New Trend Alert: The Trench Coat

In 1856, 21-year-old Thomas Burberry founded what is today known as one of the biggest fashion houses in the world: Burberry. When you think of Burberry you instantly think of luxury, quality and the trench coat pops up in your head!

The story of the trench

In 1914, during World War I, Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to adapt officer’s coat to be suitable for the conditions of contemporary warfare, which resulted in the ‘trench coat’.

When the war ended, the trench became popular with the civilians as well and in 1920 the iconic Burberry check was created and used as the the lining.

Still to this day, Burberry’s trench coats are loved and worn all over the world. They come and go as a fashion trend, but are recognized as a classic item in the wardrobe, because of its timeless structure, sophisticated shape and color and high quality. 2010 is the year that brings the trench coat back on the hottest trends list once again.

Here are Burberry’s own trench coats:

Pictures from: www.net-a-porter.com

How to wear the trench coat?

The trench is the jacket of the spring and the prettiest raincoat there is. When the cold winter days are gone and the temperatures start to rise, it’s time to pull out your trench coat. A trench coat can make you look elegant or edgy – the choice is yours.

Edge up your trench (but don’t end up looking like Sherlock Holmes!):

• Tie a knot with the belt
• Slightly upturn the collar
• Don’t button all the way up
• Put your hair up, so the collar doesn’t make it look messy
• If you’re short, stay away from the long trench coat

Trench Coat 2.0

Today, we see a lot of different versions of the classic trench. The colors have changed and shapes as well.

PRODUCT INFO: Printed, Dark Blue, Royal Blue

PRODUCT INFO: Black, Purple, Blue

All these new versions of the trench coat are very nice and fun, however I would recommend investing in a classic trench coat, rather than a trench 2.0, as I call them. The beauty of the classic trench is that it doesn’t go out of style and can be worn for every occasion. Here are three different trench looks for 2010.

The Modern Look

PRODUCT INFO: Trench, Jeans, Blouse, Flats

This is a very casual, but still feminine look with a trench coat. Pairing it up with some cute flats softens the masculinity and domination of the coat. It is a very powerful item in itself, so don’t overdo the rest of your outfit to achieve the sophistication.

The Rock Look

PRODUCT INFO: Trench, Converse, Jeans, T-Shirt, Bag

Even though a trench coat is a very conservative piece of clothing, it is often worn by rock stars. It makes the ‘Converse and skinny jeans’ look more feminine and more sophisticated, but at the same time very edgy.

The Business Look

PRODUCT INFO: Trench, Shirt, Skirt, Boots

Wearing a trench coat, whether you are a man or a woman, has always been a part of the professional attire. It really does go with every outfit. So if you’re a business woman, invest in a good quality trench coat, preferably in black, and you’ll have a great looking jacket for many years.

Is the trench coat a part of your wardrobe?

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