Guide

Trench coat: how to style the fashion classic

27.10.2020

Translation: machine translated

There are design classics that never go out of fashion and are therefore an investment for life. I'm introducing them to you in a multi-part series. This time: the trench coat.

Quality instead of quantity! If everyone adhered to this fashion credo, it would not only be better for the wallet, but also for the environment. Admittedly, it's tempting to buy several cheap items of clothing for little money. However, quality pays off in the long term - especially with timeless pieces that don't have a fashionable expiry date. In this new series, you can find out what these are and how to style them casually despite their elegant appearance. The first part is all about the trench coat.

"Look me in the eye, little one"

The double-breasted mackintosh was designed for the British army at the end of the 19th century. Thanks to Hollywood films such as "Casablanca" (1942) and "A Foreign Affair" (1948), the trench coat made it from the trenches to the catwalks. It has since become a fashion classic that no wardrobe should be without. If you don't have one yet, it's best to buy a mid-length model in a timeless colour such as beige, black or navy.

Chic

Image: @mollyparisstyle — Image: @basicstouch

Because the mackintosh is already elegant per se, you need a good hand when it comes to styling it so that it still looks modern. French blogger Aïda shows how to do this on her Instagram account: She combines the it-piece with ankle boots and a turtleneck jumper that matches the colour of the black trousers. The outfit is given a casual touch with the sporty crossbody bag and sunglasses. The brown ankle boots add a subtle pop of colour. While scrolling through Aïda's feed, I also get stuck on this look, which inspires me to wear my beanie with a trench coat (instead of a winter coat) in future.

Another styling example is provided by the British Molly, who goes for "French chic" with her beige trench coat, black skinny trousers and heeled boots in the same colour. She wears a light brown oversized knitted jumper to match the coat. The combination creates long legs and the wide cut of the jumper gives the elegant outfit a modern touch. The ideal look for the office or an after-work drink.

Sporty

Image: @fakerstrom — Picture: @marvaldel

If you like to be comfortable in your free time, that's no reason to ditch your trench coat. On the contrary: casual and trench coat are not mutually exclusive. Blogger María Valdés wins me over with her outfit consisting of Converse sneakers, mom jeans and a plain-coloured top. As I'm a jeans girl and wear denims up and down, this is the ideal casual look for me.

If you don't share my passion and prefer fabric trousers, combine the trendy coat with chinos, dad trainers and a baseball cap. Felicia Akerstrom's feel-good look is complete. Instead of a scarf, the Swedish influencer opts for a jumper, which she wears casually over her shoulder. This outfit may be cool, but in my opinion it's over the top: I would either leave out the cap or the "jumper-scarf substitute".

Surprising

Image: Shutterstock — Picture: @anoukyve

Is classic too boring for you and do you like to stand out with your clothes? Then I recommend a trench coat with a little something extra. In other words, a mackintosh that is recognisable as such but has an exciting twist in the form of flounces or balloon sleeves. Brand consultant and ceramic designer Anouk Yve scores with a model that has long fringes at the back. A playful detail with which the Dutch designer attracts everyone's attention. By keeping the colours of the rest of the outfit understated, the creative designer puts the coat in the spotlight.

In addition to a bright colour or an unusual detail, you can also opt for an oversized version. An oversized coat looks more informal than a fitted one. The trench coat snapped by a street style photographer (top right) scores with an eye-catching and extra-long belt, which is not only an eye-catcher, but also emphasises the wearer's waist.

What's your favourite way to show off your double-breasted coat? Tell me in the comments column. Click here for the trench coat range.

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Vanessa Kim

Editor

vanessa.kim@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.

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