.
The history of the trench coat dates back to the First World War. British and French soldiers would wear them as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats. The creation of the trench coat is credited to Thomas Burberry. (Although Aquascutum claims they created the coat in the 1850s.)
Burberry was the man to design the coat for the British army. The shoulder straps that we see on trench coats today were added to be used for epaulettes and insignia during the war.
Memorable images of the trench coat lead to visions of Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” and Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
Although trench coats can look great on a man, they’ve become a stylish must-have for women. And this fall there are so many styles to choose from that whether or not you own the traditional trench, it’s time you bring home at least one more. And, the best part is, you can find sophisticated styles for less.
Target has a fun line of well-made trenches in bright colors of moiré satin for only 40 dollars. With large buttons, pockets and shiny sashes, these coats can add spice to any outfit without affecting your budget. (I just bought one in bright red.)
H&M also carries several coat styles at reasonable prices (my dream trench was purchased from a store in France). And if you want a pricier, timeless classic, go for an exquisitely made Burberry trench that can be in your wardrobe forever.
Although you can find trench coats that are fairly long, I would stick to ones that fall halfway down the thigh. This leaves room for you to move freely and the length will still pair with short or longer hemlines underneath.
Plaids in various colors, animal prints, black suede, tapestry, brocade or brilliant colors of satin – whatever you choose, your trench coat will be there to keep you warm, dry and always in style. If you haven’t had the chance for any fall shopping yet, make this No.1 on your list.
Tags: Audrey Hepburn, design, Thomas Burberry, Tiffany, timeless classic, Trench coats, wardrobe