Rainy days are ahead and there’s one ultra-classic piece of outerwear that will never go out of style. Dating back to WWI when Thomas Burberry was commissioned to produce raincoats for soldiers of his unique Gabardine fabric, the trench coat as we know it today was born. Rooted deeply in simplicity and functionality, the coat has everything you need to take you from the street, to the office, and back again.
The design itself was not necessarily ground-breaking, but it was the functional details that really set the piece apart: a gun flap, epaulets, belt with D-rings, and waterproof characteristics; each addition had a purpose that made the soldier’s life easier. The coat was essential to the soldier’s arsenal, and by the end of the war it was ubiquitous throughout the trenches (aha moment: the ‘trench coat’). The origins of the trench coat may be linked to war and exploration, but the major rise in the coat’s popularity came from the variety of style icons, ranging from rockstars to the dignitaries, who universalized the look.
In my opinion, a trench coat looks best when paired with a formal suit or shirt and tie combo, which is exactly what I did for today’s look. I opted for a subtle but sophisticated palate of black, gray, and navy. An equally style-savvy option would be to pair the coat with a white t-shirt, denim, and sneakers for an elevated yet casual look, perfect for running errands. Also, don’t get lost in the variety colors! If you’re going to own just one, go with khaki, navy, or black. These neutral tones will prove to be the most versatile and timeless colors in your closet.
SHOP TRENCH COATS
|Trench Coat: Burberry Prorsum | Shirt: Reiss | Pants: Maison Martin Margiela |
| Tie & Tie Bar: The Tie Bar | Shoes: Bruno Magli | Sunglasses: AJ Morgan
Tip: Break free from the structured military look by leaving the coat completely unbuttoned and making a loose knot in the back. I always leave my belt tied (with the coat buttoned or not) so I never have to fuss with it.
Photography: Jocelyn Smith Photography
