How to style a trench coat
Wearing a trench coat makes a definite statement. How you wear one makes an even bigger statement.
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
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Burberry trench coat
Founded in 1856, Burberry is a British luxury fashion company known for its distinctive black, white and red pattern. This pattern is called the haymarket check or the “Burberry classic check” and was first used as the lining for their famous trench coat. Although the Burberry trench coat is a bit more expensive than other trench coats you will find, this trench coat will last for years. The classic cuts and the high quality will last much longer and will never go out of style.
Burberry trench coat
Most of Burberry trench coats will fall fashionably to your knees, although they have made some shorter ones as well. If you are a bit shorter, you will find that the knee length ones hit your calves, but still look great. Since fashion is also important, you will rarely find one that falls all the way to the ground. The best full length one you will find will just ends at your knees. The knee length ones are beautiful and create a gorgeous silhouette. When you wear the coat, you will find that the beauty and distinction of a Burberry trench coat, will make many heads turn and get you many compliments.
Prices range from $695 to upwards of $6000 although most average around $1000. The prices don’t change although once in awhile, you may find a terrific deal at one of their outlet stores. If you do find a deal, snatch it up fast as consumers have been known to be mobbed just to buy one of their items.
Famous Burberry plaid
The beauty of the Burberry trench coat comes in the little details. The buttons are oftentimes engraved black lacquer. The inside comes with the beautiful distinctive lining that is comfortable and gorgeous at the same time. The lining is so beautiful that you will find yourself wanting to take off the coat as often as you put it on. The belt in the middle is oftentimes worn by tying the belt in a special looped manner to enhance the beauty of the coat. Or, it can be worn in the traditional manner just by looping it through.
If you are shopping for a trench coat and you want something that is long lasting, definitely consider Burberry. The coats are fashionable, distinctive, but classic and traditional, all at the same time. The fashion house has been around for more than a century and the distinctive pattern is coveted by women and men all over the world. Wearing a Burberry trench coat will make a statement and enhance your wardrobe for years to come.
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Shopping for trench coats
Shopping mall
Shopping for a trench coat takes some time and patience. The best time is to shop during the Spring clothing season when the most selection can be found. If you are willing to wait until the end of the season you will start to see some heavy discounts . Even half way through the season, I started seeing some great discounts. If you want a trench coat now, be sure to check out these excellent stores.
Coach: This famous designer of handbags and leather goods makes some excellent quality trench coats. Many of their latest trench coats come in Coach’s newest signature patterns. The coats have excellent quality linings and great construction, similar to their excellent bags and accessories. Prices are a bit higher, averaging $600, but the quality is well worth the price.
Burberry: This traditional store is a flagship of the trench coat and has a fantastic assortment of cuts and colours. Worn by many famous movie stars, Burberry trench coats are durable and long lasting. Each detail of the coat is beautifully constructed and creates a fantastic silhouette for everyone who wears one. Burberry trenches are a bit more expensive than other coats and start from approx. $600 to more than $1000. However the price you pay will be worth it. These coats are timeless and will last for a long time.
Overstock.com: This site has tons of trench coats in different styles, colors and sizes. It is an outlet so you will see a lot of different brands come through. Snatch up the item quickly if you are interested because the items cycle through pretty fast. Prices range from less than $50 to over $100.
Nordstrom: This department store, famous for its fantastic customer service and great quality brands carries many different stylish trench coats. If you are looking for a coat that is more trendy and fitted, try this famous department store. If you don’t have one near you, check their online store where you will find almost all of the same great selections. In general, their trench coats come in a lot more colors and styles.
Brooks Brothers: Known for their classic suits, this store carries a number of conservative and classic trench coats. Styles are perfect for wearing to the office and for wearing over suits. Prices are in the mid to high-end range and go from $200 to $700. There are great trench coats for men and women. Just like their suits, a Brooks Brothers trench coat makes a definitive statement.
Spiegel: This store sells most of their items through their famous catalog and through their website. It carries some excellent trench coats for very reasonable prices. Almost all of the prices are around $100. The fashionable coats are made of good material. Here, you will find mostly women’s trench coats.
Other department stores: Other department stores like Macy’s, Sears, Saks and Bloomingdale’s: Most department stores will have a coat area that you can shop in both online and offline. Look in that area if you are looking for a trench coat.
Other boutiques: Almost every designer will make a few trench coats to display each Spring season. If you are looking for a trench, time it right and check out what has come out for that season.
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Looking for a trench coat?
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.
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Find the right fit
Black Burberry trench from Nordstrom
You’ve often seen movie or television stars wearing trench coats as their signature items. When the stars put on a trench coat, the coat is perfectly fitted to their bodies. That is how a trench coat should be for you. Do not buy a coat that is bulky or makes you look larger than you really are. The coat should fit along the silhouette of your body from top to bottom. The top part should cut across your chest cleanly, while the rest of the coat should fall in a fitted, straight line.
When trying on the trench coat, do not buy bulky fabrics or shapes that don’t follow the line of your body. You want the coat to be long and sleek looking. It should come in and cinch at the waist and then drape in a subtle A-line from the waist down. The A-line should not flare out too much unless that is the style of the coat (trench dress). You want the coat to make a statement when you walk in the room. It allows your appearance to look completely put together which is the benefit of the coat. On the otherhand, do not buy a coat that is too tight. You must make sure that your clothes fit well under the coat and do not get wrinkled in the process. Also, a coat that is too tight will not be easy to move around in, nor will it flatter the shape of your body. Coats need to drape, not stick.
When trying on the trench coat, use the belt to your advantage. If you have a shorter waist, see if you can wear the belt a bit lower to make your torso look longer. Some belts are adjustable, while others are fixed. If you have a fuller bust, you should avoid breast pockets. Finally, if you have broader shoulders or boxier shoulders, avoid narrow shoulder seams, puffy sleeves, and wide lapels. Also, do not get a coat with additional shoulder pads. Those old shoulder pads from the 80’s didn’t flatter anyone, not even men.
Try on many coats to make sure you find the one that fits right. Try wearing low-rise jeans to see how the coat looks with your entire outfit. The trench coats are made in all shapes and styles and there will be details that are more or less flattering on you. Check the length, the details, the size of the pockets and buttons, the color and collar and the length of the sleeves. A trench coat needs to fit you well. If something can be tailored to fit like the length or the sleeve, make sure you bring it to a tailor to make these adjustments for you. It will be well worth the time and investment.
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