A Fashion Investment: The Trench Coat

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I will be the first person to admit that I have a very colorful wardrobe. Green shoes, yellow handbags, royal blue dresses, plaids, stripes, polka dots – I love expressing myself through color.

For me, great color is mood altering but it can also be a bit tricky. With all the patterns, prints, metallics, sheens and textures in my clothes and even my outerwear, I realized I needed at least one piece that could tie it all together.

A classic trench coat.

For years I turned my nose up at a classic, beige trench coat. I don’t do beige. I don’t do neutrals. I’m bold and sassy! Why not a red trench or a damask print?

Well, I have, let’s say “a few” crazy colored coats and patterns and the problem is that they have the tendency to clash violently with other prints or just look so busy with a patterned purse. I was on a print overload and I needed my outerwear to not contrast so much against my overall look.

So on a rainy day in NYC when I didn’t have a coat and was freezing, I popped into Macy’s and tried on a basic trench… and bought it. I asked them to take the tags off so I could just wear it right out the store and I was asked 5 times where I bought that coat before I even left the store. Every time I wear it, I’m asked where I bought my coat. And every time I wear it I feel like a chicer version of myself.

The trench coat is a timeless staple and I’ve realized its versatility is what makes it such a wardrobe staple. The classic look and neutral color make it suitable for any palette. Plus the classic line and shape can dress up anything that’s hiding underneath (or not). When I took the intro photo (where I was wearing leggings and a big sweater on top), where I’ve closed and belted the trench, I just look like a very nice lady (at least that’s what I think).

When it comes to coats I try to invest as much money in them as I can afford. I’ve found that higher quality will look better, hang better and last longer making it worth the final cost. My new trench was in the $100 range and is similar to this classic London Fog Trench Coat (at left), but the range really can go from high like Burberry (middle image) to low like Target( at right)!

In a perfect world, I’d buy the Burberry – but for now, I’ll go with a mid priced trench coat. I think one of the reasons I get so many compliments is because the shape is flattering on me with a slight flare at at the hip and I adore the gold buttons. They’re just so shiny and perfect.

Other factors to consider would be the color (beige or perhaps navy), the cut (classic knee length or mid thigh length) and the finish (a water repellant version, maybe). Always go for the best that you can afford and make sure you treat your coat right by taking it to the dry cleaners regularly.

The classic trench coat has totally made me realize that neutrals can bring new light to my colorful wardrobe. Color lovers – what pieces do you use as a neutral base to build outfits?

DWJ is an accessories and beauty blogger for The Art of Accessories and is also sharing her love of cooking on Crumbs & Creativity.

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17 Comments

  1. I just adore the look of the classic trench. And may I say that you are certainly rocking the look! I have always been gun shy about purchasing one as I question how one would look on my plus size frame. Maybe I should just give it a shot. You have inspired me to rethink the trench.

    Oh, and to answer your question. I use black t-shirts and black pants as neutral pieces for my more colorful looks.

  2. I love trenches, but I tend to shy away from double breasted coats. They tend to accentuate a thicker middle and I don’t want to take any chances of that! LOL
    I do have a great black trench style coat that I managed to get for a measly $15 on sale (it was a very, very good sale!) and I wear it quite a bit. This post has me reconsidering my stance on traditional trench coats, all the images look amazing! In fact, I just saw a beautiful London Fog classic trench at my local thrift store, I think I should go back and scoop it up.

    Oh, and I wear black. Lots and lots of black. I have a punk/goth heart, haha! It’s a weird mix with my hippie nature, but I guess that’s what makes me unique.
    Great post @DWJ1 !

  3. I never really liked the trench either just because they reminded me of the old west or something, and I thought I was too cool for that. But now, after reading your post, I may be rethinking it.

    @DWJ1 you do look like a very nice lady in your trench! :) So much so that I want to look like a nice lady too.

    Oh and I too wear a lot of black.

  4. looking cute, @DWJ1!

    I just recently purchased a trench style wool coat from H&M in camel. It has a belted waist and looks so cute on! the a-line cut is so flattering. I love trenches, even though I’m short and have to make sure the length is right. This is my winter equivalent, which is fine! Got to stay stylish, especially this week in NYC – getting chilly!

  5. Oh, I love trenches too. They hide a multitude of sin! LOL! I saw the wool coat at H&M, Mandabear! I love wool- it’s so warm and classic looking to me. I sometims wish for colder temps. To bad we rarely get to wear it in So.Cal. BUT it has been cold lately and wouldn’t mind one now! Great post @DWJ1 !

  6. Such a cute pic of you in your trench, @DWJ1 !

    I’ve been meaning to get a basic trench for YEARS, but then I never find one I love…London Fog makes some gorgeous trench coats…I’m going to have to look into picking one up :)

  7. I feel in love with trench coats on my first vintage cloth search (9th grade?)to a thrift store. It started with a black one (of course) but eventually moved on to every dark color and pattern.

    Finally, just two years ago I purchased the classic tan, double breasted trench, thanks to a television special on Katherine Hepburn, but haven’t worn it too much. Thanks @DWJ1 for giving me some ideas for getting the most from this classic piece.

  8. I’ve never owned a trench, but you look like a million bucks in yours, @dwj1! I suddenly feel like there’s a huge gap in my wardrobe.

  9. I love your trench @dwj1 – especially the color! I’ve had a classic beige one for a few years now, and while I love the style, I was called “Inspector Gadjet” the first time I wore it, and now that always sticks with me! I’ve always thought if I had a different color, it wouldn’t be so gadgety – yours looks ideal for my classic needs but a little more contemporary color.

  10. I have two trenches–one a classic beige, the other bright purple (with short sleeves no less). My beige one is an inexpensive, unlined version from Old Navy. Of course I’d like a really nice one and I know it’s a timeless investment piece but living in sunny, warm Los Angeles I can never seem to pry my fists open to part with the money for a coat I can only wear a few days out of the year.
    Now the short-sleeved purple trench (from Bebe) is totally ridiculous and frivolous and, therefore, totally L.A. However, the bright purple means I can really only wear it a few times a year lest I be known as the “crazy purple trenchcoat lady.” It seemed worthwhile at the time and, I guess, that’s the point. Justify, justify, justify…
    You look pretty in your trench @dwj1 !

  11. Yep, I’m a trench coat lover too! I’ve worn them all my life, our PA thrift stores always had them. But I always have had men’s versions. Which I could do at 16, but not so much now. As a matter of fact, I had a London Fog last year (purchased at a thrift store, of course!) that I think @tyna snagged off me (and I may want back!) But belts that come with women’s trench coat really make such the difference. I need me some tailoring.

    I bought a black Donna Karan long satin trench coat a few years ago that is a size too small. Still can’t fit into it, still trying! I ought to hang it by fridge for a diet motivator.

    Great post @dwj1 – love your fashion sense!

  12. You look so fabulous in your trench, @dwj1! I loooove a classic trench. I actually bought two on clearance from target–one in khaki, and one in khaki/white stripes. I have a lot of basic stuff, and spice up my outfits with a cool scarf or necklace or purse.

  13. @dwj1 — I love your fashion articles. I have a nice trench coat but I really do not wear it that often. I lost the best on a business trip and it is just not as flattering without it.

  14. Oh, I HEART that burberry Trench. That would be a completely timeless investment! Banana Republic always has nice trenches too!

  15. You guys are all kind of awesome :) I’m glad to hear that I’m helping folks rethink the idea of wearing a trench and I’m super happy that everyone is enjoying my fashion posts. I’m glad to be a contributor!

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