How to wear a trench coat now
For all the fanfare around puffy jackets and duvet coats, it has to be said – they don’t suit everyone. I was reminded about this at the weekend at the sight of a diminutive soul in her blue Bacofoil number, hoisted slightly askew a la Vetements, but not really fooling anyone. No wonder then that the sensible stalwart, the trench coat, is more popular than ever, on and off the catwalk.
The Telegraph ran a piece unpicking the whys and wherefores of the trench trend a week ago (with a quote from me – thank you!). And while I’d normally agree that a trench coat is a classic and thus always around, it’s definitely more visible than usual at the moment, and designers are doing more to subvert it.
I prefer my trench coats as military-styled as possible. That means oversized, waterproofed and casual, and ideally in navy, black or khaki (this Margaret Howell one is a stunner). But not everyone feels happy in the traditional design – the double breasting and belting is a challenge for many, especially if you’re busty or don’t have a defined waist. In which case, I’m enjoying the resurgence of the single-breasted mac. I’ve seen lovely examples in Aquascutum and Mackintosh, as well as the water-resistant A.P.C version below, that brings to mind Malory Towers school uniform perfection.
Other ways to zhuzh up your trench if you don’t like to look too utilitarian – add a jaunty wool scarf, switch the belt for something slimmer (or perhaps a vintage Hermès carré), tote a bright camera bag or add some aviator sunnies. Any other ideas? Do share in the comments…
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
MAIN IMAGE: Mark Borthwick for The Gentlewoman
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2 November, 2016 @ 6:57 pm
As a petite, with a straight up & down shape, it is a single breasted mac all the way for me. I have a much loved gem from MHL Margaret Howell in Putty ( like a light khaki) that I foresee will be worn for years to come. Gorgeously plain & utilitarian. I tend to zhuzh it up by pairing it with a colourful woollen or silk scarf. A pair of snazzy socks peeping out from under a rolled trouser/ jean never does any harm, nor does a beanie & patterned/coloured gloves in the winter. And let’s not forget a great handbag/tote….
2 November, 2016 @ 7:35 pm
Oh you’re the same shape as me! Margaret Howell just gets it right somehow, it’s all about the cut and fabrication – any other details are a bonus. I never wear beanies (too itchy!) but hell yes to a snazzy sock and tote (from Paul Smith and A.P.C respectively…)