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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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The trench coat will always be in style — probably because they make any body, mail or female, look good. The double-breasted style was famous from the French courts during the era of Marie Antoinette, et al. Trench coats are as iconic as the little black dress from Coco Chanel.
Yes, they really are iconic. No matter what size, sex or age, the trench coat suits everyone!
trench coat are timeless and sophisticated. nice read. :)
I love the way trench coats look! I have to wait till the cold leaves to wear one though, the only problem is that I’m short so I would drown in a long one LOL.
Me too, Grace! I look like a detective in a long one! ;) But there are some really cute ones that are not too long!
BTW I love your blog! :)
Bahaha! Thanks Milana! My blog is fairly new and it just randomness. I love your blog too and maybe someday I will become a great blogger like you! :)
Aww what a sweet thing to say, Grace… Thank you so much! :)
I really liked this post. Just bought my first trench a few months ago after moving to Seattle…it’s needed here as much as it rains!
Thank you! I can image why trench coats would be a hit i Seattle! Mind as well be fashionable in the rain! :)
I really like the mix of fabrics and styles! Whitout the military touch, this jacket would be very boring but with the kakhi pockets and details (and lining too?), it is more versatile and cute!