Jessica Simpson Double Breasted Trench Coat
Price: $98.9
A rich satin-finished sheen draws attention to a topstitched trench with button-flap yokes and tab-and-button raglan sleeves.  Although you may be afraid the double breasted trench will make you look fat, don’t worry.  This coat comes with a belt and putting the belt around your waist will make it instantly slimming on your body.  Look for other fantastic colors, although I personally like this purple trench coat.  Color(s): eggplant, latte, …

Jessica Simpson Fit & Flare Travel Trench
Price: $138.0
Sash belt defines the waist of a luminous fit-and-flare trench topped with a split lapel collar. This dress trench is so pretty since it flares below the waist.  I would wear it over a dress without pants to add a new outfit to my closet.  I love the beautiful blue color since it stands out well.  It’s called a travel trench because it is so light and easy to take around and matches pants and dresses so you don’t have to worry about bringing an extra jacket.  Color(s): coral, peacock. Brand: Jessica Simpson. Style Name: Jessica Simpson Fit & Flare Travel Trench. Style Number: 283417.

Jessica Simpson Satin Trench Topper
Price: $138.0
Chic, double-breasted topper is styled with track stitching. A wide convertible collar and buckled belt smartly finish the look.Chic, double-breasted topper is styled with track stitching.  Great yellow trench coat for those looking for something bright to add to their Spring wardrobes.  The fit is great and doesn’t fall too long.  Other colors available as well such as black and beige.

Jessica Simpson Ombre Sateen Trench
Price: $118.0
Trend-right ombre shading updates a classic double-breasted trench with a softly gleaming sateen finish. A buckle-detailed tie belt ensures a waist-defining fit. Beautiful coat that is really different from the normal trench.  Wear it for special occasions or just wear it to look special.  Color(s): grey. Brand: Jessica Simpson. Style Name: Jessica Simpson Ombre Sateen Trench. Style Number: 283415. Available In Stores.

Jessica Simpson used to be known for being a blonde bimbo, but she has really changed her image lately. I think her clothes have changed along with that. They now are much better fits and they fit real women. Jessica herself is no longer a negative size, and is currently a good size. Therefore, the trenches she is making are a lot better for real women.

Check out this High Collar Felt Coat from Forever 21.  It’s a little bit thicker so you can stay warm in the winter and has a great high collar to protect your neck and make you look good.  The double breasted look is fantastic when paired with the cute belt in the middle.  Get it for $27.80.

Forever 21 Trench Coat

Tweed Classic Trench:  This next one, also from Forever 21 is so cute.  It’s the classic tweed trench and the black and white tweed is definitely subtle but still beautiful.  The belt is actually removable, but I like the look with a belt and a cute pencil skirt underneath.  Get it for $37.80.

Forever 21 Tweed Trench Coat

Brushed Twill Trench Coat:  One more from the great store Forever 21.  This one is only $36.90 and it is a brushed twill trench that will go from Fall to Winter into Spring.  This is definitely a more street look and paired with cute jeans or leggings, will look great.  I love the 2 colors it comes in – Olive and Navy – this coat should match almost everything in your closet.  I plan to wear mine with a bright red sweater or a green tank.

Brushed Twill Trench from Forever 21

Puffy trench:  I call this the puffy trench.  Not quite a trench coat, but anything with a belt qualifies as a trench for me.  If you can cinch it in and wear it over your clothes, then I will test it.  This coat, by H&M is pretty great.  It’s puffy and warm, but you don’t feel so puffy after using the belt.  Plus, the winter white color is fantastic over everything.  If you love your trenches, but live in a much colder place, try this coat by H&M.

H&M Coat

Elle Ruffle Trench Coat:  Check out this next trench I found at Kohls.  Yes, you would never know it, but sometimes they have fantastic stuff.  It is now on sale for 50% off, making it $33.99.  This sleek black trench will go over all of your dresses and nice skirts and pants.  The collar has a little ruffle that is so cute and the jacket is made to be tighter with a little stretch in the material to fit well.

Elle Ruffle Trench Coat

IZ Byer California Pleated Sateen Trench Coat:  This next jacket is a great trench dress.  The fuschia color, the flare at the hips, all of it makes for the perfect trench dress for you to wear.  It’s so cute on that I had to buy it.  For me, it was almost like an outfit on its own.  I’m planning to throw it on whenever I want to look cute walking around outside.  Buy it now at Kohl’s for $34 – what a steal!

Fuschia Trench Dress

Old Navy Women’s Belted Trench Coats:  This final one is one of my favorites.  It’s the perfect classic coat from Old Navy for $49.50.  It comes in light tan or black and is perfect for anyone looking for the classic trench.  It is made of smooth brushed twill, and the tie belt in the middle is trendy without being too over the top.  Perfect for the office or out on the town.

