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.