It’s All About The Trench Coat

It’s All About The Trench Coat
The ultimate sun-and-showers outerwear, and the very definition of a ‘forever piece’, we take a look at the history of the trench coat and round up the most covetable classic styles to snap up this spring.
“Everyone in the world should have a trench coat, and there should be a trench coat for everyone in the world. It does not matter your age; it doesn’t matter your gender.” This proclamation by Angela Ahrendts, former CEO of Burberry, is testimony to the timeless, universal quality of a style that continues to be on many a fashion conscious ladies lust list. From Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve to modern day icons Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Cara Delevingne, the perfectly rendered design – those button-topped epaulettes, leather-bound buckles, and that instantly recognisable red-black-and-sand ‘house’ check lining – continue to prove a hit with stars and style followers alike.
In the fickle world of fashion, the trench is rare in remaining largely unchanged from its original incarnation, when Thomas Burberry invented the resilient cotton gabardine fabric in 1879 and submitted a design for an officer’s raincoat to the War Office. It was adopted as an optional item of dress for the British Army and was slowly adapted to include epaulettes (for attaching rank insignia) and D-Rings (for looping map cases to the belt). Even to this day, the label’s signature ‘Kensington’ trench cost is crafted in Yorkshire, with tailors inspecting each piece a staggering 26 times during production.
Designers may play seasonally with lace, pastels and embellishment, but that just-so shade of honey remains the gold standard – just see this season’s Burberry campaign starring models of the moment (and twin sisters) Ruth and May Bell – for proof. The label’s legendary design may be the blueprint, but there are plenty of trenches out there for every fit and budget. Looking for a more cropped style to pair with this season’s mini A-line skirts? Look to Zara’s horn bone-belted number. Those looking for a more minimal take on a traditional design should look to Whistle’s streamlined beige style with matt silver metalwork.
For sartorial inspiration, we recommend casting your eye over Burberry’s constantly updated Art of the Trench gallery , a global street-style inspired stream of everyday styling ideas. A hardworking hero piece, a trench coat does all the talking, meaning it’s easy to keep outfits simple and chic – simply pair with a classic Parisian trio of Breton tee, pants and pumps. As Emma Watson puts it: “You just can’t go wrong with a classic trench and a pair of jeans.”

The Trench Coat