Old Navy Trench Coats

Save More Money
Learn how to save money on designer dresses and spend less than one tenth the price.

Trench coat style

First, will you button the coat or leave it unbuttoned? A buttoned up coat covers what you are wearing inside and gives you the sleek silhouette that the designer was trying to create. A buttoned look brings everything together. The open, unbuttoned look is more casual and is also more masculine when a man does it. Think of all of the gun fighters in movies that you see. When they come out fighting, their trench coats are unbuttoned and make them look like an even bigger force. On the other hand, an unbuttoned trench can also look very messy and careless. Consider where you are going with your coat and the type of statement you want to make before buttoning or unbuttoning the coat. Also, you can hardly ever go wrong with buttoning it up.

Styling a trench coat

Second, think about how you want to wear the belt. Will you belt it at all? For most women, that belt will make you look better since it will give you a waist. However, do you belt it in the traditional way or will you tie it in a more stylish way? The traditional way is just looping it through the belt buckle, however, the more fashionable way is tying it like Burberry does with their trenches – a double knot with the 2 ends of the belt so the belt dangles a little.

Third, think about the collar. If you are trying to be a bit more stylish, turn it up slightly. If you want to be more conservative, make sure it is down.

Fourth, think about the sleeves. Again, the more stylish way is to scrunch them up a bit. This makes the relaxed sleeve more fitted on your body. Remember, this only works if you are wearing short sleeves underneath. Do not do this if you are wearing a long sleeve or shirt.

Finally, what outfit will you pair it with underneath? What type of shoes will you be wearing? Many famous stars have been shown wearing knee high boots or pointed toe heels. Pants usually look great under short and long trenches since they elongate they balance out the broader feeling of the coat. Also, consider the colors you are wearing. If you have a more conservative color trench, consider pairing it with brighter color shoes or even a bright scarf, purse or hat. The trench coat can be dressed up or down depending on how you feel. Most of all, put your own style twist on it and have fun wearing it.

Below are five more ways to wear the trench coat:

Like Audrey Hepburn: Trench coat + Full length skirt + ballet flats + silk scarf + soft t-shirt

Out to dinner: Trench coat + designer jeans + stilettos + chunky jewelry

To the office: Trench + tailored pants + button down shirt + classic pumps

Night on the town: Trench + tights + ankle boots + chunky gold heels + metallic bangles

Out around town: Trench + chunky boots + sunglasses + warm scarf

London Fog trench at Overstock.com

A trench coat is one of the most classic wardrobe items you will own.  It is a wardrobe staple that you can bring out every spring season and wear into early summer.  It’s useful for both wearing to the office and wearing around town since it is classic, but cute.  When shopping for a trench coat, look for one that is higher in quality and more durable.  A cheap trench coat will not even last you through one season before it starts to break down and rip or tear at the seams.

When looking for a trench coat, look for material that is lightweight wool, cotton canvas or gabardine.  All of these materials will be light, but also provide the warmth you need.  Also, look at the details of the trench coat.  If there is reinforced stitching, if the buttons are made of high quality like nickel or tortoiseshell, if there is an extra lining, and if there are details like epaulettes and other special details of the jacket, then you know that the trench coat is something of higher quality.  These extra details will signal to you that time and care were put into making the jacket and the coat will last you a lot longer for the price you pay.

In terms of color, the most traditional colors are black, navy and tan.  If you are looking for a more classic trench coat, you can’t go wrong with any of these colors.  

Every season, there are tons of new trench coats made and sold in these colors.  However, if you want something that stands out more, but will still last a long time, consider a red trench, purple trench or even a green trench coat.  These 3 colors continue to cycle through every season, with red being one of the most popular colors for women.  

Blue trench from Nordstrom

Before you start shopping, consider the budget you have for a trench coat.  Don’t think of the coat as a one season, one wear purchase.  Remember that you will be wearing it everywhere – to the office, to dinner, to lunch, during the day to go shopping.  Also, you will probably be pulling it out for the rain and for heavy weather.  Finally, you can pull it out every season when the weather starts to get slightly warmer, but is still cold enough where a nice warm trench coat will keep you protected.  Therefore, calculate your coat budget to be twice as much as you expected, with the expectation that it will last three or maybe four times as long as you expected.  A nicer trench coat is well worth the money, quality and durability.

If you are considering what style trench coat to buy, go to this article for a style breakdown.  If you don’t know where to shop, I have a list of suggestions in the shopping area.  There are many trench coats to choose from so shop carefully and take your time.  Also, read through these next articles to help you narrow down your selections and find the perfect trench coat for you.