In Search Of The Perfect Trench Coat

Last week’s Winter boot post captured a large audience and even prompted one of  my clients to suggest a follow up post: How to find the perfect trench coat.

What was initially designed as an alternative to the military coat back to 1879 is now a fashion icon. The invention of the iconic trench coat is claimed by two UK fashion labels – Aquascutum and the better-known Burberry with its camel trench coat and plaid lining.

Conveniently, my client detailed her own style challenges (and final victory) when searching for her trench coat and I thought the information combined with a shopping guide might be useful for those of you unsure of what style of trench might suit you.

Here is her email:

Hi Cindy,

Just received your latest post “Pursuit of the Perfect Winter Boot” and it prompted me to write you and suggest a potential topic for your blog.

I’m an inverted triangle and every year for many years in Autumn I’ve admired other women in their trench coats and every year I have tried on a trench coat or two and always taken it off because it doesn’t quite look right.

After I did my original consult with you a few years ago, and after attending many of your fashion shows, I learned that inverted triangles with a bust should avoid double breasted jackets – so that’s the main issue for me with a trench – they invariably are double breasted!

This year though, I’ve struck gold!  I found a single breasted trench coat at Sportscraft – it comes in taupe and black and has a lovely Liberty print detail under the collar.

So, I bought it.  Brought it home and every morning this week I’ve tried it on and put it back in the wardrobe again – not quite sure about it.

Yesterday, I showed my partner and said “what do you think about this trench coat” and he said, “it’s very nice but it makes you look very bulky around the shoulders and neck”.

So I thought, how do I make the look work for me – pondered it during the day and thought maybe it’s the epaulets on the shoulders that were adding bulk.  So, I pulled it out of the wardrobe again, and discovered that Sportscraft have kindly designed their trench coats with removable, button on epaulets!  I removed these, tried it on again and bingo, that did the trick to reduce the shoulder bulk and draw the eye away from that detail.

So hooray, after years of searching I’ve found the ideal trench coat for my shape.

I wonder if other inverted triangles would benefit from my Sportscraft find?  Perhaps this might make a nice article for your blog to review a range of trench coats and how these work for different body shapes.

 

It certainly would and a huge thanks for sending this information in – you know who you are!

Now over to the body shapes, here are some style tips to get the best out of your coat and your silhouette:

Inverted Triangles: Here the aim is to avoid bulk on the top half of your body. Opt for small lapels and no detail on the shoulders. The generally A-line bottom of the trench will also help balance your figure.

Oval:  In all cases, your aim is to avoid additional bulk so also opt for small lapels and forget voluminous collars.

Hourglass: Oooh, you lucky things! You can work the classic trench with additional detail. Depending on if you have a large bust (think D+) then be sure to cinch in your waist to draw the attention a little lower.

Rectangle: Go to trench town but remember to also cinch it in at the waist. Most trenches come with an in built belt or add your own (still to similar hues of monochromatic colours) to bring the attention to your center.

Triangle: This is a great coat style for you as all the bulk is carried through the top and draws in at the waist balancing your body shape without much work at all.

So where to find your treasured trench coat you ask?

Well for all of the Ovals and Inverted Triangles, try Witchery or Country Road stores as they offer soft and lightweight trenches.

Forever New have a trench coat called ‘Sisi’ that offers a single-breasted alternative for a very affordable $99.99. They also have a classic trench with small lapels for $139.

Target also offers a classic trench with small lapels for only $69.95.

Sportscraft stock traditional trench coats and there is one in particular which is single breasted and on sale for $89. This would be great for all shapes and for the price, you’re also investing in a quality wardrobe item.

David Lawrence also stocks some classic trenches so head in and have a play.

For something a little bit different, try Thurley. They have a Georgette trench-like coat which would be suitable for most shapes (only a few ovals) for $550.

Finally, the trench coat is one of the most versatile outerwear items and is considered one of the key wardrobe staples. It offers instant chic (and warmth) with jeans for a casual look, team with a dress and tights for the day or wrap it around your evening look if a blazer or cape won’t cut it when it comes to the chill factor.

So happy Trench Hunting and if you have any ideas or feel your style struggles are common, please send an email through, comment below on our blog or write on our Facebook page.

We love sharing style advice and shop finds and we would love you to be a part of the conversation.

You never know – you might be helping someone else 🙂