A trench coat is a wardrobe staple that is loved for its timeless elegance, but also its practical properties – after all, rain-repellent gabardine trench coats were worn in the trenches of World War I, and became a symbol of war-time Britain. But the coat soon moved beyond the battle lines and entrenched (ehem) itself in Hollywood history. It wasn’t just an overcoat for spy thrillers – Audrey Hepburn wore a belted trench in Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Marlene Dietrich sported an oversized style in A Foreign Affair and Humphrey Bogart was wearing a trench when he said the iconic line, “here’s looking at you, kid”.
The original Burberry and Aquascutum trench coats were double-breasted, fell below the knee, had a caped back, belt and sleeve cuffs that could be tightened. It is an enduring silhouette that will forever be a Burberry signature. Trench coats aren’t just a uniform for generals and detectives, as you’ll often spot fashion editors and insiders doing their best Holly Golightly during fashion week.
A trench is never going to be a look-at-me, statement piece, and that is precisely why it is so loved. However, there are some small tweaks that can help elevate your trench in 2024 – Toteme introduced us to a trench with an in-built scarf, while The Frankie Shop makes a case for an oversized, boxy fit. Whatever style you opt for, whether you go for a classic or a trench with a twist, the below outfit ideas demonstrate that this is a coat that will have plent.
