Why you need a trench coat

Although they’re more often associated with springtime, I’m just as likely to rock my trusty trench in autumn during those weeks when the temperature starts to dip but a full-on winter coat is a proposition that’s too sweaty and depressing to contemplate. I know I’m not breaking any fresh ground here by pointing out how versatile, stylish and practical trench coats are – but do you have one? Here are some great options available on the high street now for some true trenchspiration (plus me wearing mine on the way to work)…

(l-r) ASOS, £60 //  Warehouse, £85 //  M &S, £95 // My trusty Mango version (similar)

Now that I’ve convinced you and/or reinforced a long-standing desire for a trench coat, here are some things to bear in mind when you do set out to make the purchase:

1. Steer clear of trendy colours and details that veer too far from the classic – unless you’re really rich and can afford multiple styles and/or shades (in which case by all means buy whatever you want). If I were that fortunate, I’d start with this patterned blanket trench from Burberry. However, most people want to be able to buy one trench to wear with just about everything, and for it to last for as many years as possible. That’s the beauty of a trench coat: it never doesn’t look good.
2. Make sure you can button it up without it looking unsightly. I most often don’t button mine; I prefer to wrap it across my body and secure it by tying the belt in a knot (forget the buckle). However, for smarter occasions, or for weather that’s colder than you expected, it pays to be able to button up and still look chic.
3. Shop around for a bargain. We know Burberry and Aquascutum are the holy grails of trenches and you can – if you loiter on eBay long enough and get lucky – pick up trench coats by these labels (I got one for my Mum for about £50). Given that most people don’t have that kind of budget/time/patience/luck, the other option is to head to the high street and prepare to shop around. I picked up my current version, complete with checked lining and detailed buttons, in the Mango sale. It’s now seen me through more than two years of in-between seasons, and though one of the pocket seams could do with a stitch, it shows no signs of dying on me yet. My sister has a lovely, shorter trench that she bought in H&M so long ago we don’t even remember when. It cost about £15.
4. You’re going to look amazing in it.

PS – other bits I’m wearing (all old and mostly bought on sale):  Michael Kors watch (similar), LK Bennett shoes (similar), Jaeger bag (similar).

Do you love your trench coat as much as me? Let me know in the comments.

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